Treatment of Add
Treatment for Add typically includes psychosocial treatment and medication. The medications for ADHD can include stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate compounds, or nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and tricyclic antidepressants. Mood-stabilizing drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine (Catapres, Kapvay) can also be used for the treatment of comorbidity in mood lability.
Stimulants
Stimulants act on the central nervous system to increase the level of alertness and vigor. They could be prescribed drugs, like amphetamines or dextroamphetamines. They can also be illegal substances, such as cocaine. The stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form. They can be crushed and snorted. If they are misused, stimulants can result in overstimulation which could result in anxiety or paranoia, jitters stomach cramps, headaches and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction and dependence.
Prescription stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine between brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. These drugs can also improve mood, reduce impulsivity and promote weight loss in certain people.
Both Ritalin and Adderall are stimulants. These drugs are prescribed by doctors for ADHD and narcolepsy. They can improve alertness and decrease impulsivity. These medications have a low risk of addiction, and can be taken as directed by your doctor.
There are non-stimulant medicines available to treat ADHD. However they take longer to begin working and don't work quite as effectively as stimulants. Some of these medications are not controlled substances, and have a lower chance of addiction or abuse.
What are the signs of a disordered use of stimulants?
The dependency on stimulants can be psychological or physical. Psychologically dependent stimulants feel a "need", and can't function without the drug. People who are physically addicted to stimulants experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance.
adhd treatments adults treated with stimulants are less likely to develop an addiction later on. However the protective effect diminishes as adolescents become adults.
How are stimulants abused?
While many people use stimulants to help them concentrate or lose weight, some use them for recreational reasons. Students and athletes in college are known to abuse stimulants prescribed by doctors to boost performance. It is essential for parents and teens to monitor their children's behavior and make sure that they are taking the medicine only as directed by a physician. Children with prescriptions might be enticed to sell or share their medications.
No matter the reason you or someone you love is abusing stimulants, it's not too to be too late to seek treatment. At Caron we offer an extensive treatment program for substance use disorders, including addiction to stimulants. Our highly trained staff will assist you in finding the right treatment program that meets your needs and get you back on the path to recovery. If you're ready change your life, get in touch with us today. You will find a broad range of resources to assist you in your journey to recovery. It is possible to overcome an addiction to stimulants and begin a life that is healthy and happy. The first step is always the most difficult however it could have the greatest impact on your life. Choosing to recover is the best decision you'll ever make for your loved ones and yourself.