Adderall Addiction Treatment

The Impact of Adderall Addiction

Adderall addiction, like any addiction, affects all areas of a person’s life, making this even more volatile for the young adult population using it.

Health Risks

As a central nervous system stimulant, adderall alters blood and oxygen flow, contributing to irregular or erratic heartbeat, cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), and high blood pressure. Over time, these alterations can cause a slew of negative health effects, including cardiac arrest and stroke⁷. Chronic adderall use can also lead to skin disorders, seizures, brain damage, and kidney damage⁶.

Additionally, adderall addiction is closely linked with depression, aggression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and psychosis-like symptoms.

Social and Emotional Consequences

The impact of addiction goes beyond physical and mental health—it affects all facets of life. Adderall addiction often leads to secretive behavior and isolation, such as lying about drug use or hiding the extent of the problem, eroding trust with loved ones and straining relationships. And as addiction takes hold, the person may neglect their relationships to prioritize using adderall. They may withdraw from social activities, fail to fulfill commitments, and become emotionally unavailable to those who care about them.

While adderall is sometimes used to enhance focus, addiction can lead to decreased overall productivity. For example, someone may become less effective at their job due to the need for higher doses to achieve the same level of focus. They may also frequently skip work due to the physical and mental toll of addiction.

Students may initially use adderall in an attempt to enhance focus and academic performance; however, over time, addiction can lead to a dependency, impairing cognitive function and reducing overall academic performance.

First Steps in Seeking Help

You can ask yourself questions like 

1. Would you be able to quit using adderall right now?
2. Has your adderall use caused tension or conflict with friends, family, or colleagues?
3. Do you miss important events or obligations because you are high?
4. Do you use adderall to cope with stress, sadness, loneliness, or boredom?
5. Have friends, family, or co-workers expressed concern about your adderall consumption?
6. Have you given up hobbies or activities you used to enjoy because you prefer to take adderall?
7. Are you concerned where your health and happiness might lead to if you keep using adderall at your current rate?

The answers will likely be straightforward and telling if you need medical treatment. Telling a trusted loved one can help get you on the right path to recovery. They can listen to what you’re going through, help make doctors appointments with you, and offer comfort throughout the journey.

Your primary care physician can provide an initial evaluation and refer you to a specialist for a more comprehensive assessment, like a mental health professional or addiction specialist. During this appointment, you can ask questions such as:

1. How is my current adderall consumption affecting my overall health?
2. What are the signs and symptoms of adderall dependence I am exhibiting?
3. Based on my evaluation, do you believe I have a mild, moderate, or severe adderall use disorder?
4. What kind of treatment do you think I need?
5. How can I safely reduce or quit my adderall use, and what steps should I take to do so?
6. Can you refer me to any support groups or resources that might help me?

Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction

As you embark on your recovery journey, you and your care team can explore treatment options to determine the best fit for your needs.

Detoxification

Many people begin their journey by going through the detox process, so you can safely rid your body of adderall. You’ll have medical professionals there to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. This can help you feel more focused and prepared to take on therapy. It is crucial to detox under medical supervision, as withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, FDA-approved medications, such as Bupropion and Modafinil, can be prescribed⁸ to assist the tapering process. These medications help keep you safe during detox, ease withdrawal symptoms, and alleviate mental health concerns. Medication-assisted treatment can last for a few weeks or for years to maintain recovery. Your clinical team can help you decide what treatments and procedures are right for you.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Programs

Residential Programs

Residential rehab provides an intensive, distraction-free environment to focus on psychotherapies and learning healthy coping skills. Individuals in this stage of care live in the center and have 24/7 support. Ideally, the clinical team creates a personalized treatment plan to address the unique needs of each individual in recovery. 

You might participate in evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as holistic and alternative healing methods like yoga and massage therapy. The center may provide a blend of individual and group therapy sessions. Your loved ones can engage in family therapy, so you can find common ground, improve communication skills, and work towards healthier relationships. 

Outpatient Programs

Your care team may recommend an outpatient program if your recovery does not require 24/7 support. Outpatient treatment has varying levels of care, with partial hospitalization (PHP) providing a more intensive level of care and outpatient (OP) providing the least intensive. You’ll participate in the program for a few hours a day on certain days of the week, allowing you to go to work or attend school simultaneously. You’ll likely participate in therapies similar to a residential program and build your support network as you heal with others in therapy.

Support Systems and Recovery

Joining support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery provide a sense of community, understanding, and accountability in your recovery. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and receive ongoing support.

Family and Community Support

Creating a support network with strong relationships is a foundational aspect of long-lasting recovery. Social support in recovery can reduce stress, increase self-efficacy, and motivate lasting sobriety⁹. Your relapse prevention plan can detail how you will connect with loved ones who supported you through the treatment process. You may make new friends through sober activities and groups. Try your best to plan regular get-togethers with friends and family, as avoiding isolation and bolstering these relationships can make recovery easier. 

Setting and communicating boundaries in recovery is a practice of self-love and can enhance your relationships. Without boundaries, you may say “yes” to things you don’t want to, avoid necessary conversations, and be consumed by others’ negative feelings. Prioritizing your boundaries ensures that you’re aligned with what’s best for your well-being.

Managing Relapse

Not everyone in recovery will relapse, but it can be a part of the recovery process¹⁰—and that’s okay. Relapse prevention can help you address these obstacles and keep you on the right track.

Relapse prevention planning focuses on identifying and addressing early warning signs before they lead to a physical relapse, such as using adderall after a period of sobriety. This approach utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques to prevent relapse while equipping individuals with practical skills to manage relapse if it occurs. It combines education, coping strategies, trigger identification, support network development, and lifestyle adjustments to create a comprehensive prevention plan.

You and your care team can begin to build your relapse prevention plan by reflecting on 3 key recovery components: 

1. Reflect on your recovery history. In treatment, what worked and what didn’t work? If you’ve relapsed before, what led to it? What were your triggers before you got treatment? Learn from mistakes of the past to make a realistic relapse prevention plan.
2. Write down personal, relationship, and employment goals to highlight situations you want to be in and people you want to be around. 
3. Identify your triggers—all the people, places, and things that could cause stress. Developing coping strategies for each trigger can empower you to live life without fear.

One of the most essential parts of a relapse prevention plan is building skills to navigate uncomfortable feelings and situations. You may practice coping techniques such as breathing exercises, regulating emotions through journaling, saying “no” to situations that do not serve your recovery, and exercise. This can help you walk into any situation with confidence. 

Attending outpatient care or talk therapy sessions can help you navigate foreign situations and continue skill-building. During individual therapy sessions, you’ll likely engage in various therapeutic methods like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). 

Creating a daily routine that promotes physical and mental health, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep, can bolster sustainable recovery¹¹. A scheduling system, such as time blocking in a calendar, can help you avoid idle time that might lead to thoughts or behaviors associated with relapse.

A day of sobriety is a day worth being celebrated! The effort to choose your health and well-being every day is a great feat, so continue to reflect and pride yourself on your hard work.