What is Adderall?
Most people think that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs. This is the reason why they don’t think seriously of Adderall addiction treatment or of Adderall rehab.
Then again, any kind of drug abuse is unsafe. Recent research shows that there is already 18% of high school seniors who abuse prescription drugs. An example of one of the most common drugs being abused is Adderall.
Adderall is a kind of amphetamine prescription medication specifically given to patients suffering from ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Being a stimulant, Adderall keeps u re is a high risk for dependency and abuse aside from its medical use.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that almost 60 million people over 12 years old all across the United States have tried abusing this prescription drug at some time in their lives. The same study also revealed that this medicine is normally found in universities since students use this to cope up with high-stress levels brought about by the highly competitive environment of universities. Surprisingly though, these students never felt the need for Adderall addiction treatment or of Adderall rehab.
Since the drug has been used in another way than its prescribed purpose, it can, therefore, be said that these other uses of drugs are considered as abuse. The following instances are taken as abuse:
- Taking Adderall with no prescription
- Faking symptoms to get prescriptions from the doctor (doctor shopping)
- Continuously taking medication even if not necessary
- Increasing dosage and frequency
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Signs of Adderall Addiction
Since Adderall works by creating a euphoric feeling, dependency and misuse can easily lead to addiction. Also, according to a study, chronic abuse of the said drug improves the chances of drug abuse and dependence. To help these individuals from falling deeper into dependence and abuse, it is best to seek Adderall addiction treatment from an Adderall rehab.
Normally, the pill or tablet is taken orally. However, in cases of abusers, Adderall is crushed, snorted, or even have its residue injected. Through these, the drug crosses the blood-brain barrier more rapidly. Instead of passing through the digestive tract, the drug goes directly into the bloodstream, increasing the risk and the adverse effects of a seriously lethal overdose. Snorting and crushing, along with injecting the drug residue are highly dangerous and might be a sign of Adderall addiction and would suggest a need for Adderall addiction treatment.
Aside from these, the following red flags need to be checked:
- Trying to get the drug without doctor’s prescriptions
- Being dishonest about the need for and the usage of the said drug
- A sudden change in one’s finances due to purchasing the drug unlawfully
- A sudden increase in energy
- Sudden appetite loss
- Weight loss
- A sudden change in behavior and personality
- Sleep for a very short time (or not sleeping at all)
- Necessitating higher prescriptions for similar effects
- Denying the need for Adderall addiction treatment is now high time to seek Adderall addiction treatment from an Adderall rehab.
After wearing off of the effects of the drugs, chronic Adderall users might experience a crash. As a result, they might experience extreme fatigue, nausea, depression, and irritation. They might need the drug to function normally. If not taken, withdrawal symptoms might set in since the brain is now attempting to regain balance.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Intense drug cravings
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Nightmares
- Sleep disturbances
If you or a loved one is showing any of these symptoms, it is time to look for help. It is highly suggested to seek Adderall addiction treatment from an Adderall rehab.
Dangers of Adderall Abuse
The drug Adderall works by increasing one’s blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature while decreasing the body’s need to eat and sleep. Also, the drug increases the brain and body’s dopamine levels, a brain chemical messenger that is responsible for pleasure, movement, and attention. Usage of the drug over a prolonged period of time results in the development of tolerance to the drug. Meaning, you will want to increase the dosage to get the desired effects. This will eventually lead to dependence and addiction.
Another danger involving the inappropriate use of Adderall is the increased tendency to start using other illicit drugs in the future. In studies conducted among teenagers, it was found out that after experimenting with Adderall, some seek out other dangerous and illegal drugs like marijuana to delay the crash from Adderall use. Also, these students have been found to take other drugs and alcohol while taking Adderall. This deadly combination increases the risk for developing diseases and life-threatening health conditions. Lastly, abuse of Adderall might also aggravate other undiagnosed mental health disorders or might inhibit the effects of mental disease treatments.
Effects of Adderral abuse include the following:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Apprehension
- Nausea
- Body tremors
- Decreased feelings of hunger and the overall need to eat
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Wooziness
When used in high doses or abused over a very long period of time, more aggravating health conditions might occur.
Some of these adverse health conditions are as follows:
- Aggressive behavior
- Blurred vision
- Cardiac complications (like chest pain or even cardiac arrest)
- Having delusions
- Manic episodes
- Muscle sore and weakness
- Paranoia
- Respiratory problem
- Stroke
- Unstable and irregular heart rate
These symptoms are considered as medically dangerous and are indicative of an overdose so if you or a loved one experience any of these, it’s time to seek medical attention immediately. Also, once immediate medical attention has been administered, the root of the problem must be addressed. It is now high time to seek Adderall addiction treatment from an Adderall rehab.
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What to Look for in an Adderall Rehab
When you intend to admit yourself or send a loved one for Adderall rehab, it is very important to have answers to all these questions.
- What is the Adderall addiction treatment plan offered by the Adderall rehab?
- Where is their Adderall addiction treatment facility located?
- What are the different amenities the Adderall rehab has?
- What are other activities offered under the Adderall addiction treatment plan designed for you?
- What is the coverage of your Adderall addiction treatment plan?
- Is family counseling included?
- How much should you pay for the whole treatment program?
- What are the ways to pay for the program?
- Do they offer after treatment recovery programs?
- What is the overall success rate of the rehab?
The reason why you have to ask these important questions is for you to know what you can expect from the whole Adderall addiction treatment program. Also, among these, the most important questions to answer are the type of treatment plans offered and the rehab facility’s success rate.
Knowing whether or not they offer customized treatment plans after assessment will help you understand that the said program is based on your needs, your medical history, and other pertinent circumstances. Also, knowing the number of successful cases will motivate you more to be focused and participative in the whole treatment plan.
Adderall Addiction Treatment Options
One thing that increases anxiety among patients and individuals admitted to rehab is the fear of not knowing what to expect during treatment and recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder and necessitate admittance in a treatment facility, it is important to go through the different options and choose the one you’re most comfortable with. Also, it is important to seek your doctor’s advice in deciding.
These are the different treatment options you can choose from.
- Dual Diagnosis –aims to address both the patient’s substance use disorder problem and his mental condition.
- Holistic rehab– aims to provide healing on the individual’s entire person, focusing on the person’s physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual aspects.
- Christian rehab – offers a spiritual-focused treatment.
- 12-step program– based on the treatment program popularized by the Alcoholics Anonymous and uses philosophies of Acceptance, Surrender, and Participation in the treatment process.
- Non-12 step program – focuses on motivation, balance, and personal responsibility as aspects of an individual’s recovery.
Paying for Adderall Addiction Treatment
There are numerous payment options for rehab. One of the most common is to pay by using insurance. If you have private insurance, then you can choose what Adderall addiction treatment plan or which treatment facilities your insurance premium can be applied to. If you don’t have private insurance, you can pay by public insurance or through government subsidy. Point is, no matter what your financial condition is, you can get help.
If you really don’t have money to pay for rehab, talk to your local rehab facility and ask them to help you draw up a treatment plan subsidized by the government or any willing and generous private entities.
Medical disclaimer:
Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.
Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.