Amphetamines are part of a class of drugs called psychostimulants. These drugs work to speed up the connection between the brain and the body. When used as prescribed, amphetamines can be a helpful medication for certain conditions, including ADHD, narcolepsy and Parkinson’s disease. However, they can carry a high risk of addiction and abuse when you take too much or take them without a prescription.
Is Treatment Necessary for Amphetamine Addiction?
People with prolonged amphetamine use or misuse have a strong likelihood of becoming addicted. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of amphetamine addiction, treatment may be necessary. These include:
- Using amphetamines without a prescription
- Using more amphetamines than prescribed
- Using amphetamines to feel a “high”
- Wanting to stop amphetamine use but can’t
- Needing to use more amphetamine each time to get the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using amphetamines
Commonly Abused Stimulants Containing Amphetamine
Several stimulants that contain amphetamine are among the most commonly abused stimulants. These are all medications prescribed for legitimate reasons that are very often misused:
- Adderall: Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine used primarily to treat ADHD. Adderall is commonly misused by college students to help them stay awake to study without realizing the potential for addiction or long-term health effects.
- Vyvanse: Vyvanse is a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD and approved to help treat binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is considered a controlled substance, as it carries the risk of addiction if not taken properly.
- Concerta: Concerta is a stimulant also used to help treat ADHD. Concerta works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine to help stimulate your brain, which can improve the symptoms of ADHD. Concerta is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high risk of becoming addictive or being misused.
Treatment Options for Amphetamine Addiction
Treatment may be necessary if you are struggling with amphetamine dependence and addiction. What will determine the kind of treatment needed is:
- Type of amphetamine(s) used
- Amount and frequency of use
- Degree of dependence or addiction
In some cases, particularly with methamphetamine use disorders, a medically supervised detox may be appropriate. After medical detox, most people transition into a residential rehab program, also known as inpatient rehab.
Depending on someone’s level of addiction to amphetamines, they may need to start their treatment with medical detox. In medical detox, you receive constant medical care to help address and reduce any withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Amphetamine withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, which can encourage someone to start using the drugs again. Medical detox ensures avoid relapse during detox so they can successfully end their amphetamine use. After detox, a patient will be ready to move to the next phase of treatment.
Inpatient drug rehab is an effective way to start your journey to recovery. Amphetamine use disorders can be challenging to overcome, and the first days and weeks of recovery often involve substantial temptation and a high risk for relapse. Clients have access to cutting-edge and evidence-based treatments at an inpatient facility, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, recreational therapy and case management. It is a safe, comfortable environment with nutritious and healing meals and a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experts equipped to manage every aspect of recovery.
PHPs are often a transition step for people who have completed an inpatient program and are preparing for outpatient rehab, although some clients may begin their recovery journey with a PHP. Clients participating in a PHP have more freedom and independence at the facility with fewer hours of care and more self-directed recovery time. Like inpatient care, It offers access to medical professionals and medication, individual and group therapy sessions, fitness and nutrition oversight and wellness programs.
One step down in intensity from a PHP are intensive outpatient programs. This program provides several hours of rehab and treatment to clients most days while clients start to live at home. IOPs are especially beneficial for people transitioning into their new, sober lives who still want or need significant support from their rehab team.
Outpatient treatment is a valuable way for people with mild amphetamine use disorders to receive the care and support needed for success in recovery. Outpatient programs are especially well-suited to people with strong support systems outside of rehab and who are at low risk for relapse, or for those who have already undergone the higher levels of care. Outpatient treatment can include individual and family therapy, medication-assisted treatment, support groups and aftercare planning. It offers the most flexibility so people can maintain their commitments at work and home during their treatment.
How Much Does Amphetamine Treatment Cost?
The costs associated with amphetamine rehab can be difficult to estimate and depend on many factors, including:
- Severity of addiction
- Level of care needed
- Location of the treatment facility
- If any co-occurring disorders are present
- Whether medical detox is needed
- Facility amenities and accommodations
- The patient’s insurance coverage
To understand the cost of amphetamine rehab, it is best to call the admissions center of the facility you are interested in to find out more about the cost and how it would apply to your situation.
Is Amphetamine Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance providers will help cover some or all of the costs of rehab for amphetamine use disorders. Your treatment facility can help verify your insurance coverage. You can also contact your insurance company to see what your plan covers.
Amphetamine Addiction Treatment in Orlando, FL
Orlando Recovery Center is an accredited and licensed facility that uses evidence-based treatments to help those suffering from addiction, conveniently located outside of downtown Orlando. Our licensed addiction experts are dedicated to helping you overcome amphetamine dependence and get you on the road to lifelong recovery.
The Orlando Recovery Center includes multiple levels of care, including:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient rehab
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders
- Aftercare
- Teletherapy
Depending on the level of care, amenities at Orlando Recovery Center include:
- Swimming pool
- Fully equipped exercise gym
- Basketball courts
- Sand volleyball court
- Yoga, art and life-skills therapy options
- Designated smoking areas
- Lakefront views
Get Help Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with an amphetamine use disorder, reach out to Orlando Recovery Center today. Amphetamine addiction can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to help you reach recovery. Speak with someone in our admissions department to learn more about getting your treatment started.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Public Meeting on Patient-Focused Drug D[…]mulant Use Disorder.” October 6, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2022.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Prescription Stimulants (Amphetamines).” December 9, 2021. Accessed April 16, 2022.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine.” MedlinePlus, April 15, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2022.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Lisdexamfetamine.” MedlinePlus, April 15, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2022.
John Hopkins University. “Adderall abuse on the rise among young a[…]kins study suggests.” February 6, 2016. Accessed April 15, 2022.
Williamson, Jennifer. “Concerta (methylphenidate).” Medical News Today, February 11, 2022. April 17, 2022.
Yale Medicine. “Stimulant Use Disorder.” 2022. Accessed April 16, 2022.
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.