Although Adderall is commonly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, it has a high potential for abuse. Because it increases people’s confidence and vivacity, it is often abused recreationally. Adderall addiction treatment is an important first step toward living a life that’s not dependent on stimulants. Learn how Adderall addiction takes hold and how to treat it.
How Does Adderall Addiction Happen?
Adderall increases the levels of mood-boosting chemicals in your brain. The drug makes you feel euphoric and gives you energy. People with medical conditions like ADHD usually feel more focused when they take Adderall. Because it’s a stimulant, the medication can cause people who don’t need it to feel extremely talkative, awake or jittery. Adderall is abused for a number of reasons. Some people use the drug to have fun at parties. Others use it to stay alert to study. Adderall affects the same brain receptors as cocaine. When these receptors are stimulated, they signal the brain’s reward center. Dopamine levels increase. Therefore, you feel more focused and blissful. With chronic use, your body might need more of the medication to get the same effects as it felt with lower doses. A tolerance indicates that you have a physical dependence on the drug. Dependence often goes hand-in-hand with addiction. Adderall addiction treatment is often necessary when you’re dependent on the drug.
Do You Need Help For Adderall Addiction?
At first glance, you might not realize that you’re addicted to Adderall. The substance helps you be more productive. Your work, school and social life don’t seem to be suffering. However, if you’re taking other people’s prescriptions or snorting or injecting the drug, you should seek help. Adderall can negatively impact your health when you take it over the long term. The substance diminishes your appetite. If you take it for a significant period of time, you might experience malnutrition. Continued Adderall abuse can also lead to increased stress levels, paranoia and psychosis. Overdosing on the drug can be extremely hazardous. People who take too much may have an abnormal heart rate, hyperventilate, fall into a coma, experience hallucinations, or lose consciousness. If you have experienced physical or psychological side effects from using the drug, you may be addicted. You may think you can quit anytime. If you try to stop using the medication, you could experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Some of these include:
- Irritability
- Cravings for the drug
- Difficulty focusing
- Agitation
- Inability to feel pleasure
Adderall Addiction Treatment Options
Detox is an ideal Adderall addiction treatment. In fact, the body must shed the drug before more intense therapy and rehabilitation can begin. As the substance leaves your system, you may feel slow or foggy. You may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and nausea. Many users describe this as a crash. To avoid hitting rock bottom, you can seek the support of a high-quality rehab center as you go through this difficult time. Medications can soothe your pain and nerves as you proceed through Adderall detox. Anti-anxiety drugs may prevent you from having panic attacks or lash out at others when you feel aggressive. Prescribed sedatives help jittery feelings or insomnia. Having the support of a qualified detox team can help you find new ways to approach life without Adderall. Learning coping strategies is especially important for people who use the drug for an ADHD diagnosis. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, our customized Adderall addiction treatment therapies address the underlying causes of addiction. We use a variety of compassionate approaches for treating people who struggle with Adderall abuse, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Ritalin addiction treatment
If you or a loved one is having problems with Adderall abuse, find out if Adderall addiction treatment is right for you by calling us at 866-294-5306.