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Adderall

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Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine used to control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When used according to prescribed instructions, this drug makes it easier for people with ADHD focus on assigned tasks. Physicians also prescribe this drug as a treatment for narcolepsy. Adderall works by stimulating the production of dopamine and norepinephrine; these substances help control behavior and attention. This drug also prevents the body from absorbing these substances too quickly, which improves alertness and concentration. As Adderall is a stimulant, it has a high potential for abuse. If you need information about Adderall addiction treatment or Adderall detox, call our toll-free hotline at . One of our referral specialists can help you get the information you need.

Non-Medical Use

projectknow-shutter390364285-blue-pillsSome people use Adderall without a prescription because it helps them focus and improve their productivity. This is especially true of college students as they often have heavy workloads and multiple deadlines. Stimulants improve alertness, making it easier to complete assignments and study for exams. This problem is more prevalent than many people believe. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that 6.4 percent of fulltime college students used Adderall without the supervision of a physician in 2006 and 2007. Some of these students also reported the use of marijuana or cocaine during the same period, increasing the risk for harmful drug interactions. Any student who develops a dependence on this drug should seek Adderall addiction treatment to prevent serious problems.

Effects of Addiction

When used by someone who does not have ADHD, Adderall produces a variety of effects. The stimulant salts in this medication cause nervousness, increased heart rate, irritability, heightened thirst and insomnia. Some users experience a crash when the stimulant effects wear off. People addicted to Adderall may also have a false sense of security when it comes to the quality of their work. In addition to the physical effects of abusing Adderall, there are also psychological effects. If you use the drug as a way to cope with your problems, you will not learn effective coping skills. You also risk legal consequences if you use Adderall without a prescription. If you are using Adderall without a doctor’s supervision or taking more than prescribed, consider enrolling in a detox program and rehab program.

Detox vs. Rehab

Entering a detox program is not the same as entering a rehab program, even though the two terms are often used interchangeably. Detox is a special kind of program designed to help people cope with withdrawal symptoms as the drug leaves their bodies. While enrolled in a detox program, you will be under the supervision of medical professionals who have experience in the Adderall addiction treatment field. A physician may prescribe medications to help you cope with some of the following withdrawal symptoms:

  • Depression
  • Excessive sleeping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Irritability
  • Shaking

Detox programs do not address the underlying causes of drug addiction, which is why they are different from rehabilitation programs.

Finding a Adderall Rehab Program

If your use of Adderall is making it difficult to carry out normal activities, an addiction treatment program can help you regain control of your life. It is important to understand that you are not alone in your addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that there were nearly 4.6 million drug-related emergency room visits in 2009. More than 27 percent of these visits involved the non-medical use of medications like Adderall. Entering a rehabilitation facility gives you access to the tools you need to overcome your addiction.

There are private and public rehabilitation facilities available for those who need Adderall addiction treatment. The private facilities tend to offer more amenities than public facilities. Some facilities are located in the desert or in mountainous areas, giving people the privacy they need to address their addictions. If you need help finding the best private rehabilitation facility to meet your needs, contact us for a referral. Call our confidential helpline at .

Rehabilitation Strategies

“Each rehab program is a little different, but most have the same basic components.”Each rehab program is a little different, but most have the same basic components. The intake process is the first thing that happens at these facilities. During this process, you meet with an administrator or addiction specialist. You will be asked questions about your medical history, psychological history and history of drug use. You will also be given a physical examination to determine if you have any medical problems that could interfere with your recovery. Once you complete the intake process, you engage in individual therapy, group therapy and other activities developed to help you start the recovery process. The length of time you will spend in a rehab program depends on the severity of your addiction, the strategies used by rehab professionals and your commitment to the program. You may be asked to participate in an outpatient Adderall addiction treatment program after you leave the facility.

Factoids:

  • A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration survey suggests that physicians in some states overprescribe drugs that contain amphetamine. Alaska, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and 11 other states have amphetamine distribution levels above the average for the United States.
  • The use of Adderall and other stimulants increased dramatically from 1991 to 1999. In 1991, physicians wrote fewer than 1 million prescriptions for these drugs. The number of prescriptions increased to nearly 5 million in 1999.
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The editorial staff of Projectknow.com is comprised of addiction content experts from American Addiction Centers. Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed thousands of pages for accuracy and relevance. Our reviewers consistently monitor the latest research from SAMHSA, NIDA, and other reputable sources to provide our readers the most accurate content on the web.
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