Prescription Drugs for Children with ADHD
Problematic Children and Prescription Drugs
Thousands of children take prescription drugs for ADHD. ADHD is the most diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. Diagnosing children with this neurological disorder has increased over the last two decades.
ADHD has a spectrum of different symptoms. Pronounced behaviors create a problematic and ongoing pattern. ADHD is a history of problematic hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that causes adverse consequences. Prescription drugs are often prescribed in early childhood to treat ADHD.
Unfortunately, there is a high risk for drug addiction later in life.
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A Brief History
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is first observed in early childhood and can last into adulthood. Sir Alexander Crichton first observed it in 1798.
He wrote from a medical perspective in his book, “Attention Disease.” He described in detail many different psychological conditions. One of his summaries regarding attention reflects many of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
He also concluded that as they age, many of the presented symptoms subside. However, for about half, the symptoms are more manageable with age. The other half still have persistent problems in one or more areas of their life.
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The Wild Child
Children who have ADHD have difficulties paying attention. They lack impulse control and appear overly active compared to their peers. People label these children as “spirited.” Parents and teachers have difficulties raising children with ADHD.
The behaviors are so intense that it interferes with the ability to learn. Children with ADHD cannot seem to follow through with tasks. Some children cannot even provide the necessary consistency for self-care. They are often distracted and fail to complete their responsibilities.
What may seem like a lack of willpower is a psychiatric brain disorder that needs treatment. Children grow up taking their prescribed stimulant medication, and the risk of dependence and the potential for drug abuse increase with age. Teenagers engage in risky behaviors, acting on impulse without thinking about the consequences.
Prescription Drugs for ADHD
The choice to take prescription drugs can be hard. The most prescribed treatment for a child with ADHD is a stimulant. The potential for drug abuse is a risk. Prescription drugs can lead to drug abuse. Stimulants are highly addictive.
Stimulants are schedule class II drugs, meaning that the potential for abuse and dependence is a high risk. Many people end up going into drug rehab for prescription drug abuse due to their ADHD. Nevertheless, without medical intervention, the symptoms of ADHD will persist. There are many new ways to approach treatment. Many do not involve taking prescription drugs.
The Link Between ADHD and Drug Abuse
ADHD and drug abuse are common co-occurring conditions. They also share parallel signs and symptoms. When conditions overlap, treatment for two disorders usually involves integrated care.
Several studies have shown a strong connection between ADHD, drug abuse, and alcoholism. You cannot treat the one without adequately treating the other. Treating the underlying conditions allows you to address your drug abuse.
ADHD in Adults
The persistent patterns of problematic impulsiveness and hyperactivity lead to unhealthy relationships. Not being able to remember dates and keep consistent create ongoing strife. Acting on impulse can lead to multiple partners. Untreated ADHD leads to disorganized finances.
Being unable to pays bills leads to housing instability. Disorganization at work and missing deadlines cause job insecurity. Trouble multi-tasking can be a challenge. The hyper-focus in ADHD is problematic because they are unable to focus on other obligations.
For many people, a diagnosis does not come until adulthood. Getting treatment at any age is a relief. You can live a successful life with the tools to do so. It is never too late to get the medical care you deserve.
No Impulse Control
The hardest part of having ADHD is the sheer willpower to stop. Always in hindsight. The persistent lack of impulse control has both legal and social consequences. The impulse to take things. You may find yourself blurting out the first thing that comes to your mind.
This impulsive behavior can cause a strain on friendships and professional relationships. Window shopping turns into shopping sprees. They may impulsively spend their whole paycheck, despite having bills to pay. The ongoing lack of control leads to a myriad of troubles that seem to follow them for years.
Fortunately, adults can learn to manage their impulses. Those who have ADHD and drug abuse disorders are less likely to seek treatment.
Integrated and Mental Health Services and Drug Rehab
Today the understanding of how the brain functions encourage innovative psychotherapies. Holistic remedies blend with medical treatments. Individualized therapies target dual diagnosis and have multidimensional treatment for drug abuse. Choosing a drug rehab that can provide this level of care can make the road to recovering from drug abuse possible.
It is not easy to ask for help. Allow yourself the opportunity to get help; you will find that recovery is amazing. There are many levels of care in drug rehab, depending on your drug use and underlying conditions.
Reaching out to a drug rehab center is a way to get your questions answered without initial obligation. Proper treatment is the first step to managing your life and hitting your goals.
Behavioral Therapies
Long-term drug abuse can make prescription drugs, not an option. For many adults taking medications for ADHD, they do not work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another way to treat ADHD without prescription drugs. It explains that many of the problems start from false or negative thoughts.
When you have a positive disposition, it is easier to get things done. When done correctly, you create a consistent cycle. You will feel happier, have better self-esteem and impulse control, and finish tasks.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can last up to six months or longer. Like prescription drugs, some people respond differently. The length of time needed will depend on your commitment.
Drug Rehab
If you have a history of drug abuse and cannot control your impulses, you may need a higher level of care. Inpatient care can help you begin initial detoxing. It also decreases the opportunities to distract you and cause a relapse.
During early recovery, there is control over the desire to give in to cravings at this level of care. Inpatient drug rehab can use prescription drugs to ease withdrawal and allow you to regain control slowly. Comprehensive drug rehab will design a program that leads to recovery.
Treating drug abuse and addiction is not a straight line. There is no right path, only one goal: recovery. Understanding how co-occurring ADHD contributes to your drug abuse is a crucial step towards recovery.
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Attention to Details
Resurgence Behavioral Health has an integrated substance use disorder and mental health care program. This comprehensive care occurs within our treatment facility. Resurgence Behavioral Health understands the link between drug abuse and co-occurring mental disorders.
Integrative treatment is far superior compared to separate treatment for each diagnosis. If you are struggling with ADHD and drug abuse, reach out today. We can discuss ways that treatment can help you live a more stable and drug-free life.
It does not matter where you are in life. Your commitment to treatment at Resurgence Behavioral Health can transform your life. Resurgence understands the different levels of care provided through insurance.
We accept most major insurance carriers. To get you started, try our online insurance verification tool.
