Adderall is a popular stimulant amphetamine drug used in the United States to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall (generic names amphetamine and dextroamphetamine; closely related to Ritalin) is often abused and is highly addictive.
Some people even call Adderall “steroids for the brain” because it keeps the user alert and hyperactive for several hours. Many high school and college students believe that Adderall makes them feel “smarter” despite evidence to the contrary. It has become a popularly abused drug among young people.
Adderall is a very addictive drug. Besides the dependence and withdrawal symptoms Adderall can cause, many users believe they “need” the drug to function optimally. For this reason, it can be a very difficult addiction to treat. Even if a person has been treated for Adderall abuse, he or she might relapse.
Avoiding Adderall Relapse
I am very tempted to use Adderall right now. Just one last time…right?
Unfortunately, taking just one dose of Adderall after overcoming an addiction can take its toll. Just one dose can bring back withdrawal symptoms and create feelings of lethargy and depression as the Adderall wears off.
If you are tempted to return to Adderall use, this is actually a part of the relapse process. An emotional or mental relapse occurs when a former addict begins to think about the drug and begins to remember only the good parts of drug use. During this time you might be thinking, “If I were to use Adderall, when would I take it?” Other thoughts may include finding ways to get more Adderall, or debating whether or not one more use would make a difference.
If you are tempted to return to Adderall, it is very important to talk immediately with a trusted friend or family member. If you do not want to talk with anyone you know personally, we offer support through our 24 hour toll free helpline.
What To Do After a Relapse
If you have already relapsed, take heart. The fact that you are reading this right now indicates that you might be seeking help. Part of the addiction treatment process is relapse prevention and care. If you have already relapsed, there is strong support available to help get you back on track.
Adderall relapse happens for a variety of reasons—perhaps you were stressed, tired, or simply had too much on your plate. Perhaps there was an underlying issue bothering you that was not yet treated. Every relapse is different. A good counselor will never make you feel guilty about relapse (we are all very good at making ourselves feel bad about things without the help of others, aren’t we?) and will always help you uncover the reasons for your relapse and help you become stronger in the future.
You can call our toll free helpline to check out your options. Perhaps a short treatment “refresher” will help you. Perhaps you need to be in contact with a counselor. This is a good time to assess your recovery process. Sometimes relapse is sending us a clear message: “I can’t do it all; sometimes I need a hand.”
Adderall Relapse Help
There are many ways to help your loved one with an Adderall problem. But first, explore your options. Call our toll free number to discuss what you can accomplish. Some families just need someone to talk to during this trying time. Others need family counseling resources. And a few are able to conduct an intervention for their loved one and bring that person into treatment immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, so please call us to find out more about your options. You are not alone.
Just ask a question.
