Many people don’t understand just how prevalent Adderall misuse and Adderall addiction is. This is especially true for younger populations. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Addictive Behaviors, “The misuse of prescription stimulants by college students is on the rise, with 11.1% of the college students in the most recent Monitoring the Future study reporting misusing the prescription drug Adderall in the past 12 months, compared with 8.1% of their non-college-attending counterparts.” This shows how great the need for effective Adderall addiction treatment is.
What Exactly Is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name for the pharmaceutical stimulant that is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall can help these individuals live a more functional life.
According to Pharmacy: The Journal of Pharmacy Education and Practice, “Prescription stimulant medications are considered a safe and long-term effective treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies support that stimulants enhance attention, memory, self-regulation, and executive function in individuals with ADHD. Recent research, however, has found that many college students without ADHD report misusing prescription stimulants, primarily to enhance their cognitive abilities.” The reality is that many people misuse Adderall and take it without a prescription.
These individuals tend to use the drug to help them “focus” and in some instances to feel a sense of stimulated euphoria. Unfortunately, many of these individuals become addicted to Adderall, and Adderall addiction can be very damaging and disruptive. This is also why being able to spot the signs of Adderall addiction can be so important.
The Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of Adderall addiction are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and wellbeing
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop using Adderall once started
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Now, many people can minimize Adderall addiction or falsely categorize it. However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help sooner rather than later is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
What Does Effective Adderall Addiction Treatment Look Like?
The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for treating Adderall addiction. First of all, effective Adderall addiction treatment should be multifaceted and focus on the individual.
Effective Adderall addiction treatment should also focus on getting to the underlying issues of one’s struggles. Often these underlying issues are associated with some deep-rooted trauma or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). One of the best ways to address these issues is via effective psychotherapy.
Effective Adderall Addiction Treatment: Psychotherapies, Experiential Therapies, and Holistic Healing Methods
Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are ideal modalities for treating Adderall addiction. This is because it addresses those previously mentioned underlying issues. CBT and DBT help the individual see the negative way that they have been viewing themself and the world around them so they can begin to change their negative thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy can also be highly beneficial. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Besides improvements to physical and psychological well-being, exposure to natural environments has been shown to bring about positive impacts on cognitive functioning… While cognitive restoration and physiological well-being are the prominent and renowned benefits of nature exposure, there is one important construct that is often overlooked in environmental psychology research studies – that is, the human-nature relationship; also known as connectedness to nature (CN).”
Effective Adderall addiction treatment should also utilize holistic healing methods. This includes yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. These practices can help bring some essential balance and serenity into one’s long-term recovery. They also work well alongside other more “traditional” modalities.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our treatment plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future. This includes Adderall addiction treatment.
The amazing road to recovery is waiting. The key taking a deep breath and taking the first step.
Adderall misuse is still highly prevalent in the U.S. This is especially true with younger populations. The good news is there are many safe and effective ways to recover from Adderall addiction. The key is to find the right means, methods, and modalities that work for the individual. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall addiction or any other issues of addiction or mental illness, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about Adderall addiction treatment and the best ways to recover, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.