Methylphenidate Addiction Treatment

A comprehensive GUIDE to understanding your or your loved one’s addiction to methylphenidate and finding the best treatment program options.

12
minute read

Has methlyphenidate stopped working?

Has methlyphenidate stopped making you smarter, better, slimmer?

If you want to quit methylphenidate, but always end up using it again…it’s time to get help.

More here on what to expect during treatment for possible addiction. We’ll review how addiction is assessed and how you can know if you have a problem in the first place. In this article, we also take a look at the BEST PRACTICES in the medical treatment of addiction. Finally, we help guide you into a program that is right for you. Your questions are welcomed in the comments section at the end!

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Explore your treatment options & quit methylphenidate FOR GOOD!

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When do people get addicted?

Methylphenidate addiction typically occurs when you take it non-medically, or in excess of prescribed parameters. Those who abuse methylphenidate often take it:

  • Recreationally to get high.
  • As a weight loss pill.
  • To stay awake and improve alertness.
  • To improve physical and/or mental performance.

Methylphenidate is also often referred to as a “smart drug”. It abused for its reputation of improving school performance. NOTE THIS: When users take methylphenidate in ways other than prescribed, they can experience a “high” that is not felt when the drug is taken as indicated. It is this euphoric feeling that keeps some people coming back for more.

If you feel that your methylphenidate use is starting to control your life – DON’T LET IT. Contact us today and let us get you on the right track. 

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You’re Not Alone!
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Is Methylphenidate Addictive?

Yes.

Methylphenidate is definitely addictive. In fact, the Controlled Susbstances Act classifies methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

How can you know when your “harmless” recreational use has turned into a dangerous and progressing habit? You might be at risk of methylphenidate addiction when:

  1. Your close friends and family complain that you are aggressive, moody, irritable, argumentative, and hard to get along with due to methylphenidate use.
  2. You feel unable to meet deadlines and keep up with your peers at work/school without using methylphenidate.
  3. Your appetite is reduced and you experience weight loss.
  4. You experience troubles falling asleep because of methylphenidate use.
  5. You try to cut back or quit methylphenidate but never succeed.
  6. You believe that you learn quicker and more efficiently with the drug.
  7. You believe you work better and more productively only when taking methylphenidate.
  8. You like yourself better and the drug  makes you feel more powerful, social, talkative, self-confident, and less depressed.
  9. You develop symptoms of withdrawal such as depression or fatigue when you try to quit.

If you recognize some of these signs of addiction in yourself, why wait? Ask for help today. From anyone. A friend. A family member. Your partner.

If you feel like your life has been thrown off course due to methylphenidate addiction, take hope! Recovery can get you back on track. Call our helpline for a free and confidential assessment of your addiction and available treatment info.

Safely Breaking Free From Addiction

You may believe that methylphenidate is helping you feel better, deal with problems in life, and achieve your goals…but in reality it’s not. In fact, methylphenidate addiction slowly takes away your focus from other enjoyable things and directs it towards obsessive drug seeking and using.

So, let’s get real.

Denying that you have a problem does not mean that it will magically get resolved. You need to accept that your methylphenidate use has taken an unexpected course. Then, you can explore the numerous addiction treatment resources that can help you break free from methylphenidate addiction.

Call today to find out how to eliminate methylphenidate addiction from your life for good. Treatment helps you learn how to kick the habit for good. Addiction is a medical condition And it is effectively treated medically.

Q: How can you safely quit methylphenidate?
A: You need medical supervision during the process.

Fear of Withdrawal: What’s Detox Like?

It is relatively easy to develop a methylphenidate addiction, but ending one is made much more difficult by withdrawal symptoms. If you suddenly stop taking methylphenidate, you will experience withdrawal. Most people experience the following symptoms of withdrawal during methylphenidate detox:

  • agitation and irritability
  • binge eating
  • cravings (physical and psychological)
  • extreme depression
  • insomnia and disruption of sleep patterns
  • lack of focus
  • nausea
  • severe anxiety
  • suicidal thoughts
  • tiredness and exhaustion

Many attempt to stop methylphenidate and experience these harsh and unpleasant effects, and immediately go back to abusing the drug due to the intense discomfort. Experiencing these symptoms can make you feel afraid and discourage you from ever quitting or attempting to cut back doses again.

The best alternative – especially if you have experienced severe withdrawal in the past – is to check yourself into a professional detoxification facility. Detox programs involve short-term (1-2 weeks) inpatient treatment during which specially trained professionals monitor your withdrawal closely and administer medications to make the process as comfortable as possible.

One advantage of medical detox is that you will be away from your usual triggers and therefore be less likely to use methylphenidate to stop the symptoms when they begin. Don’t let the fear of methylphenidate withdrawal ruin your life. Call us NOW to find out how to get into detox today.

What About Co-occurring Disorders?

Addiction to methylphenidate can negatively impact your mental health. At the same time, those suffering from a metal heath disorder and/or a personality disorders are about twice as likely to use and abuse methylphenidate and other psychoactive substances. One of the most common underlying reasons why people turn to methylphenidate is because they are self-medicating issues such as:

Eating disorders
Depression
Lack of self-esteem
Workaholic and driven behaviors
Social anxiety

…and others.

When your methylphenidate addiction is associated with, aggravating, or causing mental health problems, then it is a part of a dual diagnosis and an appropriate treatment program is required. Call us today. Helpline specialists await to assist you in finding the best dual diagnosis recovery center right for you.

With the right course of treatment, strong support network and continued care you can manage both conditions successfully. Here are some therapies that may apply to you:

Medication – When you check into a dual-diagnosis recovery center, the doctor will often use medication along with another type of treatment such as therapy.

Dialectic Behavioral Therapy – This type of therapy has the goal of reducing self-harming behaviors that often accompany mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Integrated Group Therapy – Treats the symptoms of both substance use disorders and mental health illnesses all at once.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – It works to minimize problematic beliefs and behaviors and develop healthier thinking and behavioral patterns to sustain sobriety.

Individual Psychotherapy – This type of therapy treats behaviors related to substance abuse and/or particular behavioral or mental health problems.

What does addiction treatment look like?

Modern addiction programs treat the ‘whole’ individual on a physical, mental, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual level. If you are wondering what is the perfect mix of therapies for you and how you can find a reputable treatment program to help you achieve sobriety, here are the basic choices you can pick from:

1. INPATIENT vs. OUTPATIENT 

Selecting a treatment setting is influenced by your current situation. Experts also take into account other factors, such as:

Current employment status
Home environment
Mental and medical health history
Severity of addiction
Support system

Inpatient (residential) treatment is often recommended for individuals with high amounts of stressors and triggers in their environment, who have low or no recovery support, or who have a history of chronic substance abuse and have previous unsuccessful treatment attempts.

Outpatient treatment centers can work for those who are unable to stop working or attending school. Although these programs may provide the level of flexibility that you need, their effectiveness can be limited, especially if you require intensive medical and psychological recovery services.

2. PROGRAM DURATION 30, 60, 90 days or more if needed

The required minimum time spent in rehab is 30 days. However, 60 and 90 day programs offer significantly higher success rates as they allow more time for physical and psychological stabilization, therapy, and education. Again, this time period is based on inpatient rehab. Outpatient programs average 10-16 weeks in intensive duration, and then 1 year or more of follow up weekly work.

3. THERAPIES and AMENITIES included in your treatment

All good treatment for addiction should make use of a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Apart from these basic modalities, other options may be available. Addiction programs usually offer a combination of 12-step philosophies, evidence-based therapy protocols, and alternative holistic options that when applied together can maximize your chances of successful recovery and long-lasting sobriety.

4. DUAL DIAGNOSIS treatment for cooccurring disorders

The vast majority of people addicted to methylphenidate have underlying psychiatric problems that need to be addressed as issues separate from the substance use problem. These issues can be addressed in psychotherapy, in which professional counselors can help the client learn to relax and set realistic goals.

What Are the Stages of Treatment?

Although every recovery journey is different, there are a few basic steps that every reputable addiction treatment program should follow to help you make a safe, steady, and gradual transition from addiction to recovery.

STEP #1: EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT – This process happens at intake and includes an interview, physical and psychological examinations, and possibly a drug test. All this data is collected so the clinic staff can put together an effective and personal treatment plan.

STEP #2: DETOX – The initial focus of treatment will be to stabilize your acute and immediate medical and psychiatric condition. This means that medical detox is super important. Having a 24/7 medical supervision helps ensure your safety and sets you up for ongoing, successful treatment. Medical detox can help you manage the symptoms of acute withdrawal from methylphenidate in a controlled environment to improve comfort, minimize any risks, and improve future prognosis.

STEP #3: THERAPY – In addition to providing a safe and drug-free environment recover, rehabs should provide psychotherapy and behavioral therapies. These helps to uncover and resolve the root causes of your addiction. During therapy, you’ll be encouraged to adapt new behaviors that don’t involve methylphenidate use.

Therapies used in many rehabs include:

Pharmacological therapy.
Education.
Family therapy.
Individual and group therapy sessions.
Nutritional counseling and wellness activities.
Psychotherapy and behavioral therapies.

…and other supportive services.

STEP #4: AFTERCARE – Treatment facilities often continue their help even after you leave their facilities. Aftercare and relapse prevention are a crucial step of the recovery process and can increase your chances of rehab success. (We cover more about Aftercare and Relapse Prevention below).

Now that you know what methylphenidate addiction treatment generally entails, you are better prepared for what you can expect. Still have questions? Our hotline at 1-877-505-7214 is a free and confidential line where you talk to a trained counselor and find a methylphenidate treatment facility that suits your needs.

What happens when you call a hotline?

When you CALL our helpline you will talk with trained helpline professionals. They understand what you are going through. They will listen to you, answer questions, and walk you through the steps of getting into a program. Be prepared to talk openly and honestly about any of your addiction concerns, including:

  • Your drug of choice
  • How long you’ve been using
  • How much and how often you use
  • Whether or not you’re drinking or using other drugs
  • Other mental health issues you’re battling

We know that it can be hard to pick up the phone. So, our staff have been trained to understand addiction as a medical condition. Our methylphenidate hotline is:

FREE
Confidential
Anonymous
Judgement-free
Helpful

Hundreds of people just like you get in touch and seek treatment help every day. So, get back on your feet and learn how to stop using methylphenidate. Take back your future by calling us today.

We understand addiction. Compassion guaranteed. Call us.

Luxury and Executive Treatment Centers

Luxury and executive rehab centers offer amenities far beyond what can be found in standard treatment centers. While these amenities do come with a higher price, many individuals find that these extra comforts allow them a recovery process that creates a minimal impact on their professional and personal lives.

Luxury or Executive recovery programs usually include the following features:

  1. Business amenities. Luxury and executive treatment centers usually feature workspaces, meeting rooms, and access to Internet and phones. These features allow you to continue to operate your business while working through the treatment program.
  2. Confidentiality. Confidentiality is a top priority s. The only people who will know about your treatment are you, your family, your doctors and anyone else that YOU choose to share your experience with.
  3. Fewer patients. A lower staff-to-patient ratio offers the most personalized care. Your doctors will help you find what works for you, rather than running you through a standard treatment protocol.
  4. High-end services. Executive and luxury programs tend to include spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, private trainers, professional chefs, and larger, more private rooms.

Does this sound like the type of treatment you are looking for? We are available at 1-877-505-7214, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you need help finding the best program for you.

How to Help a Loved one with Methylphenidate Addiction

If you suspect that a loved one is abusing methylphenidate, you don’t have to wait for them to hit rock bottom to get help. Instead, it is important to seek professional help from a psychotherapist or treatment center.

When you are seeking professional help, keep the following questions in mind. For more help CALL US NOW to assess and evaluate a loved one’s problem. Questions we typically ask include:

  • How long do you suspect they have been using?
  • How long they’ve been showing signs of addiction?
  • What other drugs or alcohol do you think they’re using?
  • How do they abuse methylphenidate (orally, snorting, smoking, injecting)?
  • How much can they afford to pay for treatment?
  • Is insurance an option?
  • Could you (and/or other close family members) help them out financially?
  • Does the addicted individual suffer from co-occurring disorders?

The first conscious step to recovery starts when the addicted individual actively wants to participate in treatment. Trying to convince or force someone to get help through persuasion won’t help…it almost never does. As an alternative, try to discuss the possibility or willingness for the person to discuss their stance regarding substance use with a professional counselor, a therapist, or a peer.

In addition, since scolding, humiliating, or pushing a loved one into treatment is not effective, you can emphasize personal choice and control. Here are 3 examples of what you can say:

“It really is up to you to decide to make this change.”
“No one else can do it for you.”
“No one else can make you go to rehab.”

You can also look into the CRAFT Model of family training. CRAFT teaches you how to strategize and get someone into treatment after weeks of preparation…rather than an abrupt “intervention”.

Ongoing Treatment and Relapse Prevention

When rehab ends, you should receive a comprehensive aftercare plan that will help you live a life of long-term sobriety. For example, relapse prevention coaching can be part of your discharge process. Relapse prevention techniques for addiction should involve:

  1. Addressing pleasant memories of methylphenidate use.
  2. Preventing slips and preparing for triggers.
  3. Developing a lifestyle that’s recovery-oriented.
  4. Developing coping skills and stress-management skills.
  5. Learning about the relapse process.
  6. Reminders not to test the limits of your sobriety.
  7. Training in identifying warning signs of relapse and high-risk situations.

This may seem like a long task list, but you cannot expect to acquire all these skills during the period of 1-3 month treatment program. Aftercare extends into the weeks and months that follow formal treatment. You can receive this ongoing support in the form of:

Support groups
Touchup counseling
Alumni support

These elements will help you stay ‘in check’ and prompt you to continue to work on your recovery, so you won’t slip back into destructive habits.

If you are ready to find your way to recovery and start building a methylphenidate-free life today, don’t wait! Call for a 24/7 treatment and aftercare help.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders
NCBI: Availability and Effectiveness of Programs to Treat Methamphetamine Abuse
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
NCBI: The Search for Medications to Treat Stimulant Dependence
NCBI: Potential Adverse Effects of Amphetamine Treatment on Brain and Behavior: A Review
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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