Adderall addiction has been a common condition, especially among young adults. While it is a medically useful drug for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, many have misused it for personal gain specifically in increasing their focus and energy in their day-to-day life even if they do not have any medical illness after all.

In a study among college students, only 2% of them perceived the drug as a very dangerous threat to life as it has been their partner in late-night school responsibilities. With an overwhelming number of its monthly prescriptions reaching about 16 million last 2012, Adderall addiction is a growing problem that needs immediate intervention.

How Does Adderall Cause Addiction

Adderall increases the levels of dopamine in the brain which inhibits one to experience euphoria. With excessive use, those without medical conditions are prone to developing a physical dependence on the drug. When this happens, they will struggle in working on their daily tasks without the presence of the substance in their system.

The ability of Adderall to keep one stay awake and increase their focus and attention is what makes them believe that it helps them become more productive. Although this can be real at the beginning, in the long run, addiction may cripple their behavior to function normally without the presence of the drug.

Adderall addiction involves a constant craving for the substance, and when the body has established tolerance towards it, the person may continue to seek higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms are also bound to occur as soon as the person stops taking the drug. This calls for the need for an addiction treatment which if delayed, may result in health risks.

What Makes an Effective Adderall Addiction Treatment

The best addiction treatment to Adderall is one that is medically supervised. Adderall is a potent substance that causes chemical changes in the brain. When withdrawal takes place, the thought process is affected which results in poor concentration and logical thinking. It also makes one vulnerable to anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia.

It is very difficult to cease taking Adderall without medical supervision, and with each attempt to stop, withdrawal could be too strong to bear and cravings could be too intense to fight off. As a result, returning to taking the drug becomes the main resort to resolve the condition, and then one only ends up stuck even more with Adderall addiction.

On top of that, reports about Adderall overdose have been quite rampant. The thing is, some people can experience an overdose even by taking as low as 1.5 mg/kg, and this is alarming because overdose is the leading cause of addiction-related deaths. This is the reason why treatment for Adderall addiction must be given a top priority.

Here are a few things to note to ensure that one is getting the best Adderall addiction treatment:

Clinical diagnosis

The first step before enrolling in a treatment plan is to have a clear diagnosis of a person’s level of addiction. This is important because typically the duration of treatment and the type of care recommended to a person relies on whether their addiction level is mild, moderate, or severe.

There are 11 lists of criteria that clinicians use to determine a person’s level of addiction. Moderate to severe addiction is recommended for inpatient treatment while mild addiction can work in outpatient care. The best treatment plan is one that is designed by both the patient and a team of medical specialists to ensure that all services suit one’s needs.

A medically supervised detox

Detox is the initial phase in treatment and with medical supervision, relapse can be prevented. Although there are no approved drugs for Adderall withdrawal, certain prescriptions can still be provided to individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia.

Stress management techniques and exercise are also effective means to limit the withdrawal discomfort from Adderall. The main benefit of a medically supervised detox is the safety that comes with it. Any serious complications can be prevented and basically, getting past the process is less painful with the help of medical care.

A tapering schedule

A tapering schedule is key to a less painful withdrawal. It is never advisable to cease taking the drug suddenly because withdrawal symptoms may surge and this can be overwhelming. With the supervision of a physician, doses can be slowly decreased until one can work effectively without using the drug.

Withdrawal using a slow taper schedule may last a few weeks or more. Medical care, supplements, and sleep aids can be taken to boost a person’s physical and mental disposition and be able to endure the challenges of withdrawal. Addiction experts express that the slower the taper, the more effective treatment can become.

Psychotherapy

The foundation of any addiction treatment is psychotherapy. This comes in the form of individual counseling and group sessions. This aims to identify personal triggers of addiction and develop ways to overcome them or avoid certain occasions. This is also essential in building support for individuals who find themselves vulnerable to Adderall addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most recommended psychotherapy which works significantly with Adderall addiction. It strengthens individual coping skills to addiction and helps one form new ways to keep on track towards the goal of staying sober. It also helps one resolve personal battles which can usually be the underlying cause of addiction.

Aftercare program

Addiction treatment is a lifelong process, and it does not mean that by the end of medically supervised treatment, one can stay drug-free forever. Relapse may come in unexpectedly at any time. By continuously keeping oneself engaged in aftercare programs, recovery can be sustained.

A fellowship of individuals who have been into Adderall addiction meeting together to support each other is what makes an aftercare program. These meetings usually abide by the popular 12-step program. It is a great venue where friends and new adventures can spark to keep a drug-free lifestyle.