Adderall is the brand name for a medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While Adderall is effective in treating these conditions, it is known to be habit-forming and highly addictive when it is abused.
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are both central nervous stimulants that affect substances in the brain responsible for hyperactivity and energy control.[1] This is what helps to manage the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. When someone does not have these conditions, Adderall causes feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels.
Oftentimes, people abuse Adderall to work or study for longer hours. However, some people begin using the drug solely to experience a high. Whether you are abusing Adderall to study or simply experience the euphoric and energy-inducing effects, doing so could lead to addiction.
A professional stimulant rehab program must treat Adderall addiction. Understanding how Adderall addiction treatment works in South Florida could motivate you or your loved one to get the help you need.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
Despite its medical uses, Adderall is a well-known drug of abuse. This drug is often misused by people who do not have a prescription for it, as it contains a potent stimulant known as amphetamine.
Adderall triggers a release of dopamine in your brain, which can cause you to feel high if you do not struggle with ADHD. Over time, your brain will begin to associate Adderall use with reward and pleasure, causing your body to become dependent on the substance.
The effects of Adderall abuse include:
- Talkativeness
- Feeling more social than usual
- An illusion of wellness
- A desire to work
- Sensations of excitement or hyperactivity
- Feelings of impatience, worry, anxiety, and nervousness
- Euphoria and an inflated sense of self
- Insightful thoughts
- Lowered appetite
- Lessened need for sleep
If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to Adderall, you will show signs that indicate a stimulant use disorder. Some of the symptoms of Adderall addiction include:
- Continuing to abuse Adderall despite facing psychological and physical issues
- Ignoring responsibilities like work, school, or family to abuse Adderall
- Taking higher doses of the drug to experience the desired effect (developing tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you cannot take Adderall (physical dependency)
- Spending a lot of time thinking about, obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Adderall
- Using Adderall in a way that is not prescribed (such as snorting Adderall)
It is important to note that long-term abuse of Adderall can lead to an array of adverse effects. When people take this substance recreationally and in large doses, they may develop the symptoms of mania or psychosis. Additionally, they are at an increased risk of experiencing an Adderall overdose, which requires emergency medical attention.
What to Expect During Adderall Rehab in South Florida
If you or a loved one are addicted to Adderall, professional treatment can help. Adderall addiction treatment centers in South Florida use a combination of evidence-based treatment tactics to teach you how to healthily manage your emotions, avoid triggers for relapse, and help you recover from the situations or events in your past that led to addiction.
Medical Detox
The first step in treating Adderall addiction is safely removing the substance from your body. When you are addicted to any substance, your brain and body become accustomed to the presence of that drug. This means your body is relying on Adderall to function normally.
Once you stop taking Adderall, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, often including significant mood changes, insomnia, and vomiting. Medical detox programs provide you with medications to prevent these symptoms from becoming severe and monitor your health throughout the entire process to ensure your safety.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the most essential parts of Adderall addiction treatment. Therapists will use various types of behavioral therapy to help you recognize negative thought patterns before they influence your actions. In other words, you will learn how to think in a positive manner that prevents you from feeling the need to suppress your emotions with substances like Adderall.
Common types of evidence-based behavioral therapies used in addiction treatment include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Contingency management
- Motivational interviewing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Family behavior therapy
- The matrix model
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Oftentimes, addiction stems from underlying mental health conditions. For example, it is common for people to begin abusing drugs as a form of self-medication for symptoms of a mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “approximately 9.2 million adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder.”[2]
Adderall addiction treatment programs in South Florida can help you understand your diagnosis and provide you with therapies and medications to manage your symptoms. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from ADHD and begin abusing your Adderall, as your therapists and psychiatrists can work together to find a non-habit-forming treatment method while you recover.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Lastly, before you complete your rehab program you will participate in relapse prevention planning. Oftentimes, people relapse soon after they leave treatment because the transition to everyday living is difficult. Relapse prevention planning is a process that was put in place in many addiction treatment centers to ensure that patients are ready to maintain their sobriety outside of the facility.
The following services are often included in relapse prevention plans:
- Referrals to sober living housing programs
- Continued attendance at therapy
- Continued medication management if needed
- Access to an alumni program that will provide you with support and community
- A list of triggers and coping mechanisms you can use
- A list of people to call in times of need
- Recommendations for local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery
Get Connected With an Adderall Addiction Treatment Center in South Florida
Adderall addiction can really take over your life, causing serious damage to your relationships, finances, career, and even your health, but drug and alcohol rehab centers in South Florida can teach you how to live a life free of substances.
At Mandala Healing Center, Our clinicians develop close relationships with patients to build trust and expose the root causes of their addiction. Our highly trained treatment team has expertise in the fields of alcoholism, drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Each patient has a primary therapist who develops and manages their personalized detox plan, as well as maintains communication with the families and referents.
Our evidenced-based programs and holistic methods are designed to keep patients engaged in treatment, develop the necessary life strategies and skills to sustain long-term sobriety, and achieve optimal health and internal balance.
Don’t wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Contact us today to find treatment for Adderall addiction.
References: