How Do ADHD Medications Work?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a common diagnosis for young people. Namely, it’s a brain condition that causes trouble focusing and controlling impulses. Also, ADHD can make it hard to organize thoughts, remember details, and learn. According to the American Psychiatric Association, the number of ADHD patients has risen by 42 percent since 2003. Therefore, more types of ADHD medications called stimulant drugs are available. Above all, doctors prescribe these drugs to help individuals slow down and concentrate. In particular, WebMD states that stimulants help up to 80 percent of kids with ADHD. But, you’re likely wondering how do ADHD medications work to stop someone’s restless energy.

What ADHD Medications Do in the Brain

First, it’s helpful to learn about how the brain relays information. There are nerve cells named neurons that release chemicals across gaps called synapses. Afterward, these chemicals bind to neural receptors to send signals throughout the body. In contrast, ADHD interrupts how neurons send out these chemicals. Of course, they’re called stimulants because they stimulate more production of these brain chemicals, especially dopamine.
Further, ADHD drugs increase the receptor binding process so that more signals can be properly received. In other words, more of the brain is “turned on” to process information and pay attention. Fortunately, medications can make ADHD students more alert during class to solve academic problems.

Side Effects of ADHD Medications

However, taking ADHD medications certainly isn’t risk-free. Indeed, possible side effects range from mild to severe. For example, ADHD drugs like Focalin can disrupt your hunger and cause weight loss. Commonly, users of ADHD medications have difficulty falling asleep even 12 hours after their dose. At times, ADHD medicine results in a faster heartbeat and higher blood pressure.

Moreover, the stimulants might mess with moods and create bad tempers. Less frequently, ADHD patients report nausea, tremors, anxiety, and headaches. Yet, the worst concern is an addiction. Now that you’ve learned how do ADHD medications work, you see why they’d be attractive to students without the disorder. Abusing these drugs in high doses is dangerous. In particular, those addicted can suffer paranoia, delusions, vision problems, violence, and even heart attacks.

Visit Beaches Recovery for ADHD Medication Rehab

Have you been misusing ADHD drugs to improve your studies or party longer? Then, turn to Beaches Recovery before your addiction gets progressively worse. Our accredited, Jacksonville center can help you safely stop using stimulants. We specialize in providing high-quality treatment for teens and young adults who’ve lost control of drug use. Equally important, our skilled clinicians offer dual diagnosis plans to treat ADHD and addiction together. We’ve partnered with top insurance carriers to cover various services, such as:

• Student addiction treatment program
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Intensive outpatient program
• Medical detox at Tides Edge
• Mindfulness-based treatment

Don’t gamble with the chance of becoming addicted to ADHD medications. If you’re no longer following doctor’s orders, then Beaches Recovery wants to help. Preventing a downward spiral from Adderall to cocaine or heroin is our goal. Call us today at 866.605.0532 to get your life back on track.