Adderall Addiction Treatment in West Palm Beach, FL
People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy often manage their symptoms by taking Adderall. A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, this medication, which minimizes hyperactivity and impulse control, can also have effects similar to meth and be addictive.
When people take Adderall, it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Dopamine creates a rewarding feeling that encourages repeated use and, eventually, addiction.
Despite being a Schedule II controlled substance and the rate of prescriptions remaining the same, Adderall abuse and addiction are on the rise, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Addiction to this stimulant can be disruptive and cause serious long-term effects, physically and behaviorally. This can be exacerbated because so many people do not realize that misuse of this highly addictive drug can be dangerous.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
The signs of Adderall addiction can manifest both physically and behaviorally. Symptoms can be minor and easy to ignore, but they can grow to be severe and require immediate medical attention.
Physical and Behavioral Signs of Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can present physically in the following ways:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Muscle weakness
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Shaking or seizures
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Some behavioral signs and symptoms of an Adderall addiction include:
- Spending significant time and effort obtaining Adderall, to the point it prevents them from doing other things
- A sense of grandiosity or invincibility
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Experiencing fast thoughts
- Being highly talkative and sociable, or having difficulty with speech
- Experiencing distress at the idea of not being able to obtain Adderall
- Using Adderall in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting it
- Doctor shopping for prescriptions
- Hyperactivity and impatience
- Withdrawal symptoms without access to the substance
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Paranoia
The Difference Between Adderall Abuse and Adderall Addiction
While people commonly refer to substance abuse and addiction interchangeably, there’s a difference between the two. That distinction is that Adderall abuse is still within the control of the user; whereas, addiction is not.
People who abuse Adderall take it for nonmedical reasons. However, they maintain control over their lives and can stop using on their own. The drug does not have the same pervasive impact on their lives as addiction would, even if it seems to the outside they are addicted.
On the other hand, those addicted to Adderall have a physical dependency on the drug. Addiction is a pervasive disease that can impact nearly every aspect of someone’s existence. People with Adderall addictions will often do anything to get their hands on the drug, even if it requires them to neglect important aspects of their lives.
Causes of Adderall Addiction
While there is no one common cause that drives addiction, other than the use of a substance, there are several factors that influence risk. Genetics, personal environment, and co-occurring mental health conditions can all increase the risk of becoming addicted to Adderall or other narcotics.
Genetics
Substance abuse often runs in families due to genetics. According to the University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center, scientists estimate that genetics account for between 40 to 60% of an individual’s risk of developing addictions.
Environment
One’s environment also plays a major role in causing addiction. People surrounded by drug use at home, school, or work have a higher likelihood of using and becoming addicted to substances like Adderall. When substances are widely available and normalized, the risk of addiction increases.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Some people with co-occurring mental health conditions may struggle with substance abuse and addiction. In particular, people with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders are all at risk for addiction.
Effects of Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can cause several short- and long-term effects. Many of them only affect the person addicted to the substance, but they can also put additional strain on relationships.
Short-term effects of Adderall abuse and addiction include:
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- Suppressed appetite that leads to unhealthy weight loss
- Irritable behaviors and hostility
- Restlessness and agitation
- Heart palpitations
- Dry mouth
Short-Term Effects
Long-term abuse and addiction can cause:
Long-Term Effects
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- Paranoia
- Malnutrition and unhealthy weights
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Altered and abnormal blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Erratic behavior
Impact on Relationships
Adderall addiction can pervade relationships, especially with the harmful behaviors it can cause. People with addictions often try to hide them, pushing people away and potentially damaging relationships beyond repair. Anger and violence as a result of substance abuse can also worsen or destroy relationships with loved ones who feel helpless.
Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction
As a disease, addiction requires people to seek treatment. Individuals ready to beat their addictions often turn to options, such as inpatient or outpatient treatment or therapies to assist in the process.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
Most Adderall addiction treatment programs fall into either inpatient or outpatient categories. Inpatient treatment requires admission into a controlled environment with 24/7 support and supervision. Patients focus on getting sober without the stressors of daily life, such as work or school obligations. It involves detox, management of withdrawal symptoms, and therapies.
Outpatient treatment is less restrictive, allowing people to report to their program for a set number of hours per day. Partial hospitalization offers treatment similar to that of an inpatient stay over the course of several hours every day, while intensive outpatient programming involves less time commitment. Both types of outpatient treatment offer counseling and focus on preventing relapse and teaching skills to promote successful recovery.
Behavioral Therapies and Medications
There are no FDA-approved medications that can treat stimulant withdrawal, and withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to manage. Several behavioral therapies are regularly used for the treatment of Adderall addiction and management of withdrawal, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy teaches people with addictions to recognize and challenge maladaptive behaviors and develop coping mechanisms to help prevent relapse.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT provides people with addiction the ability to regulate their emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors. It can also be effective in managing cravings.
Contingency Management (CM): This therapy encourages and reinforces sobriety by providing material rewards to motivate the patient to remain sober.
The Importance of Aftercare and Ongoing Support
Even following the successful completion of rehab and withdrawal, treatment continues. Continuing care, known as aftercare, begins when formal treatment concludes and decreases the risk of relapse. Aftercare can include group counseling, self-help meetings, and continuous therapy.
Choosing a Treatment Program
People with loved ones addicted to Adderall should always speak up when they have concerns. While it’s impossible to force individuals to get clean if they don’t want to, support from friends and family can encourage drug users to start and complete treatment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Adderall Addiction Treatment Program
Treatment programs and centers offer a wide range of services and techniques to help people break addictions. To choose the right one, consider:
- Location and ease of access: Whether inpatient or outpatient, the ability to access the facility’s location is essential. Ease of access can make it easier to stick to the complete treatment protocol.
- Specialties and amenities that matter to you: Different centers will offer various specialties and amenities. Choose one experienced with Adderall addiction treatment. Likewise, consider which amenities are available, especially for inpatient care.
- Costs and how to pay: While cost shouldn’t be a barrier to care, it can be for many. Review the expected costs of treatment and insurance options before choosing.
Questions to Ask When Evaluating Treatment Options
- Is it inpatient or outpatient? Which fits your life better?
- What kind of therapies are used?
- Does the treatment program align with my goals?
- Does the treatment program specialize in Adderall addiction?
- How much will it cost? Is it covered by insurance?
- What is the process to enroll?
- How long will treatment last?
- Is there aftercare support?
Learn More About Adderall Addiction Treatment at Beachway
Every year, far too many people suffer from Adderall addiction, but with help and support, it is possible to overcome it. Therapies and inpatient or outpatient treatments are often effective at treating addiction. Beachway specializes in mental health, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis treatments and is here to help with a range of programs available. For more information and to take the first step in reclaiming control over an addiction, contact Beachway today.