The Decree Against Grinding Spices in Drug Consumption
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Question
Does someone who consumes drugs on Shabbat violate the decree against grinding spices (medicine on Shabbat)? It seems obvious that they do not. Based on this, I would like to ask about taking Ritalin on Shabbat. It is true that Ritalin requires a doctor's prescription, and it is also true that some call it a "medicine" [by the way, in pharmacies it is classified as a drug]. However, it seems that this is not a sufficient reason to define Ritalin as a medicine from a halachic perspective. There are many completely healthy people (who function well without Ritalin) who take Ritalin to improve concentration. From this, it seems that taking Ritalin is permitted on Shabbat. Is this correct?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita, Ritalin is considered like any other medicine and is permitted only in cases of distress for a child or in situations defined as 'illness' for an adult.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 328
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita