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Methylphenidate
(MPH), most commonly known as Ritalin, ranks in the top 10 most frequently
reported controlled pharmaceuticals stolen from licensed handlers.
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Abuse
of MPH can lead to marked tolerance and severe psychic dependence.
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Organized
drug trafficking groups in a number of states have utilized various
schemes to obtain MPH for resale on the illicit market.
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MPH
is abused by diverse segments of the population, from health care
professions and children to street addicts.
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A
significant number of children and adolescents are diverting or abusing
MPH medication intended for the treatment of ADHD.
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In
1994, a national high school survey (Monitoring the Future) indicated
that more seniors in the U.S. abuse Ritalin than are prescribed Ritalin
legitimately.
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Students
are giving and selling their medication to classmates who are crushing
and snorting the powder like cocaine. In March of 1995, two deaths
in Mississippi and Virginia were associated with this activity.
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DAWN
statistics on estimated emergency room mentions indicate that there
were 271 mentions in 1990, 657 mentions in 1991, 1,044 mentions in
1992, and 725 in 1993 (of which 28% to 40% were associated with abuse
for dependence or psychological effects). The number of mentions for
MPH was significantly greater than mentions for Schedule III stimulants
(6 mentions in 1992 and 1 mention in 1993 for all Schedule III stimulants).
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The
U.S. manufactures and consumes 5-times more MPH than the rest of the
world combined.
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MPH
aggregate production quota has increased almost 6-fold since 1990.
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Every
indicator available, including scientific abuse liability studies,
actual abuse, paucity of scientific studies on possible adverse effects
associated with long-term use of stimulants, divergent prescribing
practices of U.S. physicians, and lack of concurrent medical treatment
and follow-up, urge greater caution and more restrictive use of MPH.
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