Many people struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a mental condition that makes it difficult for a person to stay focused on a task for extended periods of time. When a person is diagnosed with ADHD, he is usually prescribed medication, such as Adderall, to manage the symptoms of the disorder. While prescription medications can sometimes help a person deal with ADHD, they are not always necessary. Sometimes alternative treatments can help manage this disorder just as effectively as Adderall. In order for a person to ensure that he is choosing the best treatment option for him, it is essential that he explore and carefully consider both traditional and alternative ways of managing ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
Adderall is an amphetamine prescription medication that is a type of stimulant. The National Institute of Health explains that it is often prescribed to people with the following symptoms related to ADHD, taking into consideration the person’s age and development:
- Difficulty focusing
- Problems controlling actions
- Trouble staying still and quiet
People with ADHD are sometimes prescribed stimulants because they help them to calm down and focus. But while these drugs do tend to be effective in their management of ADHD symptoms, some people worry that prescribing stimulants to children and teenagers can increase the likelihood that they will abuse drugs in the future. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse clarifies, though, all studies exploring this concern have found no increased risk of future drug abuse in people who take Adderall and related ADHD medications.
Alternatives to Adderall
Taking Adderall can be safe when used according to a doctor’s prescription, but some people may still want to consider alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment of this disorder, especially if their prescriptions have been unsuccessful in the past, or if they prefer not to use traditional medication. These alternatives to pharmaceutical treatment normally fall under the classification of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Many different types of CAM are available, as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists:
- Meditation
- Chiropractic
- Massage
- Yoga
- Relaxation exercises
Each of these types of CAM can potentially help a person manage and work through the symptoms of various kinds of physical and psychological disorders. They can also be effective treatments for people struggling with ADHD and related disorders, as each are able to help a person calm down psychologically, relax physically, clear the mind and focus on specific tasks. While these treatments don’t always offer specific and focused benefits, they can improve a person’s overall well-being. This can, in turn, help the person manage his ADHD symptoms.
Constance Scharff describes another type of CAM therapy for ADHD which involves diet modifications. She reports on a study conducted in New Zealand that found vitamin regimens to provide effective treatment of ADHD symptoms in adults. This study suggests that dietary changes and nutritional supplements may be a beneficial alternative to traditional medications, especially for adults and possibly for children as well.
Many different treatment options for ADHD are available, but not all of them are right for everyone. The best way to find the right treatment for you is to talk to your doctor. By using one or a combination of these therapies, ADHD sufferers are able to focus, calm down and regain control of their lives.
Find Out More About Alternative Treatments for ADHD
If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD alongside addiction and wondering what treatment options are available, please give us a call. Our admissions coordinators are available to help. Call us to find out more 615-490-9376.
You May Want to Know
- FRN 2017 Results: Our Methods, Principles Practices, and Results
- FRN Research Report July 2015: Remission Rates Provide Better Outcome Measures for Substance Use Disorder Treatments
- FRN Research Report March/April 2014: Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment: 2013 Patient Outcomes for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders