Adderall is a brand name, prescription medication comprised of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. While this medication can be used safely and effectively to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and several other issues, it can cause a dangerous addiction syndrome when abused, which requires professional rehab.
Treatment for Adderall Addiction
Amphetamine abuse, specifically Adderall abuse, must be treated professionally in a rehab center where the individual can receive help for the serious side effects caused by their drug abuse. A person cannot simply stop abusing Adderall on their own because the medication is habit-forming once it is abused. Finding the right treatment requires time and consideration, but once one finds a program that is beneficial to their needs, they can begin their journey toward recovery.
Withdrawal and Psychosis Treatment
Long-term Adderall abuse is, unfortunately, very similar to cocaine abuse in that it causes a severe withdrawal syndrome that requires time and professional care. Many people experience issues with depression, intense drug cravings, fatigue, restlessness, anxiety, agitation, and anhedonia (or the inability to feel pleasure). These issues all can be treated with medication and therapy, but usually, it takes months for them to begin to subside.
Long term Adderall abuse can lead to an array of mental health issues, such as anhedonia.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by: paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation, with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations.” Violent and erratic behavior is also often seen among those who abuse amphetamines, and this behavior must be treated immediately when an individual begins Adderall addiction recovery. Usually, the patient is given sedatives until the intense symptoms begin to pass.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is the crux of Adderall addiction rehab because, as of now, “there are no medications that are FDA-approved for treating stimulant addiction” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Behavioral therapy can usually begin after the more intense withdrawal effects have subsided, but it can also help treat depression and other co-occurring disorders (whether they were caused by the individual’s drug abuse or not). The commonly used therapeutic options for Adderall addiction include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients “learn to identify and correct problematic behaviors by applying a range of different skills that can be used to stop drug abuse” (NIDA)
- Contingency management, which uses reinforcements or vouchers given to the patient when they continue to show proof of their sobriety
- The Matrix Model, which helps stimulant abusers engage in treatment by creating a positive relationship between the patient and their counselor and using other treatment models as a guide
- Group therapy, which allows patients to get to know other people who are dealing with similar issues and see their situation through the eyes of another, allowing for self-reflection later
Do You Need Adderall Addiction Treatment?
Though a beneficial medication for those who need it to treat ADHD, Adderall can be dangerous to those who abuse it and cause severe addiction syndromes as well as other intense physical and psychological side effects. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) if you have been abusing your Adderall prescription, and seek treatment today.