How To Help A Crystal Meth Addict
What is Crystal Methamphetamine? Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth is a highly addictive white cystalline drug that can be taken by snorting, smoking or injecting into the body. The drug also has some common street names such as …
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Symptoms Of Depression Include:
- Persistent depressive disorder , which is a depressed mood lasting for two years or longer
- Postpartum depression, which involves depression and associated anxiety that develop two weeks to six months after giving birth
- Psychotic depression, which occurs when someone has severe depression plus some type of psychosis, like hallucinations or delusions, which typically have a depressive theme
- Seasonal affective disorder , a depressive condition affected by the amount of sunlight during different seasons. This most often occurs during the winter, but some people experience SAD during the summer.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder , a form of depression with symptoms that appear or get worse during hormonal cycles related to menstruation
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, which can be diagnosed in both children and adults
Risk factors for depression include genetics, family history, personality, environmental factors including trauma or toxins, and substance abuse. These all increase the risk of developing depression, and they can make the symptoms of this mood disorder worse.
Can Adhd Meds Help With Depression
In some cases, people with ADHD may also display symptoms of depression. ADHD medications, including Adderall, can help with depression. Be sure to discuss with your prescribing physician about potential side effects of taking Adderall, as one side effect can actually include feeling depressed, particularly if dosing instructions are not followed or if Adderall is abused.
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Side Effects And Downsides Of Using Adderall To Treat Bipolar Disorder
There are some downsides to using Adderall to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. These include:
- Risk of manic episodes. Using stimulants like Adderall during a depressive episode may increase the risk of a manic episode. A 2008 study found that 40 percent of participants using stimulants for bipolar disorder experienced stimulant-associated mania.
- Tolerance. Using Adderall over a long period of time may lead to tolerance. In these cases, a person may need higher doses of Adderall to feel its effects. This may increase the risk of severe side effects or overdose.
- Addiction. Adderall has a high potential for misuse and addiction.
Some additional side effects that commonly occur when using Adderall include:
During a manic episode, its common to have symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. Some examples include:
- trouble paying attention
- feelings of restlessness
- making impulsive decisions
These symptoms often go away when a manic episode ends. However, its also common for bipolar disorder and ADHD to occur together.
In people with both bipolar disorder and ADHD, stabilization of mood using medications like mood stabilizers or antipsychotics often takes precedence over treating ADHD symptoms. Sometimes, stimulants may be used along with these medications.
Taking Adderall For Treatment
The use of stimulants like Adderall for cases of treatment-resistant depression is not very common these days. It is much more common for a psychiatrist to put the patient through the ringer of SSRI, SNRI, Tricyclic, and MAOI classes before they are likely to consider a psychostimulant. This is in part due to the fact that these have not been directly approved by the FDA for depression. However, if we take a look at most of the literature surrounding psychostimulants in cases of treatment-resistant depression, it seems to indicate that not only do they work, they work quite effectively.
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Drugs Commonly Used By Teens
Teens abuse the same drugs that adults do. Drugs of abuse range from legal to illegal, and can be natural or unnatural. Be aware of all the common drugs used by teens so you can determine behavioral flags that indicate drug abuse.
The most used drugs by teens are alcohol, cannabis and nicotine. Illicit drugs and prescription substances are less common.
How drugs are taken plays a role in the decision-making process around which drugs teens will take. In general, drugs that are easier to take like pills, drinks and smoking will be more common than snorting or injecting.
The Effects Of Adderall Use
Is Adderall Harmful? Adderall is a form of amphetamine prescribed for the treatment of: 1 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Narcolepsy. It is available in 2 forms : immediate release and extended release. 1 Both forms are suitable for …
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How Antidepressants Can Help With Adhd Symptoms
Like stimulants, antidepressant drugs raise your brain’s levels of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Doctors have found that these drugs can help people with ADHD improve their attention span. They also help keep a lid on behavior like being impulsive, hyperactive, or aggressive.
Some adults with ADHD also have depression and anxiety. Antidepressant drugs might be an option if that’s your situation, since they can treat these conditions as well ADHD.
Signs Of Teen Drug Use
Signs of drug use in teens refer to changes that an observer can spot and might act as a clue to confirm drug abuse. Signs can fall into a few broad categories: paraphernalia, physical signs and psychological signs.
Drug paraphernalia refers to items or tools used to ingest, hide or use different drugs. The different forms of paraphernalia vary depending on the drug and how the drug must be ingested to work. Finding paraphernalia is one of the warning signs of teen drug use.
Common pieces of paraphernalia by consumption method include:
- Injection: a rubber cord or belt for tying the arm, alcohol swabs, cotton balls for filtering, lighters, needles, spoons with burn marks, syringes.
- Smoking: glass or metal pipes, lighter , straws , tin foil, water pipes .
- Snorting: razor blades, rolled up dollar bills, small mirror, snuff bullets, straw .
If you are suspicious of a specific drug, look up symptoms of that specific drug. If you are suspicious but not sure which drug someone is abusing, general physical symptoms of drug abuse may include:
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Dry eyes, pupils which are larger or smaller than normal
- Slurred speech, tremors, poor coordination
- Sniffing or runny nose
- Strange odors on breath or clothing
- Sudden change in weight weight gain or loss
General psychological symptoms of drug abuse may include:
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Seeking Help For Depression
A person can visit a doctor, who can offer advice on the treatment options for depression. They may prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, or suggest that the person seek therapy.
A variety of online therapy services is available for a person to choose from, or they can ask the doctor for a recommendation.
Some people may also benefit from joining a support group, where they can meet people facing similar challenges and share experiences and coping mechanisms.
A person may also wish to try relaxation exercises, meditation, acupuncture, or massage therapy.
Various crisis hotlines are available to those who need to talk with somebody urgently.
Can Adderall Act As An Antidepressant
Though many people believe that Adderall is a perfect way to quickly and easily improve their mood, it is not an approved treatment for depression. Depression should be treated separately by a medical professional and you should not take Adderall without a medical consultation and personalized prescription. Adderall can provide a short-term boost in mood, but it is not a long-term solution and should not be relied upon as a crutch. If you are struggling with depression, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your condition.
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Does Adderall Cause Depression
Adderall can have profound effects on your brain and body. But can it cause depression as a potential side effect? As a stimulant, Adderall is likely to make you feel excited, alert, and awake, but it does come with some uncomfortable side effects, including anxiety, insomnia, and panic attacks. Depression is not usually associated with Adderall as a common side effect, but it may happen when the drug starts to wear off.
Central nervous symptom depressants can cause depression, fatigue, and low mood as the drugs wear off. Depression may be more severe if youve become dependent on the drug before quitting. If youre going through Adderall withdrawal, depression can be severe, leading to suicidal thoughts or actions. If you experience these feelings, seek help as soon as possible.
What Is Adderall And How Does It Work
Adderall is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Its made up of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is part of the stimulant drug class.
Like other central nervous system stimulants, Adderall works by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. These are chemicals used by nerve cells to communicate with each other.
Norepinephrine and dopamine are both related to mood, focus, cognition, and alertness. When a person with ADHD takes Adderall, symptoms like difficulty concentrating, impulsive behavior, and fidgeting are alleviated.
However, sometimes people who dont have ADHD take Adderall or similar medications like Ritalin to improve their performance at school or work. However, due to these drugs effects on the brain, this form of drug use increases the risk of developing an addiction significantly.
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Does Wellbutrin Help You Focus
Wellbutrin is not indicated to treat symptoms of ADHD, such as the inability to focus. However, Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD treatment. It may not be as effective as a stimulant for ADHD symptoms, but for certain patients who canât tolerate stimulants or have a history of abuse, Wellbutrin may be an appropriate option.
How To Avoid Depression Or Other Symptoms While Taking Adderall
As with any medication, its absolutely important to follow your doctors Adderall® dosage prescription to the letter and read any label instructions carefully. You need to work closely with your physician while you are taking Adderall® so that the medication can be properly managed, which can entail starting at a low dose, adjusting based on how you feel and any symptoms you may experience, and tapering off Adderall® responsibly once the decision is made to stop using it.
You should also feel comfortable discussing your treatment plan with your doctor. As part of that, you should give your doctor your family health history, as Adderall® use may not be advised if issues such as mental health disorders or cardiovascular problems run in your family. Plus, you should also tell your doctor about any supplements or other medications you are currently taking to ensure that they dont conflict with your Adderall® prescription. This could render the Adderall® less effective or cause problems such as headaches, dry mouth or changes to your sex drive, among others.
Finally, dont hesitate to set up an appointment with your physician if you are experiencing the signs of depression or other Adderall® side effects. Some side effects can be easily mediated if you are having difficulty sleeping, for instance, it may be a matter of not taking a pill too late in the afternoon, so you are ready to go to bed in the evening.
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How Stimulants For Treatment
Stimulants are often used for treatment-resistant depression, usually along with another oral antidepressant, such as an SSRI.
Stimulants and psychostimulants for treatment-resistant depression have been used in addition to conventional antidepressants for decades, and with great success. In a study carried out on those with treatment-resistant depression, 38 out of 65 patients showed significant improvement in response to psychostimulants. Despite concerns in the medical field, none of the subjects in this study showed serious side-effects or developed drug dependency.
This doesn’t mean that stimulants are always safe, or that they always work. These kinds of medications can have severe side-effects and dangerous interactions with other drugs, so they must always be taken under guidance from a medical professional.
Is Wellbutrin Or Adderall More Effective
No data is available comparing the two drugs directly, most likely because they are in different categories. Therefore, comparing Wellbutrin and Adderall is difficult because they are often used for different purposes. For example, if you have depression, Wellbutrin would be a better choice. If you have ADHD and no history of a substance use disorder, Adderall may be a better choice. If you have ADHD and cannot tolerate Adderall, Wellbutrin may be less effective for ADHD but a better option for you. If you have both ADHD and depression, Wellbutrin may help both conditions.
The most effective medication for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can consider your symptoms, medical condition and history, and other medications you take that may interact with Wellbutrin or Adderall.
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Does My Child Need Professional Treatment
If teen addiction is a problem in your family, your first step is to reach out to a professional like your childs doctor, guidance counselor, or one of our addiction specialists at The Recovery Village.
A professional can help you assess the situation and determine any next steps to take and if teen drug rehab is necessary. If your child needs help, a professional will go over substance abuse treatment options with you and your child.
If you notice signs that your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, take action now most people would rather enter drug rehab for teens than drug rehab for adults down the road.
Teen Drug Abuse Facts And Statistics
Teen drug use statistics are looking more positive than ever. Take a look at some teen drug use facts:
- Use of illicit drugs is lower than ever in the United States, at least since we started measuring. In the last five years, the use of all drugs except has decreased in teens.
- Vicodin use has dropped by over 60% among high schoolers and only 30% say it is easy to obtain, compared to 50% ten years ago
- Alcohol use and binge drinking is down to between 10-30% amongst high schoolers depending on their age
- Cigarette smoking is lower than it has ever been at around 1-3% of high schoolers, depending on age
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Using Adderall For Depression
Though ADHD and depression can be diagnosed separately or together, says Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine, its better to treat one condition at a time. Even though ADHD can cause depression and stimulants like Adderall can help with symptoms of both conditions, it’s often best to treat the depression first, Dr. Dimitriu explains. Once mood is regulated, cognitive function can be evaluated.
“It is important to realize that certain treatments in psychiatry, like stimulants, are more of a bandaid than a fundamental treatment,” says Dr. Dimitriu.
Often, medications that are FDA-approved to treat depression like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are better treatment options for depression symptoms even in people with ADHD.
Other treatment options for depression, in addition to or in place of medications, may include alternative therapies such as:
While other medications are often more effective for treating depression, Adderall also comes with additional risks. “Adderall can be habit-forming, and people with depression may abuse the substance because it can provide a high,” adds Nicole Arzt, MS, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Signs It Is Time To Seek Help For Adderall Addiction
Addiction Center recommends seeking help when answering yes to any of the following questions:
- Do you have bouts of manic behavior?
- Have you experienced a loss of appetite? Excessive weight loss?
- Are you withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you once enjoyed?
- Are you experiencing financial troubles?
- Do you feel or act aggressively?
- Do you sleep for prolonged periods of time?
- Do you feel exhausted?
- Have you developed secretive behaviors?
- Are you suffering from memory loss? Are you unable to complete thoughts?
- Are you having relationship problems?
- Has your interest in and attention to personal hygiene declined?
- Have you increased the frequency of taking Adderall? Are you running out of your Adderall prescription early?
- Are you working harder and longer but being less effective in your work output?
- Are you having trouble concentrating?
- Do you feel disoriented?
- Do you engage in impulsive behaviors?
If any of these symptoms describe you then it is time to consider getting help for your Adderall addiction.
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How To Avoid Depression While Taking Adderall
Most of the time when a person is first starting on Adderall, their doctor will start them on the lowest dose possible, and only increase when and if it becomes necessary.
On the other hand, when someone is going off Adderall, their healthcare provider will usually have them taper off of the drug slowly to minimize potential Adderall withdrawal symptoms.
Both of these techniques, when used in combination, can minimize side effects of the drug and withdrawal symptoms as well.
It can also be helpful for a person to let their physician know if they are taking any other medications or supplements, or if they have a history of mental or behavioral health disorders.
A person with a history of mental health conditions, especially bipolar disorder, may want to stay off Adderall entirely and discuss alternatives with their physician.
How Is Serotonin Syndrome Treated
If you experience serotonin syndrome, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms. They may recommend:
- Benzodiazepines, or muscle relaxants, such as lorazepam or diazepam
- Serotonin-production blocking agents, such as cyproheptadine
- Heart rate and blood pressure medications: such as nitroprusside or phenylephrine
In certain circumstances, your doctor may order oxygen, intravenous fluids , or a breathing tube and machine.
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