Adderall Addiction Treatment

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adderall addiction

Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug that has been very effective in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a stimulant, Adderall has come to be misused by students as a aid to increase focus and stamina. As a highly addictive stimulant, someone may find themselves chemically addicted to the drug. To learn about the dangers of this prescription drug and what to expect in Adderall addiction treatment, please read on.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance that is composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The stimulant drug is primarily intended for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. However, Adderall has become a drug of abuse among students and young adults who seek its stimulant properties.

While Adderall abuse has been declining among high school students in recent years, it has increased in the young adult cohort. From 2020 to 2021 Adderall prescription fills increased by 10%, for a total of 41.4 million Adderall fills in 2021.

When individuals with no medical necessity misuse Adderall, it produces a state of euphoria by increasing dopamine production in the brain. This effect is not experienced in a patient being treated with Adderall for ADHD. The euphoric effects, plus an increase in energy and cognitive focus, attract students who seek the drug as a study aid.

Who Is Prone to Adderall Misuse?
Many people who take Adderall off-label feel that it is a safe drug because doctors prescribe it for many of their peers who have ADHD. They are not aware that the drug reacts in the brain in a similar way to cocaine or meth, and that they can quickly become addicted.

There are various factors that might make an individual more prone to Adderall misuse. The pressures of school and work may prompt young people to turn to a stimulant drug like Adderall to help them keep up.

The groups that are at higher risk for developing an Adderall addiction include:

  • College students. A report cites that 60% of all Adderall consumption was by 18-25 year old’s. This age group may also use Adderall to offset the effects of alcohol when partying.
  • Athletes. High school, college, and even professional athletes misuse Adderall as a performance-enhancing drug.
  • Individuals with disordered eating. Individuals wishing to lose weight misuse Adderall for its appetite suppressing effects.
  • Adults with high-stress jobs. Working adults with demanding jobs misuse Adderall to increase energy and the ability to work long hours.

What are Signs of Adderall Addiction?

Adderall, when misused on a regular basis by those without ADHD, can quickly become habit-forming or addictive. This occurs as the body begins to build up tolerance to the drug’s effects, which leads to higher dosing.

Some of the telltale signs of an Adderall addiction might include:

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  • Being unable to function or to complete tasks without the drug
  • Feeling sluggish when not on the drug
  • Irritability
  • Decreased libido
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Insomnia
  • Aggression
  • Needing more Adderall to attain desired effects
  • Not able to cut back or quit the Adderall
  • Obsessed about obtaining the drug and keeping a supply of it
  • Continue taking Adderall even though it is causing adverse effects
  • Use Adderall in risky ways, such as combining it with other substances
  • Social withdrawal
  • Secretive behavior
  • Have withdrawal symptoms when Adderall wears off

 

What to Expect in Adderall Addiction Treatment

 

Chronic Adderall abuse can take a heavy toll on both mental and physical health. Prolonged Adderall use can result in organ damage, long-term cognitive impairment, and an increased risk of injuries.

 

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall misuse and are ready to commit to abstinence, consider addiction treatment. An outpatient or residential treatment program can provide you with the recovery tools you’ll need to overcome an Adderall addiction.

Here is what to expect in Adderall addiction treatment:

  • Detox. Our recovery journey begins with detox and withdrawal, the process of eliminating the drug from your system. During the detox, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the Adderall problem. Withdrawal symptoms might include:
    • Fatigue
    • Extreme
    • Headaches
    • Insomnia
    • Nausea
    • Agitation
    • Mental fog
    • Irritability
    • Insomnia or hypersomnia
    • Depression
    • Suicidal thoughts

    The detox team closely monitors the symptoms and provides medication to help relieve them throughout the process.

  • Individual therapy. These one-to-one sessions with a therapist help you to work on changing addiction behaviors through evidence-based therapies.
  • Group sessions. Group therapy offers a safe, supportive space to discuss personal experiences and feelings with peers in recovery.
  • Family counseling. Because struggling with Adderall problem are young college-aged adults, family-focused groups can be provide support of the family.
  • 12-step facilitation. The 12-step program is helpful in early recovery as it provides benchmarks to guild you as you progress.
  • Holistic methods. Holistic activities provide added tools to help you succeed in the treatment and recovery process. Meditation, yoga, and focused breathing techniques help you to better manage stress.
  • Relapse prevention planning. Making a custom relapse prevention plan is an essential recovery tool.

Secure Adderall Recovery with Aftercare

Detox and rehab provide the foundation for Adderall recovery. However, in order to secure your Adderall-free lifestyle you will need to engage in aftercare actions. Working with your case manager, you will devise an aftercare strategy. Some of these actions might include:

  • Outpatient therapy. Whether you have completed a residential treatment program or an intensive outpatient program, it is good to continue with therapy. Weekly therapy sessions or support group sessions can be an essential source of ongoing support.
  • Recovery group. When you are starting a sober lifestyle, it always helps to find peers in recovery for added support. There are several types of recovery groups out there, such as A.A., N.A., SMART Recovery, and more. These groups provide a source for new sober friendships and they become part of your support network.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment & Wellness Outpatient Adderall Addiction Treatment

Bodhi Addiction Treatment is an outpatient addiction treatment program that blend holistic wellness methods with evidence-based therapies. If you are struggling with Adderally, reach out to the Bodhi team today at(877) 328-1968.