Adderall is a commonly prescribed drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and it can also help patients with narcolepsy. People struggling with ADHD often find that Adderall helps them focus and control impulsive behavior.
However, when Adderall is used in ways other than prescribed or taken without the supervision of a medical professional, an addiction can develop. Adderall is a controlled substance and has a high risk of addiction and misuse.
Understanding Adderall Addiction
Many people, including college and high school students, stay-at-home moms and professionals, use Adderall for non-medical purposes. They believe the medication will increase their mental performance and boost their focus.
However, instead of reaping a benefit from Adderall misuse, it often leads to devastating physical and psychological effects, including addiction. Another danger is that when Adderall is taken with alcohol, the effects of alcohol can be suppressed, leading to increased alcohol consumption to feel the same effects. Because of this combination, the risk of alcohol poisoning is high for those who mix alcohol and Adderall.
Adderall Addiction Recovery and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
As with any addictive substance, recovery from a substance use disorder involving Adderall is difficult without professional treatment. If you are addicted to Adderall or misusing it in any way, addiction treatment can help. Some signs of addiction are:
- Feeling like you need more and more Adderall to feel the same effects
- Feeling very bad when you do not take Adderall
- Exhibiting signs of depression, binge eating and anxiety
However, while overcoming Adderall addiction on your own can be difficult, there is one therapy method shown to have considerable success: cognitive behavioral therapy.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help
One form of Adderall addiction treatment that tends to yield positive results is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In fact, CBT is one of the most effective forms of treatment.
With CBT, a therapist can help you stop using Adderall and understand the roots of your addiction. With this understanding comes strategies for long-term sobriety because you learn how to replace the need for the drug with positive alternatives. CBT helps you learn healthy strategies to deal with triggers that don’t involve drug use. Unlearning destructive behaviors and learning healthy behaviors are crucial to both CBT and long-term recovery.
A professional treatment center like Orlando Recovery Center is important to help treat addiction. Depending on your situation, treatment for Adderall can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Either way, CBT should be part of the treatment, along with other complementary therapies.
Addiction is difficult to handle on your own and treatment is crucial. Working with caring professionals in a compassionate atmosphere can help make it easier. Contact Orlando Recovery Center and learn more about admissions.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.