Opioid Addiction

May 10, 2022

Adderall is a psychostimulant used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy (a type of sleep disorder characterized by excessive drowsiness during the day). It is a prescription medicine that is also frequently abused as a recreational drug.

This drug is popular among students who want to stay awake for extended periods. In a similar way, it is becoming more popular with young professionals, who use it to let them accomplish more tasks. When used as a performance enhancing drug, Adderall has significant effects on your body and brain. Later on, it can lead to addiction.

If you happen to be addicted to this drug, you might be wondering how long it would take to complete an Adderall addiction treatment program. Read on to find out.

What is Adderall and what does it do to the body?

Adderall is composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are both stimulants of the central nervous system. They act on the brain and have effects similar to adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are three neurotransmitters involved in reward, alertness, and mental stimulation.

Dopamine influences the reward center of the brain. Adderall mimics this molecule, triggering pleasurable feelings when you take the drug. Another effect is you would have better focus.

Adrenaline, otherwise known as epinephrine, makes you more alert, clear-headed, and attentive. Heightened levels of adrenaline also suppress your appetite, making you feel less hungry. In similar fashion, norepinephrine also makes you more alert and helps you concentrate. Adderall also produces the same effects, and the drug stays in your brain for longer.

When used recreationally, Adderall produces both cognitive enhancements and euphoric effects. Because of the similarities between Adderall and amphetamine, users are at significant risk of acquiring drug dependency. When you become dependent on Adderall, your brain will keep craving its effects. As a result, you will want to keep taking the drug even if you experience harmful side effects, such as:

• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Irritability and agitation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Blurred vision
• Seizures

The last one, in particular, becomes more dangerous if you already have a history of experiencing epileptic seizures. Adderall can stimulate the brain so much that it makes you more likely to have a seizure than when you weren’t taking the drug.

The more you keep taking Adderall, the higher your chances of becoming addicted to it. Once addiction takes hold, you will no longer have control over your cravings for the drug. You may not even be able to live normally without it.

Do I need to get Adderall addiction treatment?

If you happen to suffer from an Adderall addiction, the answer is almost always yes. Rehab programs are usually recommended for a comprehensive treatment to your addiction. Addiction is complex and thus requires a guided, well-planned treatment program. The end goal of rehab is complete abstinence and relapse prevention.

You may want to consider the following questions when assessing the need for Adderall rehab:

• Have you tried to quit before?
• How determined are you to quit using Adderall?
• How is your mental health?
• Do you have any underlying medical conditions?
• Are you also taking other substances along with Adderall? (poly-drug use)

Previous attempts to quit

One of the most telling signs that you need drug rehab is if you’ve tried to quit before and relapsed after a short time.

Levels of Motivation

If you want to quit, you must also be highly motivated to do so. If not, you will often fare better if you go through formal rehab. Your level of motivation can be affected by a variety of lifestyle factors, such as:

• Family
• Friends
• Work
• School
• Moderate-to-high levels of stress

If your family and friends support your recovery journey, your outcomes will be a lot better. Having a support system means you have trusted people constantly watching over you and encouraging you to stay on the path to recovery. They can also help you manage stress, so you don’t resort to taking Adderall again to relieve yourself.

Mental health

Keep in mind that co-occurring mental health conditions can make quitting a substance difficult. If you have anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, to name a few, it’s often necessary for you to enroll in an inpatient rehab program.

Medical conditions

Inpatient rehab settings would also provide better supervision for those with other medical conditions that could complicate the withdrawal or detox process.

Poly-drug use

According to research conducted on college and secondary school campuses, the illegal use of prescription stimulants like Adderall increases the likelihood of consuming additional drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Thus, treatment is more complex and more attention should be given if you have been using more than one addictive substance.

How long does Adderall addiction treatment last?

The amount of time you spend in recovery differs depending on the program and the extent of your addiction. Programs are typically no less than 30 days long but can go up to 12 months.

Each program length has benefits and drawbacks:

30-day programs are sufficiently long for detox and a brief course of psychosocial therapy. They also allow you to return to your usual life faster.

The longer programs (60-90 days) have more time designed for developing life skills and applying what you have learned in psychosocial treatment sessions. But they are more costly.

Therapeutic communities are programs that run from months to a year, and these tend to be the most expensive.

Tackling the deeper problems that may have required medication (ADHD or other behavioral/cognitive difficulties) is one thing to consider during Adderall rehab. Programs must also involve plans for dealing with these medical issues.