Treatment of Add
Treatment of add usually involves medication and psychosocial treatments. Treatments for ADHD may include stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and tricyclic antidepressants. For comorbid mood instability such as mood stabilizers like clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine(Kappvay) can be prescribed.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that work on the central nervous system, causing alertness and energy. They could be prescribed substances, such as amphetamines and dextroamphetamines. They could also be illegal substances, such as cocaine. Stimulants can be swallowed in tablets or crushed, snorted and sucked, or dissolved in liquid to inject into the bloodstream. If stimulants are used in excess they can cause excessive stimulation, which can lead to anxiety as well as jitters and paranoia. They can also trigger headaches, stomach cramps and even aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause dependence and addiction.
Prescription stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They help by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. These drugs can also improve mood, lower anxiety and impulsivity, and aid in weight loss in certain people.
Medications like Ritalin and Adderall are both considered stimulants. These medications are prescribed by doctors for ADHD and narcolepsy. They can help increase alertness and reduce impulsivity. These medications are low-risk of addiction and can be taken according to your doctor's instructions.
There are a variety of non-stimulant medications available to treat ADHD however, these medications take a longer time to begin working and don't work as effectively as stimulants. Certain of these drugs, such as atomoxetine (Provigil), are not controlled substances, and are therefore at an lower risk of abuse or addiction.
What are the signs of a Stimulant Use Disorder?
The addiction to stimulants could be physical or psychological. Psychologically dependent stimulants feel a "need", and can't function without the drug. Those who are physically addicted to stimulants experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.
Adolescents who are treated with stimulants have a lower risk of developing addiction to alcohol or other drugs. The protective effect decreases as teens age.
What are the signs of abuse?
Some people use stimulants for weight loss or to boost concentration, while others use them for fun. Students and athletes in college are known to abuse stimulants prescribed by doctors to boost performance. Parents and teens should monitor their children to ensure they are only taking the medicine according to the prescription of a doctor. Children with prescriptions might be tempted to share or sell their medicines.
Whatever the reason, if you or someone you care about is taking stimulants, it's never late to seek treatment. At Caron we provide a comprehensive treatment program for substance use disorders, including addiction to stimulants. Our expert staff will help you find the best treatment plan that meets your needs and get you back on the path to recovery. If you're ready to make a change in your life, get in touch with us today. There are add treatment for adults to aid you in your journey to recovery. It's possible to overcome an addiction to stimulants, and live a life of happiness and health. The first step is the most difficult, but it will have the biggest impact on your life. Making the decision to recover is the best decision you can ever make for your loved ones and for yourself.