Expert: Norm Bishop - 4/26/2010

Question
I have been taking Ritalin for 30 years everyday. I have been told to go to rehab because by a social worker because this drug is only meant to be used until the end of school. I feel psycologically addicted. I do not abuse them. Thw social worker told me my dopamine neurotransmitters are now so badly damaged that any bad side effect or strange reaction might occur. Would you agree with this diagnosis doctor. I feel terrible and feel I am a junkie. Thank you so much

Answer
I am assuming that your Ritalin has been prescribed by a Physician, those trained to know the effects of long term drug use.  Unless that doctor is prescribing this drug knowing that it will effect you as the social worker described, you should have nothing to worry about.

Before you panic and start thinking of yourself in terms of drug user, you should visit with a Physician who knows ADHD and can tell you if your dosage is safe, what the long term effects may be, etc.

I am not a physician and therefore can't give you advise about medications.  I can tell you that I know many adults who take Ritalin or Adderal and live normal lives.  My own son has taken Adderal for five years now and it does help him live with his ADHD.  But, I am asking him to ask the questions the social worker stimulated for you.

I do not know what training the social worker had related to this medication, however, normally a social worker has little or no training in the use and effect of medications.  A person in that role should be telling you to see a doctor, not giving you medical advise.

Relax...and see your doctor...Norm