A word on Ritalin and Adderall
Rita-what?
Both Ritalin (chemical name: Methylphenidate) and Adderall are prescription drugs used to treat Attentions Deficit Disorder. When doctors prescribe them for this purpose, they are usually safe and effective.
BUT...sometimes people get Adderall or Ritalin (also known as "rits" and "vitamin R") illegally, crush the pills, and snort the powder up their nose.
What would someone do that?
Ritalin and Adderall, when snorted, are powerful stimulants that make users feel awake, energetic, and happy. People sometimes take them at parties and dance clubs, or before a big game to get an artificial boost of energy.
Isn't that dangerous?
YES!
When a drug that's supposed to be swallowed is snorted instead, many of the chemicals that would've been destroyed in the stomach are left to do serious damage (like burn holes) in the nasal membranes (that's the nose)!
In addition, note this difference. Drugs that are swallowed eventually go through the liver where they are metabolized or broken down. Because "snorting" makes the drugs bypass the liver, their effects are more powerful (in this case that means potentially even more dangerous)!
Effects of snorting Ritalin and Adderall include sleeplessness, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and shallow breathing.
Snorting HIGH doses have even been known to cause seizures, overdose...and death!