Many people are prescribed prescription stimulants to help improve their ability to function with disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Not only are the individuals prescribed stimulants at risk for misuse, but others who are not prescribed them can also be at risk for misuse. Prescription stimulants can improve quality of life when taken as prescribed. When a stimulant is misused, addiction can occur and cause other mental health issues. We understand that many people feel there aren’t enough hours in a day. Others may feel they want to be more productive but can’t seem to be. These are all risk factors for misusing prescription stimulants.
Who Is at Risk for Prescription Stimulant Addiction?
Many Americas are taking prescription stimulants. Statistics in 2021 showed that millions of Americans are also misusing these types of medications. Prescription stimulants can be prescribed for a variety of reasons. Most stimulants are used to treat ADHD. Stimulants, when used properly, can help increase focus, energy, and alertness. These benefits can help improve your quality of life. These benefits could appeal to many individuals for multiple reasons; however, the misuse of prescription stimulants is a problem for many as well.
Other disorders, such as anxiety and depression, can occur simultaneously in the case that stimulants are being misused. Some may believe that prescription stimulants can help enhance performance in school, professionally, or socially. Because of this, prescription stimulant addiction can happen to just about anyone. The risk of misusing prescription stimulants can stem from a variety of places. Some individuals prescribed the medications may find themselves taking them more often than prescribed. Individuals taking prescription stimulants for ADHD are not the only ones at risk for misusing them.
Misuse of Prescription Stimulants
A common category of individuals who are at risk for misusing prescription stimulants includes students. Individuals who feel they could benefit from stimulants could potentially acquire stimulants in order to stay awake for long periods of time.
However, misuse of prescription stimulants can have dangerous effects on the body, which can lead to addiction. Overusing stimulants can cause serious effects such as psychosis. Addiction to stimulants can also make it difficult to function without them. This can make recovery seem like a daunting task.
The misuse of prescription stimulants can escalate to be considered substance use disorder or SUD. There is a variety of stimulants that can be prescribed by doctors, while others can be found being sold illegally. Regardless of how the prescription stimulant addiction started, we can help.
Warning Signs of Addiction
Avalon Malibu recognizes the warning signs of prescription stimulant addiction. It is important that you become aware of these signs, too, in case you or a loved one is struggling. Some warning signs of addiction to stimulants can include:
- Enlarged pupils
- Paranoia
- Being “jittery”
- Excessive weight loss
- Racing thoughts
Addiction of any kind can feel very isolating, so it’s important not to feel ashamed if you are struggling. We are able to help and want you to know that seeking help for addiction of any kind is brave. Recovery from addiction takes time and effort. We want to acknowledge that coming forward for help can be scary for some. Again, remember you are not alone in this. Our staff is full of wonderful professionals who are there to help you heal.
How Avalon Malibu Treats Prescription Stimulant Addiction
No matter the way in which a stimulant leads to SUD, Avalon Malibu can help you. Individuals seeking help with prescription stimulant addiction can be admitted to The Cottage House. Here, we can help you with your recovery journey. We also offer detox before admission to The Cottage House in the case that an individual has been taking the prescription stimulant for an extended period of time or has become dependent on it. There are three steps to detoxification which include:
- Evaluation
- Stabilization
- Entry into treatment
After detox, it is important that our clients understand the root causes of the addiction. This can be accomplished with a variety of therapies, including evidence-based and holistic treatments. Knowing the root cause of your addiction can help make you more aware and thus help prevent relapses. Depending on your needs, we offer intensive outpatient and residential programs. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) can be an option for those who don’t need constant monitoring. Regardless of which program is right for you, we will do our best to support you the whole way through.
Aftercare is an important piece to your recovery. Avalon Malibu can assist in preparing you to transition back into life outside of treatment. This can help prevent relapses and lessen any general anxiety surrounding the idea of leaving the safe space treatment has provided to you.
Millions of Americans are prescribed stimulants to help treat ADHD. Millions of Americans also reported misusing prescription stimulants. The effects that misusing stimulants have on the body can be extensive. No matter how the prescription stimulants were acquired, Avalon Malibu is here to help you heal from addiction. Some individuals can develop an addiction to prescription stimulants which requires detox before entering treatment. We offer a variety of treatment options and therapies to best support you. Recognizing that you need guidance regarding addiction is a brave first step. Reaching out to us is another good place to start. Call us at (844) 857-5992 for additional information on how we can help you begin your recovery from prescription stimulant addiction.
