Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is often used to treat people with anxiety disorders. It is a benzodiazepine, which means that it affects the central nervous system. Since it brings positive and calming sensations, a person may become easily addicted. When used for long periods, a person may become tolerant and require more to get the same effects. Cravings can begin and lead to improper behaviors.

When addiction strikes, people may use strange methods to achieve pleasant effects. For example, some individuals begin smoking the drug. Unfortunately, this habit can cause devastating health consequences. It is vital to follow medical advice so that misuse does not become a problem.

What is Xanax?

To repeat, Xanax is prescribed to people with high levels of anxiety or panic. It increases the effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters, especially GABA. GABBA has calming properties, relaxes muscles, and slows brain activity.

Since Xanax can cause a person to feel drowsy, it is recommended that a patient take it before bed. This particular drug works quickly and stops working fast. In other words, it only provides relief from symptoms for a short time. When repeat anxiety occurs, a person will want to take more of the medicine. Often, this begins the cycle of addiction.

When it comes to dosing, each patient is different. Most doctors start low and slowly increase the dosage until the best results occur. Older individuals with mobility issues are advised to use extreme caution. Xanax may dampen muscle function, which can raise the risk of falls.

Should I Smoke Xanax?

Although a person who needs Xanax is given a prescription on a short-term basis, some individuals become hooked and require more. In fact, they resort to drastic measures so that they achieve a high. Often, Xanax is found on the streets. People use it for recreational purposes, which is extremely dangerous.

Normally, Xanax is prescribed in pill form. However, snorting and injecting Xanax are becoming two popular methods of consuming the drug. Some individuals are smoking the medication as well. Most people fail to realize that smoking Xanax does not bring the same intense effects. However, users may combine Xanax with other drugs and smoke the mixture. Since Xanax may interact with these other drugs, fatal results may occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 92 percent of Xanax overdoses include a combination with an opioid. On the other hand, mixing Xanax with a stimulant may mask the effects. This makes a person take more. In this case, an overdose is likely as well.

Risks and Dangers of Smoking Xanax

To repeat, Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine family. It lowers the body’s temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. By smoking the drug, it is not digested properly, which heightens its side effects. Likewise, heating the drug may change its composition. When consumed with alcohol or an opioid, respiratory distress may result. Other health issues may arise as well.

• Lung Irritation. Smoke can irritate and inflame the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. Also, coughing and wheezing may begin.
• Cardiac Problems. Smoking Xanax may strain a person’s heart. Therefore, blood pressure increases. This can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
• Aspiration Pneumonia. Inhaling Xanax includes the consumption of other toxic chemicals. This irritates the lungs and can cause an infection like aspiration pneumonia.

Side Effects of Xanax

• dizziness
• increased irritability
• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• difficulty with concentration
• nausea
• constipation

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Numerous states, including Florida, have strict laws against the misuse of Xanax and similar drugs. If a person is found to illegally possess this medication, he or she may be sent to jail for up to five years. Expensive fines may be imposed as well. Drugs of this nature are becoming a big problem in this country and are causing numerous deaths. Doctors are advised to prescribe them with care. The risk for addiction is high. Therefore, a person with a prescription must follow the directions carefully and use the medicine for short periods. If a problem begins, help is available.

Alternatives and Safe Use

Although Xanax is an effective drug for people who suffer from anxiety, there are safer alternatives that can bring positive results.

Prescription Alternatives

• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These are antidepressants that block the absorption of serotonin in the body. They regulate the mood so that symptoms of depression decrease.
• Buspirone. This drug is in the family of anxiolytics. It is safe for long-term use.
• Trazodone. This medication aids with sleep, so it is a smart option for people who use Xanax to battle insomnia. It is a melatonin receptor agonist that helps keep brain chemicals in balance. It brings less side effects as well.

Non-Prescription Alternatives

Certain Xanax alternatives have nothing to do with pharmaceuticals. To treat anxiety disorders, there are non-medication options that can bring relief.

• Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a way to successfully treat anxiety. It allows a person to examine and analyze thoughts and feelings so that coping skills are developed to lower stress.
• Exercise. Many people receive short-term anxiety relief from exercise. Moving the body releases endorphins. These bring feelings of relaxation and a lightened mood.
• Meditation. Meditation is a great way to relax the mind and body. Practicing mindfulness techniques like deep breathing may improve anxious feelings.

Dangers of Xanax

Xanax can be a helpful treatment for a person with anxiety. However, it is very addictive. Although it is meant for short-term consumption, a tolerance can develop. This may be the start of addiction, which is a time when an individual may use drastic measures to ensure his or her supply is maintained. Also, a person may utilize strange methods to ingest the drug. In certain cases, an individual may smoke the medication. Smoking Xanax can be extremely dangerous and lead to an overdose, especially when it is combined with other drugs. It is key to follow the directions of your doctor. If you find yourself tackling an addiction problem, professional assistance is available. The experts at Recreate Life Counseling are ready to help. For more information, call us today.

References:

• https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment/snorting-injecting
• https://www.recreatelifecounseling.com/
• https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/xanax-purpose-dosage-side-effects/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-xanax-dosage

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Published on: 2024-01-29
Updated on: 2024-02-01

Cocaine is a drug that has been used for centuries, first in South America in the form of coca leaves, and then by the Western world, in its more distilled form. Cocaine is often snorted, but it can be injected or smoked. This article looks at the risks of ingesting cocaine orally and the long-term effects.

Understanding Cocaine

Cocaine comes from the leaves of the coca plant, and people have been chewing it for thousands of years. In South America, the Andean tribes used coca leaves for religious or medicinal purposes. In the 16th century, the Spanish were introduced to coca leaves during their colonization of South America, but it was only as recently as the 19th century that the alkaloid in coca leaves was isolated and purified to produce cocaine.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic in surgeries and dental procedures. As people became aware of its addictive potential, though, people began to use it at social gatherings. By the late 20th century, cocaine abuse had become a significant problem.

While coca leaves were traditionally chewed or brewed into teas, today, cocaine is typically snorted or injected, if it’s in liquid form. cocaine also comes in rock-like crystals, crack cocaine, which is smoked.

Oral Consumption of Cocaine

The oral consumption of cocaine usually refers to people snorting the powder or rubbing it on their gums. When consumed orally, the drug must pass through the digestive system first before entering the bloodstream. This results in a slower absorption. Due to the slower absorption, users typically get a mild but prolonged high. The rush is also less intense.

Smoking crack cocaine involves inhaling vaporized crack cocaine crystals. Although users get a very quick high, the effects last only for a few minutes. Users may also choose to inject liquid cocaine. The cocaine is dissolved in water and injected directly into the bloodstream. Injection provides an immediate and intense high but also comes with high risks of overdose and infections (if needles are shared).

Users who are looking for mild effects that will last a long time tend to prefer snorting cocaine. Orally ingesting cocaine can be safer as users prevent the health risks that come with injecting it. Others may prefer chewing coca leaves or brewing them into teas as it may be more socially acceptable.

Immediate Effects on the Body

When users eat or snort cocaine, the drug passes through the digestive system first. This process slows down the rate of absorption, which means the effects won’t be felt immediately. When users eat cocaine, it can take around 30 minutes to an hour before they start feeling the effects. Ingesting cocaine orally also produces a milder high as the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream gradually. Due to the slower metabolism and absorption, the high can last up to four hours.

Symptoms and Signs of Cocaine Intoxication

The immediate effects of cocaine are increased energy, feelings of euphoria, and feelings of alertness. There are physical effects, too. Users will experience an increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and elevated blood pressure.

Not everyone experiences euphoric effects, however. Some users may experience paranoia, agitation, and even psychosis. Psychosis is usually experienced in cases of higher doses.

After the effect of cocaine wears off, users may experience a “crash.” This is characterized by fatigue and even depression.

Health Risks and Dangers

Short-Term Health Risks

For users with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, taking cocaine can be dangerous. Using cocaine can cause irregular heart rhythms, an increase in heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. This can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Cocaine can cause agitation and anxiety in some users. If cocaine is taken in high doses or frequently, seizures or convulsions may occur. Some people may have difficulty breathing after taking cocaine. This can lead to respiratory arrest. If cocaine is taken in large quantities, users may also suffer nausea or abdominal pain. In extreme cases, there may be gastrointestinal bleeding.

Long-Term Health Risks

Long-term cocaine use can damage the blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks or heart disease. Respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis, can become a problem, too. In addition, users may suffer from neurological issues, such as bleeding in the brain, and memory problems as cocaine affects the brain’s neurotransmitter systems.

Although eating cocaine results in a milder high, there is still the possibility of an overdose. A significant danger of the delayed effect that comes with orally ingesting cocaine is that people will increase their dosage in an attempt to feel the highs sooner. This can increase the risk of an overdose.

Psychological Effects

The immediate psychological effects of using cocaine are often euphoria, increased energy, and intense pleasure. This is because cocaine results in the body releasing more dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. Cocaine is a stimulant, much like caffeine, so using it improves people’s focus and makes them more alert.

For some users, though, the psychological effects can be negative. Cocaine can induce feelings of paranoia, agitation, or anxiety.

Because cocaine triggers the release of more dopamine, there is a high risk of addiction and psychological dependence. Plus, after long-term use, individuals may start to develop a tolerance, needing more of the drug to achieve the same effects.

Once psychological dependence sets in, there will be cravings for the drug as well as withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and slowing of activity (psychomotor retardation).

Mental Health Complications

Long-term cocaine use can increase the risk of developing mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders and psychosis. Chronic use can also worsen pre-existing mental health conditions that users may already have. The mental and psychological complications are reversible, though, once users stop using the drug.

Overdose and Emergency Situations

It’s important for individuals to recognize what a cocaine overdose looks like so they can react immediately.

• Cardiovascular Symptoms: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pains, tightness in the chest, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure.
• Respiratory Symptoms: shallow breathing, rapid breathing (tachypnea), or difficulty breathing.
• Neurological Symptoms: seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, or feelings of disorientation. They may also lose consciousness.
• Physical Symptoms: feeling nauseous, vomiting, sweating profusely, or feeling dizzy.

Actions to Take in Case of a Suspected Cocaine Overdose

• Call 911 immediately.
• Keep the person comfortable and awake.
• Monitor the person’s vital signs, such as their breathing rate and pulse.
• Stay with the person at all times until emergency responders arrive.

Once emergency medical responders arrive, they will assess the person’s condition and then start treatment. This may include providing intravenous fluids and administering oxygen. They may also have to help open the airway if the person is having difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, medications are administered to prevent the person from having a seizure. Once the person has stabilized, they will be taken to a hospital for further treatment and monitoring.

Legal and Social Consequences

Legal Consequences

In the United States, it is a criminal offense to consume, possess, and distribute cocaine. While each state carries different penalties, it is still considered a criminal offense in all states. Possessing and distributing crack cocaine carries the heaviest sentence.

The severity of the sentence will depend on the amount of cocaine that was in your possession when you were arrested, your past criminal history, and the local laws. Having a criminal record due to cocaine-related offenses can affect your future employment opportunities, housing, and any licenses you may carry.

Social Consequences

One of the key social consequences of excessive cocaine use is strained relationships. Your cocaine use may affect your relationships with your family and your partner. Continued use of cocaine may make it difficult to maintain employment due to below-average job performance and absenteeism. Job instability will directly affect your finances, depleting your savings and making it difficult to make payments on your home and other bills. Chronic use can also end up pushing others away, resulting in social isolation and stigma.

Treatment and Recovery

Like with any physical addiction, cocaine addiction can be challenging to overcome. Individuals typically need customized treatment plans as there may be a variety of reasons for their addiction. Furthermore, their addiction may be tied to mental health disorders or there may be an addiction to substances other than cocaine, such as alcohol.

At ReCreate Life Counseling, some treatment options include:

Inpatient Rehabilitation

For individuals suffering from severe addiction to cocaine, inpatient rehabilitation is recommended. Inpatient rehab programs provide a structured treatment with 24/7 care. Clients live at the center and receive medical monitoring and daily therapy sessions.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs allow individuals to live at home while attending therapy sessions during the day. These programs are designed for individuals with a milder addiction to cocaine.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies help individuals identify the reasons for their addiction. These therapies also teach coping skills to prevent relapses. Common behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Some individuals find withdrawal symptoms difficult to manage. In addition, their cravings for cocaine may be overwhelming. In cases like this, healthcare professionals prescribe specific medications to help with their insomnia, anxiety, or depression.

Support Groups

Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can be helpful for individuals recovering from a cocaine addiction. Support groups can offer peer support and encouragement.

Customized treatment plans go a long way in helping clients recover. Here are some of the success stories from ReCreate Life Counseling.

“Recreate literally saved my life. The staff were all so genuine. So loving. So caring, compassionate and understanding. And if one truly wants help Recreate provides the tools and programs to achieve and embrace a sober life and all of its gifts. Addiction is rooted so deeply. And with their guidance and support I’ve been able to recognize my personal challenges that were actually getting in my own way.” – Beth De Falco

I just left Recreate after finishing their PHP program and I had such a great experience there. The month I was there flew by and when it was time for me to go, I honestly didn’t want to leave. All of the staff members I interacted with were great people who truly care about your well-being and they’ll go out of their way to help you out or simply be a listening ear when you need someone to talk to.” – Kenya Mayieka

ReCreate Life Counseling

Although ingesting cocaine orally can give you a boost of energy and create feelings of euphoria, it’s important to remember that cocaine is a highly addictive drug. Furthermore, there are legal consequences as well as long-term health risks.

If you are someone you love has a cocaine addiction, contact our team at ReCreate Life Counseling. We offer a variety of treatments for addiction as well as therapies. If you are ready to start on your recovery journey, we can help.

References

1] https://www.history.com/topics/crime/history-of-cocaine
2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/erythroxylum
3] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-cocaine-high-last#duration
4] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/cocaine-use-and-its-effects
5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cocaine-induced-psychosis
6] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-short-term-effects-cocaine-use
7] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/cocaine/what-are-long-term-effects-cocaine-use
8] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm
9] https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/certification-compliance/inpatient-rehabilitation-facilities
10] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324548

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Published on: 2024-01-27
Updated on: 2024-03-21

Understanding how long Anavar stays in your system is crucial, especially for individuals considering its usage. 

Anavar, also known as oxandrolone, is a controlled substance commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes to enhance muscle mass and performance. Its half-life determines the duration it remains in your system, affecting factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Unlike injectable corticosteroids or compounds like Deca-Durabolin, Anavar is an oral androgenic steroid with a shorter half-life. Healthcare professionals often monitor its metabolites in addiction treatment or manage conditions like osteoporosis. 

Additionally, some individuals may misuse Anavar as a supplement, leading to potential health risks and addiction concerns. Understanding its clearance rate aids in safe usage and management of associated health effects. This article will get into that question, so keep reading.

HOW LONG DOES ANAVAR STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM?

Steroids are not always used in a manner that they shouldn’t be, but sometimes, they are abused. You may have been using Anavar in a way other than the way that it was prescribed, and you may be concerned that it will show up on a drug test. So, you are asking, “How long does Anavar stay in your system?”

HOW LONG DOES ANAVAR REMAIN IN YOUR SYSTEM?

People ask the question listed above because they are concerned about an upcoming drug test. For example, athletic bodies often test athletes for steroids because steroids are performance-enhancing drugs. They also reduce the time that athletes need to recover from their performances and give them an unfair advantage.

If you are using steroids as a competitive athlete, drug tests must be of concern to you. You need to know how long these drugs remain in your system, and you can determine this by knowing the half-life of the particular drug. A drug’s “half-life” is the time that the body needs to eliminate half of the drug. Once you know the half-life, you can determine how long the entire amount will remain in your system. Then, you will know when you can submit to a drug test without the fear of having it turn out to be positive.

The type of steroid that enhances athletic performance is known as an “anabolic steroid,” and Anavar is one of them. Anabolic steroids are testosterone that scientists create in the lab, and they promote muscle growth.

Aspect	Duration
Half-Life	~9 hours
Detection Time in Urine	Up to 3 weeks

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

Anavar is a Schedule III substance, so it has the potential to be abused by users. It also may lead to a low to moderate physical dependence. Because of this, it may be hazardous to stop using the substance without seeking the advice of a medical professional because stopping the use of Anavar can lead to the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Tiredness
• Irritability
• Depression

The symptoms listed above may last for several weeks or even several months.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ANAVAR

Anavar also causes several side effects, including the following:

• Acne
• Hair loss
• Oily skin
• An increased or decreased sex drive
• Changes in skin color
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Nausea

These side effects have the ability to get worse or persist for a long time. If this occurs, you must inform your physician.

Anavar can also cause very serious side effects to occur, including the following:

• Snoring or difficulties sleeping
• Increased anger
• Depression
• Anxiety

You must mention these to your doctor if you experience any of them.

Anavar also has the potential to cause your body to retain water. This puts you at risk for heart failure and leads to the following:

• Sudden or unusual weight gain
• Unusual tiredness
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Shortness of breath

DECREASING THE USE OF ANAVAR

If you want to decrease your use of Anavar, you must not suddenly stop taking the substance. Some people may be able to slowly taper their doses down, but if you don’t do this correctly, several withdrawal symptoms may appear. This occurs because, when you begin to use Anavar in a way that it was not prescribed, it creates a hormonal imbalance. Anavar mimics testosterone because it is a synthetic form of this substance, and when you ingest Anavar, your levels of testosterone increase. As a result, your body becomes used to having an increased testosterone level, and it begins to lose its ability to produce it on its own.

Because your body has lower levels of natural testosterone, the withdrawal symptoms begin to appear, and you will experience these symptoms until your body can begin producing enough testosterone again.

STEROID USE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Anavar creates the psychological symptoms listed above, and many people begin to consider suicide at this time. If you are also concerned about passing a drug test, it adds an extra layer of stress and may cause you to have a negative image of yourself. For that reason, ReCreate Life Counseling places you in its medication-assisted treatment program for the purpose of keeping you comfortable while the substances are being removed from your body. Because the danger of suicide exists, you will have supervision from our staff to ensure that you complete the detoxification process successfully.

THE DURATION OF WITHDRAWAL

The amount of time that the you will experience withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person, but they depend on the following:

• Your medical history and history of mental health issues
• Whether or not you combined Anavar with other drugs or alcohol
• The frequency with which you took Anavar
• The average regular dose of Anavar
• The length of time you have been using Anavar
• The way in which you administered Anavar

THE WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE

Day 1 to Day 2

Withdrawal symptoms may begin five days after taking your last Anavar dose. The symptoms listed above may be slight in the beginning.

Day 3 to Day 5

The withdrawal symptoms are going strong at this point, and Anavar users begin to feel less alert and less energetic. This is also the time that anxiety and depression worsen.

Day 6 to Day 7

During the second week, the withdrawal symptoms will peak. Many people experience weight loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. This may also be the time that the depressive symptoms will peak, and many former users of Anavar will begin to experience insomnia.

The Second Week

You may have some persistent withdrawal symptoms during the second week, but they will be minor. The second week is not nearly as unbearable as the first week. The withdrawal symptoms fade away entirely at this time.

TREATMENT FOR ANAVAR DEPENDENCE

Your treatment begins with the detoxification process. This is when your body removes all traces of the drug from its system. The medical community advises that you undertake the medication-assisted program that we can offer you at ReCreate Life Counseling. In this program, physicians prescribe medications that reduce the symptoms described above.

You may also receive medications that return your hormones to balanced levels so that you aren’t experiencing depression or any pain. In addition to the medications, you may need to take smaller and smaller doses of Anavar if you are ingesting large doses of the substance. Tapering off slowly allows your body to adjust to lower levels of the substance without drastically changing hormone levels.

The detoxification process is only the beginning of treatment for your substance use disorder. You must also have continuing treatment in a residential, partial hospitalization, outpatient, or intensive outpatient program at ReCreate Life Counseling.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

If you are experiencing a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, you will need to receive treatment for both disorders simultaneously. Your physicians and counselors will evaluate you separately for each condition and recommend a treatment for both. After you have been diagnosed, your physician may prescribe medication for your mental health disorder.

Continued treatment will consist of behavioral therapies, including the following:

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy. Therapists use it to help you change your negative thoughts so that you can stop engaging in unhelpful behavior patterns. This therapy treats substance use disorders as well as mental health disorders. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders that co-occur with substance use disorders, and this is often because of negative thought patterns. At ReCreate Life Counseling, your therapist will help you identify these negative thought patterns and how they contribute to your actions.

GROUP THERAPY

Group therapy is highly beneficial to people experiencing substance use issues. Several people are present in a group, so you will have several different people sharing their unique experiences. They also provide you with a support system of people with knowledge of the same types of issues that you are experiencing now.

HOLISTIC THERAPY

Group therapy is necessary, but you also need an individualized approach to your treatment, and we can provide this for you with holistic therapy. Holistic therapy is an alternative treatment form, including massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, art therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga classes. These examples address the underlying causes of your dependence on Anavar.

Drug addiction doesn’t only mean that you are addicted to methamphetamines or cocaine. Anavar is also a drug; as mentioned above, it can cause you to suffer from the same type of dependence that meth and cocaine create. Our therapists will help you see yourself in a better light and eliminate your dependence on Anavar at the same time.

If you want to release Anavar’s grip on you, contact us at ReCreate Life Counseling today.

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Published on: 2022-11-15
Updated on: 2024-04-23

When it comes to prescription stimulants, Concerta and Adderall are the two most common types. These medications frequently get confused with each other because they have similar uses. However, they’re made from different chemicals, so they don’t always affect your body in the same way. To understand the difference between Concerta vs. Adderall, you need to learn more about how these substances work.

What Are Concerta and Adderall?

Concerta is a brand-name drug that is made up of methylphenidate hydrochloride. This drug is a central nervous system stimulant. It can increase chemicals in the brain that heighten alertness, boost energy, and intensify concentration. Concerta is an extended-release form of methylphenidate hydrochloride. This means that it lasts longer than other forms of methylphenidate like Ritalin.

Adderall is also a brand-name prescription stimulant. It tends to cause feelings of alertness, energy, and focus. However, unlike Concerta, it contains two separate medications. Each Adderall dose has a blend of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is the same thing as Mydayis, and it also is sold under other names like Adderall IR and Adderall XR.

Uses for Concerta and Adderall

Both Concerta and Adderall are primarily prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. People with ADHD tend to struggle with inattention, carelessness, and impulsivity. Due to the way their brains function, stimulants that would make a neurotypical person hyper don’t make a person with ADHD hyper. Instead, Concerta and Adderall help people with ADHD to focus. People take these drugs so they can better handle focusing on tasks, keeping track of time, staying organized, remembering details, and managing emotions.

Another potential use for Concerta and Adderall is managing narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain is unable to properly regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy tend to feel excessively sleepy and fall asleep suddenly during the day. A stimulant can help boost alertness and reduce daytime sleeping. It’s fairly rare for people to be prescribed Concerta for narcolepsy. Though it may have some benefits for narcolepsy, Concerta isn’t always effective. In most situations, if your doctor is prescribing a stimulant for narcolepsy, it will be Adderall instead of Concerta.

Dosages and Types of Concerta and Adderall

Concerta dosages are fairly straightforward. The medication is always an extended-release oral tablet that slowly enters your bloodstream over the course of 12 hours. It comes in four different strengths:

• 18 mg
• 27 mg
• 36 mg
• 54 mg

Meanwhile, Adderall is available in two different types. Adderall IR is an immediate-release tablet that lasts about 5 hours. Meanwhile, Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule that lasts up to 12 hours. Depending on which type of Adderall you take, it can come in one or more dosages.

• 5 mg: IR and XR
• 7.5 mg: IR only
• 10 mg: IR and XR
• 12.5 mg: IR only
• 15 mg: IR and XR
• 20 mg: IR and XR
• 25 mg: XR only
• 30 mg: IR and XR

Which One Works Better?

Since both medications can be prescribed for similar conditions, you might assume they work interchangeably. In many cases, this is true. About half of the people who benefit from using stimulants for their ADHD function equally well with Concerta or Adderall. However, the other half finds that one specific drug works better for them.

There is no research showing that one drug is better overall. Some patients find that Adderall is more effective while others discover that Concerta is more effective. It will just depend on your own unique brain chemistry. Some preliminary studies indicate that Concerta might work better for those under 18 while adults do better with Adderall. If your doctor prescribes Adderall or Concerta, they will monitor you closely to see how you function on the drug. Patients who don’t show any improvement or who experience serious side effects may want to switch to the other option.

Possible Side Effects of Concerta and Adderall

Both Adderall and Concerta tend to cause side effects like a loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea, trouble sleeping, irritability, weight loss, and tics. Though unusual, some people may also deal with issues like anxiety, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, and mood swings. In some rare cases, long-term usage of Adderall and Concerta may cause more serious health issues. Stimulant drugs are linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, seizures, and circulation issues.

Since these drugs don’t impact the brain in identical ways, they can cause different side effects. The main difference is that Concerta is more likely to cause digestive issues. People who take Concerta are more likely to have stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Meanwhile, people who take Adderall are more likely to deal with sleep issues or stomach pains. Keep in mind that every patient has a different experience though. For example, even though people who take Concerta are statistically more likely to have stomach pain, you might be one of the outliers who have stomach pain on Adderall instead.

Price and Availability

Prices will vary a little depending on your location, your dosage, and your health insurance. Generally, extended-release medications will cost a little more than immediate-release ones. Even when you take that into account, Adderall is often a little more affordable. On average, a comparable Adderall dose might be a few cents cheaper than a Concerta dose.

Both medications are prescription stimulants that you can get through a doctor. Neither has limited availability, so you can usually find them at a pharmacy near you. When buying the medications illegally, there can be differences in availability. Many prescription drug dealers are more likely to sell Adderall simply because it has more brand recognition among substance abusers.

Which One Has a Higher Potential for Misuse?

People who abuse Adderall or Concerta typically do so by taking the medication in a way not prescribed by a doctor. They might use it without a prescription or take larger doses than normal at once. There are many reasons people may misuse Adderall and Concerta. Some are addicted to the substances while others just regularly misuse them to get excessive energy and focus. Adderall has a slightly higher potential for misuse than Concerta. This happens because it comes in an immediate-release form. Immediate-release stimulants are typically easier to abuse because you get the full effects immediately. This can result in more pronounced effects when you take a large dose. Meanwhile, Concerta is always an extended-release medication, so its effects are a lot slower and less intense.

Is Adderall or Concerta More Addictive?

Both Adderall and Concerta have fairly similar risks for addiction. When you take either of these drugs, your brain begins to produce different levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Over time, your body starts adjusting to functioning with these abnormal neurotransmitter levels. This is called physical dependency. A person who has been using Adderall or Concerta for a while will experience withdrawal if they quit taking the drug abruptly. Both Adderall and Concerta users will experience similar withdrawal symptoms. This can include feelings of fatigue, depression, confusion, and anxiety, and it can also result in nausea, stomach pain, headaches, and vomiting.

In addition to causing physical dependency, Adderall and Concerta can also cause a person to develop a stimulant use disorder. People who have a stimulant use disorder will take Adderall or Concerta even though they don’t medically need it. Even though they will experience negative consequences, they will continue to use it. If a person has an addiction to Adderall or Concerta, they will be unable to stop taking the drug no matter how much they want to. Levels of Adderall addiction and Concerta addiction are fairly similar. Some people with a stimulant use disorder will use the two substances simultaneously. However, rates of Adderall addiction might be slightly higher, simply because the immediate-release version is a little easier to misuse.

Ultimately, both Concerta and Adderall can help treat ADHD and other health conditions. Depending on your unique brain chemistry, they may affect you slightly differently. However, both of these drugs can also be dangerous when used without a doctor’s input. If you or someone you know is abusing prescription stimulants, it’s important to seek help. Using them incorrectly can cause all sorts of problems. At Recreate Life Counseling, we provide hope for those with substance use disorders. Contact our team today to learn more about our addiction treatment options.

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Published on: 2022-06-06
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Adderall is a brand name for two combined drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a prescription stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). It helps to increase your capacity to pay attention, stay focused, improve listening skills, and also control behavior problems in more problematic cases. In some instances, it is also used to treat sleeping disorders like narcolepsy to help them stay awake throughout the day.

Modafinil is better known as its brand name, Provigil is a drug that promotes wakefulness and alertness. This drug is used to treat sleep disorders such as excessive sleepiness. This can include disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and even for those who have difficulty maintaining a normal sleep routine. It does not cure these conditions but it does help people to stay awake when they have a sleep disorder.

Dangers of Mixing Adderall and Modafinil

Mixing Modafinil and Adderall is something that is very commonly asked by people because they believe that doubling up on these two drugs will improve their ability to perform at a high level. The idea behind this is that if both are used together, you will get double the amount of benefits. This is most certainly not the case and there can be serious risks to taking Modafinil and Adderall together.

While Modafinil is not a true stimulant like Adderall, it acts very similar in many different ways and can be a risk when taken alongside Adderall. When the two are combined, it can cause over-stimulation and also increase the side effects of one or both drugs. As an example, you are more likely to feel anxious, nauseous, and get a headache when these two are taken together. It is never a good idea to mix these two drugs, especially when just one of them can be dangerous and addicting enough.

More About Modafinil and Adderall

Once a person has resorted to mixing these two drugs to get a better high, it is not long before addiction will set in. Once someone has become addicted to Modafinil, Adderall, or both, stopping is likely very hard to do on their own as it will lead to withdrawal. This is the body’s reaction when something it became used to functioning with suddenly gets taken away. Withdrawal for these two drugs are similar and can include things like intense cravings, depression, anxiety, irritability and agitation, extreme fatigue, insomnia or long periods of sleep, and brain fog.

When someone decides to stop using these drugs, they may think that quitting cold turkey is the right answer, but this is not recommended. These are powerful drugs that are very hard to stop and stay off of. Participating in detox treatment is important to stay clean long term because it has been proven to be effective. After detox treatment has been completed, the person needs to go to a treatment center for additional treatment. It is important to address both sides of the addiction to ensure longevity by treating both the physical and psychological aspects so that recovery is successful.

Treatment for Stimulant Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one has an Adderall and Modafinil dependency or addiction, you can utilize one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs to meet your specific needs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society.

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

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Published on: 2021-02-10
Updated on: 2024-04-18