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How to Help Someone With Adderall Addiction

Help for Adderall Addicts

Adderall is the brand name for a drug that contains two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These ingredients work to stimulate and speed up the body. Doctors use this drug in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Patients with narcolepsy take the medication because it reduces their chances of unexpectedly falling asleep. Those with ADHD find that the medication reduces the hyperactive behavior and decreases the periods of inattention caused by the condition.

Abuse of the drug is common with students for two reasons:

  • The first is because students use the medication as a study aid without a prescription.
  • The second is that the drug causes a high in users who take the drug for recreational purposes. These highs can be obtained through snorting Adderall, swallowing the pills, or smoking Adderall.

In a 2009 study published by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 6% of all college students admitted to using Adderall. However, treatment for addiction to Adderall is available.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is addictive. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, misusing or abusing the medication can lead to dependency and require Adderall addiction help. This is especially common in those who:

  • Take the medication for longer than the doctor prescribes.
  • Increase their dosages without consulting a doctor.
  • Take the medication more often than prescribed.

What Are the Signs of Adderall Addiction?

The signs of addiction vary from person to person. If you notice any of the following warning signs in someone who takes Adderall with or without a doctor’s prescription, it might indicate that the person is an Adderall abuser and has an addiction to the substance.

Signs That May Indicate Adderall Abuse

Adderall use and abuse can cause a range of signs and symptoms that range from short-term side effects to long-term consequences.

Common signs of Adderall abuse include:

  • Rash.
  • Insomnia.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Hyperactive behavior.
  • Irritable thoughts and actions.
  • Taking more than the prescribed dose, or more often.

Long-term effects of Adderall use may include:

Adderall becomes more dangerous when it is mixed with alcohol, as it reduces the perceived effects of alcohol. This leads to increased alcohol intake, which can result in alcohol poisoning. The combination of Adderall and alcohol can dehydrate the user as well.

American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly if your health insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

How to Approach an Addicted Loved One

An Adderall addict may be struggling with racing thoughts, insomnia, and extreme moods ranging from elation to depression, so approaching them can be a delicate challenge. Adderall abuse can have all kinds of different catalysts, and coming to your addicted loved one with an understanding mindset can make all the difference when it comes to getting them the help they need.

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Quitting Adderall can be a particularly difficult challenge. In some cases, you may find that help from a professional therapist will better prepare you for confronting your addicted loved one. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a training course led by a therapist that prepares friends and family members of an addict for discussing treatment with the substance abuser—how to bring up the subject, the most productive type of language to use, and how to cope with the stress that can accompany having an addict in your life who you care deeply about (Meyers, Smith & Lash, 2005).

The most important thing that you can do is express support for their sobriety. Remind them of hobbies and activities that they used to really enjoy before they began abusing Adderall, and explain how you feel your relationship has changed due to their drug abuse. Be sure to listen to what they have to say about it—listening is half of having a conversation!

The main thing that you are aiming for is for them to try out a treatment program. Come to them with programs that you think might work for their life and make sure they understand that you will be fully supportive of their recovery, including through potential relapse scenarios—addiction is a chronic condition and recovery often includes multiple relapses, so don’t lose faith if they have a setback.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

When you reach the point where you know that you need help conquering an Adderall addiction, you may need the care provided by a drug treatment facility. These facilities offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment:

  • Outpatient treatment affords you the ability to stay at home and see your family every night.
  • Inpatient treatment will require that you stay at the facility, but you get the comfort of an entirely sober environment free of temptations.

The help provided by a treatment center does more than just get you off Adderall—it also teaches you the skills you need to live a life of sobriety. The treatment program will show you techniques that you can use to manage stress and handle daily tasks without the need for Adderall. Many centers even let you practice certain situations that you might encounter when you get home.

Addiction to stimulants such as Adderall may require a special type of intense behavioral therapy known as the Matrix Model. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, this approach to treatment has been found to be especially effective for treating stimulant addiction. It involves a close relationship between patient and therapist as they work on improving the patient’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Treatment includes:

  • Family/group/individual therapy sessions.
  • Relapse prevention training.
  • Drug education.
  • Urine tests to ensure abstinence.
  • Participation in self-help groups.

Aftercare—such as 12-step programs, support groups, and sober living facilities—can provide you with the resources needed to continue living in recovery even after your initial treatment program ends.

Am I Addicted to Adderall?

One of the more common signs of addiction is something referred to as doctor shopping. This occurs when you visit more than one doctor to get multiple prescriptions for Adderall. If you have more than one active prescription for the drug, you have a problem. However, you can get help when you call our hotline free at . Our treatment support specialists can help you get into the best addiction treatment center for your needs so that you can begin living the life you deserve today.

Find Adderall Addiction Treatment Programs

Addiction treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a happier and healthier life. Rehab centers are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs.

The first step you take after admitting you cannot conquer your addiction to Adderall should be a step to the phone. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. You can reach us anytime when you call our helpline free at . Our qualified workers want to help you find the right addiction center to make your Adderall addiction a thing of the past. Stop second guessing what you need to do and make that phone call today.

There are also free drug abuse hotline numbers you can contact.

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