Adderall Treatment and Rehab

Adderall abuse and addiction treatment

Adderall is a prescription stimulant containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is widely used to provide therapeutic benefits in cases of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). However, its stimulant properties also make it a commonly abused drug, particularly amongst teenagers and young adults. Adderall may be used as a study aid by students trying to stay alert and focused while completing an assignment or preparing for a test. Repeated use of Adderall can result in a number of physical and mental health issues, including addiction.

If you or someone you know are battling an addiction to stimulants such as Adderall, you should know that you don’t have to struggle alone. No matter how long you’ve used the drug, it’s never too late to turn everything around. If you can commit to getting treatment for Adderall abuse and addiction, you can make a complete recovery.

What is Adderall addiction?

While you can safely use Adderall by following your doctor’s prescription, abusing the drug can result in addiction. When you take Adderall, you may experience a ‘high’ from which you feel productive, energised and alert. After a long time of abusing the medication, a tolerance for Adderall may develop, so that you’ll require higher or more frequent doses to experience the same feeling of euphoria. Left unchecked, your habit of Adderall abuse, tolerance, and increased intake of the drug can lead to dependence and addiction.

There are different ways Adderall addiction can manifest. If you’re addicted to Adderall, you might notice that you need larger doses of the drug in order to feel its effectiveness. You may also experience some negative consequences due to abuse, but choose to ignore them and continue using the drug. Addiction leads you to not being able to function normally without Adderall in your system. You may also have some difficulty controlling the amounts you ingest at any given time.

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Adderall addiction treatment

Adderall addiction treatment involves learning to adjust to life without using the drug. The first step in treatment is focused on helping you manage Adderall withdrawal without falling into relapse. This treatment is essential, because it can be hard to quit Adderall as a result of feelings of fatigue, depression and an inability to concentrate (caused by the withdrawal). However, a professional treatment centre can provide medical monitoring throughout the detox process, ensuring the safe management of your withdrawal symptoms.

If you’ve been heavily abusing Adderall, detoxification usually involves a taper-down technique. This assists in slow elimination of the drug from your body to reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and excess fatigue. After your body is finally rid of the drug, you may continue treatment with ongoing therapy and support to ensure long-term abstinence. Counselling or therapy can help you understand the root cause of your Adderall addiction, identify the stressors that trigger the need to abuse the drug, and find healthy ways to overcome them.

Why you should seek treatment and rehab for Adderall abuse and addiction

Adderall has a very high potential for abuse and addiction. If you develop dependence as a result of long term use, you’re likely to experience withdrawal whenever you attempt to stop. If you were prescribed the drug, you can expect your physician to help you undergo withdrawal. However, you may be tempted to try to deal with the difficult withdrawal period on your own if you’ve illegally obtained and abused the drug.

Seeking treatment and rehab is a necessity because of the ‘crash’ that you may experience if you abruptly stop using Adderall.

This is accompanied by feelings of fatigue, concentration problems and erratic mood swings. In addition, it is extremely easy to build up tolerance to Adderall. The drug can cause feelings of euphoria in the first few days, but with continued usage, your intake may be increased before you can feel the same effects.

Even though withdrawal from Adderall is not necessarily dangerous, it can be extremely uncomfortable and challenging. Therefore, for your own safety, you should seek addiction rehabilitation and care at a treatment centre. If you already have an existing physical or mental health condition, withdrawal may place added stress on your body and worsen certain problems.

Another reason why seeking rehab at a treatment centre is crucial whilst struggling with Adderall addiction is that it gives you the chance to escape a possibly trigger-filled environment. Rehab eliminates the possibility of easy access to drugs or close proximity to drug-using friends, so that you can be fully committed to recovery. At a treatment centre, you’ll have access to a solid support system, and you can connect with (or gain encourage from) others who have successfully come through the same situation.

How to help a loved one seek treatment

The first step to helping a loved one seek treatment for Adderall addiction is to get them to recognise that they have a problem. You can use an intervention to help them become aware of the effects their addiction is having on the people they care about. An intervention specialist with the right training can help you gently (but firmly) confront them about their addiction. Your loved one can then make the decision to enter a detoxification programme or attend a rehab facility.

They may also join support groups like Narc-Anon or Al-Anon, as they target issues relating to prescription drug abuse.

When it comes to types and styles of treatment, there are a wide range of options available. However, your loved one can get the best care from the most comprehensive treatment programme available. This kind of treatment will address their issues of substance abuse, addiction and other associated problems. Don’t ignore your loved one’s Adderall addiction until it’s too late.

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What’s Adderall rehab like?

Rehab facilities all have the ability to treat Adderall addiction. However, each centre has its own specialities. Some rehabs offer a luxurious pampering environment for their patients, while others take a tough-love approach to addiction treatment. Generally, Adderall rehab will follow a set of steps to provide the treatment you need:

  • Intake: Your treatment needs and options will be assessed by physicians and other caregivers at this stage.
  • Detoxification: Ridding your body of Adderall toxins via a detoxification process is usually the next step. This can be an uncomfortable period, but a treatment centre can help to make it easier for you with medical supervision.
  • Therapy: At rehab centres, this involves different approaches, including individual and group therapy.
  • Specialised care: You may require this when there’s a dual-diagnosis or other co-occurring disorders.
  • Aftercare: On completing your treatment, the medical team may make recommendations for aftercare to help maintain your results in recovery.

Types of Adderall addiction treatment

Detox Centres

This is usually the first step in addiction treatment, whereby you can safely undergo withdrawal. When your body is free of all drug toxins, you will be in a better physical state to begin the main phase of treatment.

Inpatient rehab

Withdrawal can also be carried out via inpatient addiction treatment, under the supervision of trained healthcare specialists. Psychological counselling is also provided to help you learn coping mechanisms and techniques, so that you won’t feel the need to abuse Adderall.

Intensive outpatient rehab

This is a suitable option if you’re unable to attend an inpatient Adderall rehab centre. It involves living at home whilst you attend counselling sessions and medical appointments at a treatment facility. Intensive outpatient rehab can also be a form of continuing care after completing inpatient treatment.

Which to choose: Inpatient vs. outpatient

Inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes feature benefits that are unique to both. Your choice of treatment will therefore depend on your situation, i.e. level of addiction, home environment, mental health, budget and so on. If you’re trying to decide between the two, you should weigh up the pros and cons in order to make the best choice.

With inpatient treatment, you will receive round-the-clock monitoring, to ensure you get the help you need at every point of the treatment process. The focus is solely on your treatment and recovery, and there are no distractions from the outside world.

Outpatient treatment also offers you the care you need to overcome Adderall addiction, but with more flexibility. This can be beneficial if you have job or family obligations that cannot be set aside for the treatment period. The main concern with outpatient Adderall addiction treatment is that drugs may be easily accessible to use (and triggers present also). Therefore, the constant supervision aspect of an inpatient programme makes it a safer environment to undergo treatment.

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Choosing the best Adderall rehab centre

There are numerous drug rehab centres to choose from, and it can be challenging to decide on the best addiction treatment that will suit your needs. However, the first step is deciding whether you want to get treatment close to home or move far from your present place of residence to do so. No matter your preferences, there are drug addiction treatment facilities located throughout the country, and you’ll certainly be able to find one that meets your needs.

It is also essential to examine your options ahead of time, so that after initial treatment, you can follow-up with the best course of action. Aftercare has consistently been effective in helping addicts stay off drugs after completing treatment. Some rehab treatment centres offer aftercare as part of their package, while others may simply refer you to another facility for ongoing care. An inpatient Adderall treatment centre providing aftercare can go a long way to ensuring you achieve abstinence.

Specialised treatment and therapy options

When you’re ready to seek help for Adderall addiction, you may attempt to quit on your own or reach out for help. Attentive medical health care practitioners can help by referring you to a specialised substance abuse treatment centre. Specialised treatment centres will usually vary by location, but are aimed at providing a formal programme with a focus on a range of individual needs, especially when previous less intensive efforts to recover have been attempted.

There are a number of drug and alcohol treatment programmes focused on addressing the special needs of varying categories of patients.

This means there’s an increased level of comfort and treatment compliance which can directly affect the outcomes for each group. Therefore, treatment and therapy are increasingly tailored towards helping individuals and their unique needs.

Psychological therapy and holistic treatments

The appropriate care for Adderall addiction can protect you from triggers and other outside influences which could negatively affect your progress in treatment. Therapy and treatment comprise a medical, mental and spiritual approach to help you overcome Adderall addiction. Rehabilitation centres utilise some transformative and evidence-based treatment options to help you achieve and maintain your abstinence. They include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

If your Adderall addiction is co-occurring with ADHD or another mental health disorder, dual diagnosis treatment could also be offered. Some facilities provide holistic treatments, which are tailored to your individual circumstances and personality, aimed at encouraging you to achieve personal growth, innate strength and a balanced life overall. These types of holistic treatments include wilderness therapy, experiential therapy, adventure therapy and yoga. They are provided under the guidance of highly trained and caring treatment staff.

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Aftercare and support

Aftercare and ongoing support can help to improve the outcome of your addiction treatment via counselling and support groups, to encourage a drug-free lifestyle. Continuing treatment beyond the initial phase helps to prevent a return to your old drug-using habits. You may choose to join a 12-step group such as Narcotics Anonymous or seek therapy in addiction recovery. Therapy makes use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in addition to other effective methods to help you deal with the psychological aspects of addiction.

The help you receive during follow-up care is a part of aftercare treatment designed to help you prevent a return to drug abuse. Through relapse prevention strategies, you can learn to identify potential situations that can result in continued drug use after you’ve quit Adderall. In addition, you can be supported in developing strategies to handle such high-risk situations, with the goal of preventing relapse from occurring.

Relapse prevention

The rate of relapse has been found to be high in the case of abuse and addiction to amphetamine stimulants such as Adderall, with over 60% relapsing after attempting to quit. Various factors can contribute to the risk of relapse such as older age, unemployment, multiple drug use, residential instability, single relationship status, cravings, poor motivation levels, poor coping skills, multiple drug use and involvement in selling the drug. By learning your individual factors that may potentially cause a relapse, you can improve relapse prevention and ensure lasting recovery.

In addition, you can make use of some other tips that have effectively helped former Adderall addicts avoid resuming drug use, such as:

Maintaining good health

Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise are essential components of recovery. Being healthy can keep you focused and alert. Also, ensure you get regular sleep and rest well before work and other activities.

Knowing your triggers

If you’re struggling with Adderall addiction, you could be faced with certain situations that can trigger the urge to use. It is therefore crucial to know your triggers, so that you are prepared when temptations present themselves.

Adderall treatment: Costs and payment options

Adderall treatment costs vary from one programme to the next. Government-funded programmes are often available which are usually low-cost or offer the option of long-term payment. Private treatment programmes for Adderall addiction also vary widely, based on length of stay, location, insurance coverage and amenities. If you have private medical insurance, call your provider to find out the coverage plans offered in terms of treatment services. However, in the absence of insurance, other payment options exist, such as:

Borrowing from friends and family – While this may make you uncomfortable, your friends and family may be happy to lend or even donate the money you need to pay for addiction treatment.

Credit card or loan – This option may not be top of your list, but it may be necessary in order to finally break free from the hold of addiction.

Payment plans – Certain treatment programmes may offer you the choice to make monthly payments that are more manageable. In addition, rehab programmes could also offer treatment at a reduced cost, based on your budget and income.

Live a drug-free life again

Adderall is one of the most readily available addictive drugs, and prolonged usage can lead to physical and psychological damage and dependence. However, thousands of people addicted to Adderall have passed through treatment and now lead happy, healthy lives. If you or someone you love is abusing Adderall, there’s a high risk of becoming addicted. With Adderall addiction treatment, you can detox in a safe environment and get the support you need to recover.


FAQs

How do you know if you’re addicted to Adderall?

There are a number of signs to watch out for if you think that you might be addicted to Adderall. You may notice physical indications such as insomnia, tremors, anxiety, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, muscle and bone pain, flu-like symptoms, runny nose and agitation. Other (more behavioural) signs of addiction include illegally purchasing the drug and making specific requests for Adderall at the doctor’s office.

What are the effects of Adderall on the body?

Chronic Adderall usage leads to serious effects on the body, including the risk of cardiovascular strokes, and damage to organs. Some of the effects associated with using Adderall include slowed growth in children, stroke, cardiac arrest, tachycardia, hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias. As a result of the drug’s stimulant properties, you may not notice fatigue when you exercise, which can cause elevated body temperatures for longer periods than normal.

What is Adderall treatment?

Treatment is comprised of the different methods and therapies employed by doctors and other addiction treatment specialists, designed to help you regain normal functioning and overcome Adderall addiction. The specific course of treatment will vary according to your level of abuse. Adderall treatment may include inpatient or outpatient programmes, offering a combination of methods to resolve underlying mental health issues and treat addiction.

What does Adderall treatment involve?

Adderall treatment is carried out in multiple steps. At the intake stage, you will meet with your care providers, and provide information about your health to form an individualised treatment plan. Detoxification is then undertaken to expel the substance from your system, and you will be closely monitored during this process. After you’ve completed detox, you can begin therapy, which usually includes individual and group therapy and 12-step meetings.

What types of Adderall addiction treatment programmes are available?

The main types of treatment programmes available include inpatient and outpatient ones. Outpatient Adderall treatment centres provide care whilst allowing you to live at home and maintain the various routines of your daily life. Inpatient Adderall treatment programmes offer room, board and care. Some of these centres are luxury facilities, offering professional chefs, recreational facilities and lush furnishings. Inpatient Adderall addiction treatment can also provide the tools you need to overcome addiction and go on to live a successful and happy life by removing triggers and temptation.

How long does Adderall rehab take?

Inpatient Adderall rehab may last anywhere from a week to several months. The treatment is more intensive, as it ensures you are removed from the stresses and potential temptations that may be present in your home or work environment. The duration for outpatient Adderall rehab generally depends on a mutual agreement between you and your counsellor. The treatment offers in-depth care at a medical office, hospital or other outpatient facility. The general timeframe for outpatient rehab is usually 10 to 16 weeks.

Are Adderall rehabs private and confidential?

Adderall rehabs have a legal obligation to maintain client privacy. When you enter rehab for treatment, your records are locked away, with access only granted to a limited number of people. If you need additional privacy, you could opt for a luxury Adderall rehab facility. These facilities often treat celebrity or high-profile clients, so privacy and confidentiality is key.

How much does Adderall treatment and rehab cost?

Adderall treatment and rehab can vary in price, depending on the type of treatment method you choose, and the length of time you spend in treatment. The financial implications of treatment may seem overwhelming, but compared to what your addiction is already costing you – in terms of your family, career and relationships – it will be well worth the price.

Are there Adderall treatment programmes for teens?

Teens are most likely to abuse Adderall, as a result of the high rate of ADHD in this age group. If your teen is experiencing Adderall withdrawal, they can undergo treatment via programmes designed to help them detox in a safe environment. They can also enter rehab to learn how to identify potentially risky situations, stay healthy, and avoid using drugs. They will be taught problem-solving skills to help them interact better at school and work.

Sources

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (2014). DrugFacts: Stimulant ADHD Medications: Methylphenidate and Amphetamines.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Many Ivy League students don’t view ADHD medication misuse as cheating.
  • Indiana Prevention Resource Centre. (n.d.). Adderall.
  • Express Scripts. (2014). Turning Attention to ADHD: U.S. Medication Trends for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
  • Patterson, Eric. “Adderall Effects | Short-term, Long Term & Side Effects.” DrugAbuse.com, drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-Adderall-use/. Accessed 06 Mar. 2018.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (April 7, 2009). The NSDUH Report: Nonmedical Use of Adderall® among Full-Time College Students. Rockville, MD.
  • Drugs.com. “Adderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info – Drugs.com.” Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects, 19 Nov. 2015, www.drugs.com/Adderall.html. Accessed 06 Jan. 2018.
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