It’s unlikely that the lure of Adderall will ever disappear completely. Times will always crop up when you’ll need to focus better or you’ll be faced with a high-pressure situation. The appeal of this performance-enhancing drug makes it that much harder to kick the habit for good.
Although using Adderall may seem attractive at times, in the long run an addiction to Adderall will only harm you. The good news is that an Adderall addiction can be overcome. With the right help, you can break free and return to a fulfilling and substance-free life.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name for the chemical combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is a central nervous system stimulant. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy (overwhelming and sudden drowsiness).
Adderall is only available by prescription due to its potentially dangerous side effects. When consumption of Adderall is not supervised by a medical professional, side effects can include restlessness, dizziness, headaches, insomnia and more.
Despite harmful effects, Adderall has become a commonly abused drug, especially among students where academic and athletic performance are highly valued.
Is Adderall addictive?
Yes, Adderall can be addictive. Adderall is considered a stimulant, affecting the nervous system and increasing levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain inducing a state of calm and focus. Continued misuse can get you addicted to Adderall, as your brain is rewired to crave that calm feeling.
How addictive is Adderall? That depends on how much you take, how often you use it and the way your body reacts to it.
How to break free from an Adderall addiction
1. Get help
Having support throughout your recovery journey is the primary step you need to take if you’re serious about quitting your addiction. Enlisting a mental health professional will help you to process the origin of your drug use, your triggers and barriers to recovery.
Moreover, in therapy or counseling, you’ll learn skills to cope with stress and find ways to manage life’s difficulties without turning to Adderall. Behavioral therapy has proven to be an effective way to decrease rates of relapse for a variety of substances.
Having a counselor on your side will give you a sense of accountability, but you’ll also know that you have a safe environment to turn to if you take a step backward in your recovery.
2. Engage in evidence-based therapies
Once you have a mental health therapist on your team, this step will be much easier. It’s likely that your therapist will use several frameworks, but your treatment will definitely include cognitive behavior therapy or CBT. CBT helps individuals to identify thoughts and feelings that trigger problematic behavior and teaches skills to manage them in times of distress.
The efficacy of CBT for substance use has been proven in several studies. The American Psychological Association states that CBT has been shown to improve daily functioning and the quality of life and has produced better outcomes than most other therapies. It can also be used in combination with other therapies, such as relapse prevention therapy,
3. Learn ways to cope in the face of temptation
One of the best things you can do to overcome addiction is to identify your triggers to usage and find ways to cope when they are present. CBT naturally incorporates this process, but you’ll benefit from continuing to name triggers and calming strategies outside the office.
When a person uses Adderall, they are typically looking for a way to enhance some skill or feel calm. Think of ways you can cope that naturally allow you to achieve that end. Consider finding peaceful workspaces or meditating before athletic training.
4. Practice regular self-care
The best way to handle stressful situations is to create a strong foundation of mental wellness. Many triggering situations can be mitigated when you have peace of mind and have built habits that support your well-being.
Exercise, eating healthy, regular sleep and healthy social relationships are important ways that you should incorporate into your daily life to bolster your recovery from Adderall addiction. Add other self-care practices to your routine that you find appealing, whether it be a morning meditation or nightly stretches.
5. Keep it going
A major part of overcoming an addiction to any substance is just sticking to the grind. Hard days will come and go but so will good ones when you’re sticking with therapy, changing your behavior, learning ways to cope and practicing self-care.
As time passes, you’ll hone your skills, and every day it will be easier to say no to Adderall.
The support you need to kick an Adderall habit is just a phone call away. Real Recovery uses evidence-based therapies to provide treatment for those struggling with substance use. Take the first step and reach out for help by calling 855-363-7325.
