Prescription stimulants like Ritalin (methylphenidate) are sometimes misused for their effects, which can include increased attention, focus, and alertness.
Ritalin is a legal prescription drug, which means it is illegal to sell on the streets, yet it is commonly bought and sold this way.
When purchasing Ritalin on the street, people may refer to it by a number of different names.
Learn more about street names for commonly abused drugs
Popular Street Names For Ritalin
Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, a stimulant. It is prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy.
Popular street names for Ritalin include:
- kibbles and bits
- kiddie coke (kiddy cocaine)
- the smart drug
- study buddies
- skippy
- MPH
- vitamin R
Terms used to refer to Ritalin may change over time. Street names for Ritalin can be influenced by where you live, pop culture references, and where it’s acquired.
Is Ritalin Illegal?
Ritalin can be prescribed legally by a physician or psychiatrist. However, it is illegal to sell Ritalin to others without a prescription.
Finding Treatment For Ritalin Abuse And Addiction
Recovering from stimulant addiction is possible. If you or a loved one is addicted to Ritalin, we can help you find a treatment program that’s right for you.
Call our helpline to find a Ritalin addiction treatment program today.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—Drug Slang Code Words DEA Intelligence Report
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/DIR-020-17%20Drug%20Slang%20Code%20Words.pdf - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)—Commonly Used Drugs Charts
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Methylphenidate
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682188.html
