Posted by SLS on March 3, 2001, at 20:36:53
In reply to I don't know about that, posted by PhoenixGirl on March 3, 2001, at 15:30:20
Hi folks.
> > Ritalin can be very addictive,What is the definition of the word "addiction"?
Does it differ from the word "dependence"?
It can certainly be abused.
I think it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the differences between these two words so as to understand the rationale for the use of drugs in general.
> > and should only be prescribed when medically necessary
I would replace the word "necessary" with the word "desirable".
> > (usually in the case of narcolepsy or ADD/ADHD).
Any one drug can be an exceptionally effective, or perhaps the best treatment for many indications other than those officially approved by the FDA. As for Ritalin, I believe that it is perfectly legal to use it for conditions other than its official indications; an action known as "off label" usage. It might be informative to produce a list of conditions for which the use of Ritalin can be the ideal treatment of those currently available.
> > If I were you, I would be very hesitant to look to this drug as a quick "pick me up"
I agree. I would be hesitant as well. Perhaps there are cases for which Ritalin is used effectively in such a manner to allow someone to remain gainfully employed.
> > -- it is a Schedule II narcotic, not a "harmless" prescription pill.
I think it goes without saying that a large proportion of prescription pills are far from being harmless.
> > Wellbutrin is a good suggestion if you're looking to add meds,
Adding Wellbutrin in certain situations is a reasonable first choice over Ritalin.
> > but if I were you, I would consider the alternatives.
I agree. This would be absolutely necessary if Wellbutrin failed to be helpful. In some situations, Ritalin is the best second choice. In some situations, it is the only alternative that works. There are plenty of examples of this on the board.
> > When my depression wasn't responding well to Prozac, my doctor suggested adding an exercise program, which has been a life saver -- it's a safe, natural way to elevate mood, with no chance of chemical dependency. I now walk or run every day, and lift weights 3x/week, and I find that I feel better than I've felt in years.
You are fortunate indeed that exercise alone has been the modality of treatment that you have responded to. It is quite wonderful that you should be feeling so well. I am sure that you would not want to deny others from feeling as well as you do right now should, exercise not produce for them the desired effect. Remember, each of our biologies are as unique as snow flakes, and are differentially responsive to any one treatment regimen. I am sure that you would not deny others from feeling as well as you do should Ritalin be the only treatment that would allow them to.
> I read about a study that showed that taking Ritalin orally was not addictive. I think it was done by a well known organization against drug abuse, but I'm blanking on the name. The gist of the study is that when Ritalin has an effect quickly (ie by snorting), addiction happens, but not when it reaches effective slowly. That's what the study found anyway.
I came across the same information, but I don't remember where.
I don't think that I have run across anyone on this board who has had an insatiable craving for Ritalin which resulted in a habitual use beyond their ability to exercise volitional control. By contrast, I have seen examples of its abuse in that it has been taken in a manner that differed from how it was prescribed.
I don't think that there can be a black and white perspective here. Sometimes, I think it is our need to build models using the semantics of words and labels that limits are ability to more effectively understand an issue. The dictionary uses reciprocally the words "addiction" and "dependence" to aid in the portrayal of those words. Each word has several definitions based upon usage. They are listed as distinct alternative definitions. I have taken it upon myself to choose of the alternative definitions offered for these two words those that I felt served to produce a better understanding of what are the differences between them.
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ADDICTION n2: an abnormally strong craving
Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University
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DEPENDENCE n1: lack of independence or self-sufficiency
Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University
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1. One can be physically dependent on a drug to serve an addiction of craving and psychological need.2. One can be physically dependent on a drug to maintain quality of life without being addicted to it.
3. One can be physically dependent on a drug to prevent a discontinuation withdrawal syndrome for having taken it chronically without being addicted to it.
One can be dependent upon digitalis without experiencing a craving for it should it be discontinued. However, the heart lacks the independence of self-sufficiency. This physical dependence makes itself evident when discontinuation results in a state of cardiac failure. I would say that such a person is physically dependent on digitalis. In another type of dependence, the body attempts to compensate for the presence of a drug by making adjustments in various functions. Very often, the body becomes physically dependent on some minimal amount of drug just to offset the adjustments already made by the body. To discontinue this drug at a rate that is greater than the rate at which the body can make adjustments in the direction of pre-exposure causes the phenomenon we know as "withdrawal". However, there is neither a craving for nor a psychological need to exhibit a habitual behavior. Effexor might be a good example of this scenario. I don't think I have seen anyone develop an addiction to Effexor. I have seen plenty become physically dependent on Effexor to enhance the quality of their lives. I have also seen the results of a prolonged exposure of the system to Effexor so that its discontinuation produces a withdrawal syndrome.
2 cents and some bandwidth.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:55413
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55479.html