Blog entry by Simone Copley

Anyone in the world

Treatment of Add

Treatment of add usually involves psychosocial and medication. The medications for adhd treatment options can include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds or non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) and tricyclic antidepressants. Mood-stabilizing drugs such as clonidine and Guanfacine (Catapres, Kapvay) can also be used for an underlying mood disorder.

Stimulants

general-medical-council-logo.pngStimulants are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to improve alertness and energy. They can be prescription drugs, such as amphetamines or dextroamphetamines. Or they can be illegal substances, like cocaine. Stimulants are available in liquid or tablet form. They can be crushed and taken in snorts. When abused, stimulants can result in overstimulation which could lead to anxiety, jitters, paranoia stomach cramps, headaches and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can adhd get Worse if untreated cause dependence and addiction.

Prescription stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd in adults untreated) and narcolepsy. They function by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain synapses. This improves concentration and decreases fatigue. These medications can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and aid in weight loss in some people.

Both Ritalin and Adderall can be classified as stimulants. These medications are prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy. They can increase alertness and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. These medications have a low risk of addiction, and can be taken as directed by your physician.

There are non-stimulant medicines available to treat ADHD. However they take longer to kick in and don't work quite as well as stimulants. Some of these medications like atomoxetine (Provigil) aren't controlled substances and carry less risk of addiction or abuse.

what can untreated adhd lead to are the signs of stimulant use disorder?

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngThe dependency on stimulants can be physical or psychological. Psychologically dependent stimulants feel an "need", and can't function without the drug. People who are physically addicted to stimulants experience withdrawal symptoms after they stop taking the substance.

The adolescents who are treated with stimulants are less likely to develop addiction later on. However, this protective effect wanes when adolescents turn into adults.

How are stimulants abused?

Although many people use stimulants to help them focus or lose weight, others use them for recreational purposes. Students and athletes have been known to misuse prescription stimulants in order to boost their performance. Parents and teenagers should be watching their children to ensure that they are only taking the medication as prescribed by a physician. Children who have prescriptions could be enticed to share or sell their medications.

It's never too late for treatment, no matter why you or someone near you is using stimulants. At Caron we provide a comprehensive treatment program for substance use disorders, including stimulant addiction. Our specialized team will help you find the right treatment program for your specific needs, and help you get back on the road to recovery. If you're ready change your life, get in touch with us now. There is a wide variety of resources to help you on the path to recovery. It is possible to overcome a dependency on stimulants and begin a new journey of health and happiness. The first step is the most difficult, yet it will have the biggest impact on your life. Choosing to recover is the best choice you'll ever make for your loved ones and for yourself.