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Ritalin & Cocaine: Controversial Connection
Today it seems that many children, especially boys, are diagnosed with ADHD, four times more than girls. Is it more prevalent now or just recognized more within our society? Those diagnosed with ADHD have a hard time concentrating and are prone to outburst based on the emotions they are feeling at the time rather than reason. This is caused by lower levels of dopamine in their brains. The most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD is Ritalin. The dopamine transporter within the brain moves dopamine from the synapse to the sending neuron. Ritalin blocks the dopamine transporter, therefore, increasing the dopamine level at the synapse.
Similarly, in recent studies, “cocaine has the same affect on the dopamine transporter protein responsible for the reuptake of dopamine at the synapse”. “Both Ritalin and Cocaine have similar chemical structures, but Ritalin is a pill to be swallowed and can take longer to reach the brain, where cocaine is taken in higher doses by injection or snorting”. This method reaches the brain quicker and floods the brain with dopamine, making it addictive and dangerous.
Unfortunately, Ritalin is relatively cheap and easier to obtain by today’s teens and is quickly becoming a drug of choice. If taken as prescribed Ritalin is not addictive, however, when taken without a prescription and in much higher doses, it can be just as addictive as cocaine.
“Misdiagnosis of ADHD is common and many believe that it can have undesirable changes in the brain over time”. My son has a hard time focusing, but has not been diagnosed with ADHD. I have done a lot of research regarding his inattentiveness and have attributed much of it to be environmental. Cell communication is critical for homeostasis. Throughout this course, I have come to understand that the foods we eat are having a more harmful effect on us, especially children who are not fully developed, than originally thought. The high fructose corn syrup, dyes in cereal and other processed foods are changing our endocrine signaling by pumping in hormones and other substances which is affecting cellular composition within our bodies therefore creating a higher increase of children with many disorders not previously seen in years past.
I do believe that some individuals may be in need of prescriptions that control things like dopamine levels; however, by stripping away all processed foods and going organic when available, I think studies would prove a decrease in ADHD and also things like Autism. Society should demand a higher quality of chemical free food produced by farmers and higher quality control before going to market. The unfortunate truth is that currently it would require more dollars on both ends to accomplish such a task.
Mothers eating processed foods during pregnancy and children eating quick and easy snacks are in my opinion creating a generation of individuals that have a lack of coping mechanisms directly contributed from the imbalance of a healthy cellular system. Although unaware of why they have a feeling of disconnect, this leads them to seek comfort in prescribed or controlled substances to feel calm or in control.
“Because of Ritalin’s similarity to cocaine, some believe it to be a gateway drug, but studies have shown that Ritalin users are less likely to experiment than those who were not prescribed Ritalin”. Gateway drugs are perceived to be a drug that may lead to the use of other, more addictive drugs. “Continued use and over prescribed use may in the long term desensitize the brain to natural rewards like food, romance and social interactions leading to a higher increase in depression”. I think the long term effect from a healthier selection of food choices that are affordable, would prove more normal dopamine levels found in individuals and therefore reducing the need for individuals to self medicate with either Ritalin or Cocaine. Unfortunately, foods that are less expensive are of cheaper quality and high in sodium and fats. Many grocery stores in low income populated areas are saturated with quick and easy meals that are easy and inexpensive. Maybe a correlation that leads to self medicating drug use.

Genetic Science Learning Center. "Ritalin and Cocaine: The Connection and the Controversy." Learn.Genetics 25 March 2011 <http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/issues/ritalin.html>

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