Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Focalin is a stimulant medication, prescribed to treat symptoms of ADHD. It is used off-label to treat narcolepsy as well. Focalin’s generic name is dexmethylphenidate. Like other stimulants and ADHD medications, Focalin acts on certain brain neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. The effects of Focalin on the brain can lead to abuse, especially when it is taken in high doses. High doses of Focalin can cause euphoria, a rush of energy, increased sociability, concentration and focus, and the ability to stay awake for long periods of time. Focalin also decreases appetite, so it’s sometimes abused as a way to lose weight. At therapeutic doses, the risk of abuse is relatively low with Focalin; however, when it is used recreationally this risk is high.

Focalin addiction symptoms can include:

• compulsive use of the drug
• continuing to use it even when there are negative side effects
• preoccupation with the drug
• the sense that a person can’t feel normal without it
• putting oneself in dangerous situations -either while high or to get more of the drug
• problems at school, work and in relationships.

These are all addiction symptoms that could indicate that someone needs professional treatment. Treatment options for Focalin addiction can include medical detox, outpatient rehab, and inpatient residential treatment.

ITypically, when someone is addicted to a drug they’re also dependent upon it. Focalin dependence means that when a person suddenly stops using the drug, they will experience withdrawal. Focalin and stimulant withdrawal symptoms aren’t usually life-threatening but they can require medical attention and treatment. During a Focalin medical detox, a patient is provided with care and medications to keep them safe and comfortable as they go through withdrawal. Many inpatient addiction treatment centers include a medical detox as part of the program. It’s essential to fully detox from Focalin before beginning addiction treatment.

Focalin rehabilitation programs can differ in some ways, like the length of the program or the specific approach of the program. Regardless, there are some key traits that rehab programs should have in common. First and foremost, Focalin rehabilitation should be based on the idea that addiction is a chronic but manageable disease. Rehab usually includes a variety of therapy approaches, such as group, individual and family therapy, as well as supplemental therapies. The goal of any rehab program is to help the individual avoid relapse and return to their life in a productive, meaningful way. Focalin rehabilitation programs should also include treatment for co-occurring mental health issues and long-term follow-up planning to help prevent relapse.

Inpatient Focalin rehab is also called residential treatment. At an inpatient Focalin rehab, the participant lives in a facility and they work with a team of counselors and other addiction professionals. Inpatient Focalin rehab can last from a few weeks up to a few months. There are also long-term residential treatment programs that last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Residential treatment facilities usually include a combination of therapy approaches in a structured environment. A residential Focalin treatment facility is also likely to include medical care around-the-clock. An inpatient Focalin rehab provides an environment in which the entire focus is on treatment and recovery, and there is a sense of safety, support and supervision. Many participants in inpatient rehab programs then move onto recovery housing and, finally, move to outpatient treatment as they progress through the steps of their treatment plan.

Outpatient Focalin rehab is focused on therapy and is usually guided by a behavioral health counselor. The sessions take place on a regular schedule, and they can involve individual therapy, group therapy or a combination of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used during outpatient Focalin rehab, and family therapy and motivational interviewing can be used as well. At first, with outpatient rehab, patients will usually attend several sessions throughout the week. Outpatient Focalin rehab allows the patient to continue living their normal life and they can remain at home during treatment.

There are so many considerations that go into choosing a Focalin rehab center. For people who haven’t been addicted to Focalin for a long time or who only occasionally abuse the drug, an outpatient rehab program could be sufficient. On the other hand, if someone chronically abuses Focalin or has complex elements that need treatment, such as co-occurring mental health conditions, inpatient rehab may be the best option. Some people will begin with an outpatient rehab program and if they don’t feel that it was right for them, they will enter into an inpatient program. On the other hand, some people will begin with inpatient treatment and then move to an outpatient program as part of their continuing aftercare plan.

To learn more about inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment, as well as medical detox, reach out to us at The Recovery Village today.