Starting drug addiction recovery is never easy. However, the following tips for self help in discontinuing Adderall addiction can help you through the process. Recovery begins with the drug abuser when he or she decides that it's time to end the addiction. After this initial acknowledgement, the real work begins to continue on the drug recovery path.
Tips for Self Help in Discontinuing Adderall Addiction
If you began taking Adderall to help with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may have difficulty lowering your dose or stopping the medication even if you don't feel your disorder requires it. Other people who began taking Adderall simply to increase concentration or for a recreational drug high may feel they can't function during the day without the medication. The cravings are so intense that they return to the medication just to pacify the withdrawal symptoms, and this develops into an addiction. Whatever your reason for suffering from drug abuse, self help in discontinuing Adderall addiction can make a difference.
Make the Drug Unavailable
The first step is to remove all Adderall medication from your possession; this includes your emergency stash. If you have the medication readily available, you are more likely to turn to it when you are going through the roughest part of the withdrawal process.
Know the Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding what you will experience before it happens will help you prepare yourself. Withdrawal symptoms are temporary; if you can get through this phase, you will have a much better chance at recovery.
Find a Support Buddy
It's important that you have someone to call when you experience strong cravings. This person should be someone who will be able to talk you down from the anxiety you'll feel and help distract you from wanting the Adderall. It can be someone you live with or someone you just speak to over the phone. If you don't have a loved one you can trust, joining a drug addiction recovery group can help you find someone.
Join a Support Group
You may think you don't need to sit in a room and discuss your progress through drug addiction recovery, but sharing with a group has powerful effects and will increase your chances of recovery. Hearing the experiences, struggles and relapses of others going through the same thing you are will comfort you and give you strength to continue.
Make Obtainable Goals
Your ultimate goal is not having to take another dose of Adderall. To obtain this goal, it's a good idea to set smaller goals that are easier to accomplish. You can begin with not taking a dose for one day, and then try two days followed by a week. Each time you meet one goal, make another one. If you don't accomplish one goal, just get back on track and try to meet it again. Once you do, you'll be ready for another one. It may be helpful to reward yourself for meeting harder goals such as buying something that you want after abstaining for a month,. Setting goals will keep you on track and motivate you to move forward.
Relapse Is Often Part of Recovery
During recovery, there may be times you slip up and use again. Don't be too hard on yourself and become discouraged. This will only lead you back to addiction and make it more difficult to begin recovery again. Relapsing doesn't mean that you failed recovery and it's hopeless. It means you are human and not perfect. Accept that you made a mistake and move on with recovery. However, while it's normal to relapse, don't give yourself permission to do it. Don't tell yourself, "I'll just do it once and get back on recovery." Relapse is losing self-control and using in a moment of weakness that you'll soon regret.
Give Yourself Time
While the physical withdrawal symptoms may subside in a few weeks, you may experience the psychological symptoms for months. You'll have good days and bad days, and those will affect your recovery. It's helpful to tell yourself that it takes time for your mind to let go of your dependency on Adderall's effects. After time, you'll be able to find healthier coping strategies and end up relying on those on the most difficult days.
Staying Motivated in Recovery
Recovery isn't easy and may be the most difficult thing you will do in life. However, quitting Adderall drug addiction has long-term positive effects on your life. It'll save you money, your job and relationships. You'll be healthier, feel better about yourself and ultimately be a much happier and confident person.
