Treatment of Add
Treatment for Add typically involves psychosocial and medication. Treatments for ADHD may include stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds, or non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and tricyclic antidepressants. Mood-stabilizing drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine (Catapres, Kapvay) can also be utilized to treat comorbid mood lability.
Stimulants
Stimulants act on the central nervous to increase energy and alertness. They can be prescription medications such as amphetamines or dextroamphetamines. They can also be illegal substances, like cocaine. Stimulants can be swallowed in tablet form, crushed and snorted, or dissolved in liquid to inject into bloodstreams. When add treatment natural are abused, they can cause overstimulation that can cause anxiety, jitters, and paranoia. They can also trigger headaches, stomach cramps, and even aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction and dependence.
Prescription stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They are effective by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in brain synapses, improving concentration and decreasing fatigue. These medications can also improve mood, reduce impulsivity and promote weight loss in some individuals.
Both Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants. These medications can be prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They can improve the alertness of patients and decrease impulsivity. These medications are not at risk of addiction and can be taken according to the instructions of your physician.
There are non-stimulant drugs available to treat ADHD. However, they take longer to kick in and don't perform as well as stimulants. Certain of these medications, such as atomoxetine (Provigil) are not controlled substances and carry an lower risk of dependence or abuse.
What are the symptoms of a Stimulant Use Disorder?
Dependence on stimulants could be psychological or physical. People who are psychologically dependent on stimulants develop a "need" for the drug and feel that they are unable to be able to function without it. Those who are physically addicted to stimulants suffer withdrawal symptoms after they stop taking the drug.
Children who are treated with stimulants are less likely to develop an addiction later on. However, this protective effect wanes as adolescents grow older.
How are stimulants abused?
While many people take stimulants to aid in their focus or lose weight, some use them for recreational reasons. College students and athletes are known to abuse prescription stimulants to enhance performance. Parents and teens must monitor their children to ensure they are taking only the medication as prescribed by a doctor. Children with prescriptions might be tempted to share or sell their medication.
No matter the reason you or someone you love is using stimulants, it's never too to be too late to seek treatment. Caron offers a full range of treatment for substance abuse disorders, including addiction to stimulants. Our specialized staff will assist you in finding the best treatment program to meet your specific needs and help you get back on track to recovery. If you're ready to make a change in your life, contact us now. There are countless resources to assist you along the path to recovery. It is possible to overcome an addiction to stimulants and start a new life of health and happiness. The first step may be the most difficult, yet it has the greatest impact on your life. Making the decision to recover is the best decision you could ever make for yourself and your loved ones.