Adderall is a prescription stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and young adults. Because this medication is habit-forming, it is generally recommended not to be taken during both adolescence and adulthood (for more than several years successively). Adderall is made from a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two stimulant drugs that work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that contribute to impulse control. In addition to treating ADHD, this medication is sometimes used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. It is rarely used alone and is often combined with additional treatments such as behavioral therapy and social intervention.
Some people who suffer from depression might be inclined to take Adderall as a form of self-medication, seeing as this specific prescription drug has improved mood and productivity. However, Adderall is not designed to medicate depression. For more information on prescription drug addiction treatment, contact Evoke Wellness at Miramar at 866.931.9312.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects the elevation or lowering of one’s overall mood. Clinical depression is characterized by chronic, severe, and debilitating depression and low mood. A person suffering from clinical depression has almost every aspect of their daily life negatively impacted and can lose interest and joy in things they once loved or withdraw socially. Persistent depressive disorder is a milder but long-term depression. Bipolar Disorder is marked by extreme mood swings, from depressed lows to manic highs. Postpartum depression occurs in women after childbirth. All forms of depression have several key symptoms in common.
Some symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest or enjoyment in activities
- Discontent, guilt, and/or hopelessness
- Overwhelming sadness
- Sleeping too little or too much, insomnia
- Weight change due to loss of appetite or excessive eating
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor hygiene and self-care
- Rumination
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Depression can be a very severe life-long illness. A number of things can cause depression, including past traumatic events, extended illness, giving birth, losing someone, negative life changes, family history, loneliness, or substance abuse. Depression is not easy to pull oneself out of without professional help, support, and treatment. Unfortunately, this leads many to attempt to self-medicate in ways they think will be helpful to them, but ultimately usually just worsen their condition. It becomes a vicious cycle that is hard to break alone, and many who suffer from depression are wrongfully deemed “lazy” when in reality, they want better for themselves but either don’t think they deserve it or can’t motivate themselves to reach out for help.
Will Adderall Help You with Depression?
Does Adderall help with depressive disorders? In short, the answer is no. However, Adderall is sometimes used to treat adolescents or young adults who struggle with ADHD and depression simultaneously. Because people who take Adderall feel more alert and energetic. People who suffer from depression tend to feel sluggish and tired throughout the day; this medication can have positive effects.
However, these effects are often short-lived and mask the underlying issue rather than effectively treat it. It is also important to note that benefits will generally only be experienced if the patient also has ADHD (not just depression). If you know somebody who has been taking Adderall without a written prescription, they are engaging in drug abuse, and there is a good chance that they need professional help to stop.
People who struggle with depression often suffer from a lack of motivation and have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. However, Adderall is not an FDA-approved medication for depression, and taking this medication other than as prescribed can be extremely dangerous. Depressive disorders must be treated by professionals in a designated facility. At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment options, treating men and women of all ages who have been struggling with a substance abuse disorder and an underlying mental illness.
Discover Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
Evoke Wellness at Miramar effectively treats dual diagnosis disorders by combining proven behavioral and psychotherapies with medication-assisted treatment options and psychiatric care. We understand that many people who suffer from undiagnosed or untreated depressive disorders attempt to alleviate their symptoms by using different medications and illegal drugs. However, we also know that attempting to self-medicate will only exacerbate the symptoms of the underlying mental illness and make them worse over time.
Our team of experienced substance abuse and mental health professionals has extensive experience treating men and women who struggle with dual diagnosis disorders. If you would like to learn more about our dual diagnosis recovery program, simply pick up the phone and give us a call at 866.931.9312 or fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
