MenuClose

Strattera Addiction in Washington

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects more than six million people in the U.S. For those who need the medications prescribed to treat these conditions, drugs like Strattera allow them to function normally in their everyday lives. Without them, they wouldn’t be able to perform well at their jobs, and many children would continue to struggle in school. However, many people don’t realize that drugs like Strattera can become highly addictive.

Strattera abuse is a severe problem in the U.S., and because this is a prescription drug, many people don’t even realize that forming a Strattera addiction is possible. If you or a loved one struggle with Strattera addiction, there is no better time to get help. Call Northpoint Washington at 888.450.2153 today to get started.

What Is Strattera?

Strattera, a brand of atomoxetine, is a medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works directly with norepinephrine in the brain, which can help with focus, impulsivity, and other symptoms of ADHD. It can also help people with narcolepsy by increasing wakefulness and reducing the number of daytime naps.

It is available in capsule form and is taken orally. The capsules can be taken with or without food, but they should be swallowed whole. It’s important to follow the prescription given by a doctor, as Strattera can be dangerous if not used correctly.

What is Strattera Abuse?

Strattera Abuse Signs

Strattera Addiction Information

Strattera abuse differs from Strattera addiction, although people tend to confuse the two. Strattera abuse refers to using Strattera against a doctor’s orders, including:

  • Purchasing Strattera on the street
  • Borrowing Strattera from someone to use
  • Taking Strattera for longer than prescribed
  • Taking a higher dose of Strattera than prescribed
  • Crushing Strattera pills and taking them by snorting the powder

While abusing Strattera does not imply an addiction, it is often the first step in the addiction cycle. Strattera abusers can quickly build a tolerance to the drug, forcing them to seek increasingly high doses.

Strattera Addiction Symptoms

Strattera Addiction Symptoms

Quite often, Strattera addicts don’t realize that they’ve become addicted to the medication. Some of the telltale signs of a Strattera addiction include:

  • Struggling with sleeping well at night
  • Feeling like you need Strattera just to feel normal
  • Panicking if you happen to run out of Strattera
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Relationship issues because of your addiction to Strattera

Recognizing even one of these Strattera addiction signs may indicate a problem. Getting help right away can be essential in breaking the cycle of addiction.

What are the Short and Long-Term Effects of Strattera?

Short Term Effects of Strattera

There are many different drugs on the market that help manage ADHD. Strattera is one of the milder ones, but it can still cause uncomfortable side effects. People who are addicted to the drug will often continue to take it even after experiencing the side effects.

Short-Term Effects of Strattera

Even if Strattera is only used for a very short time, a user can experience:

  • An increase in your heart rate
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bouts of dizziness
  • Problems with constipation
  • Numbness throughout your body
Long Term Effects of Strattera

Long-Term Effects of Strattera

The long-term effects of Strattera are much more severe. They can include changes in personality, the onset of hallucinations, and even a loss in sex drive. Other severe long-term effects of Strattera use include:

  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Seizures
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver failure
  • Coma
  • Death

Drugs like Strattera help those who need them, but they are very dangerous in the hands of those who don’t. Getting professional help is the best way to protect yourself against the harmful effects of Strattera.

Strattera and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Since Strattera is a mental health medication, people who abuse it often have a dual diagnosis. This means that they suffer from both a substance abuse disorder and a mental health disorder. The most common mental health disorder that co-occurs with Strattera addiction is ADHD.

Treating a dual diagnosis can be difficult, but it’s important to treat both disorders simultaneously. At Northpoint Washington, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment. Our expert staff will create a custom treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Dual diagnosis treatment can help:

  • Reduce the risk of relapse
  • Improve your overall quality of life
  • Address underlying mental health issues

The first step of any dual diagnosis treatment is to work through the withdrawal symptoms that occur after you stop taking Strattera. These symptoms can often lead to relapse since they can be intense and uncomfortable. 

Strattera Addiction Treatment

Strattera Withdrawal Symptoms

Trying to stop taking Strattera without professional support can be intimidating and dangerous. Doing so will most likely lead to withdrawal symptoms that you’re not prepared to handle on your own. These might include:

  • Extreme anxiety or panic attacks
  • Problems with concentration
  • Becoming very confused
  • Symptoms of depression
  • Bouts of dizziness or vertigo

Most people who try to stop taking Strattera on their own end up relapsing, and this can lead to an addiction cycle that’s impossible to break on your own.

Choosing one of the best Strattera addiction treatment programs in Washington State will allow you to access the most appropriate treatment level for your addiction.

Strattera Addiction Treatment in Washington State

Taking the first step to recovery can be the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Northpoint Washington offers a variety of treatment options for those struggling with Strattera addiction, including:

  • Detoxification: The first step in overcoming any substance abuse disorder is to rid your body of all traces of the drug. This can be done through a medically-supervised detoxification program.
  • Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment programs require that you live at the facility for the duration of your treatment. This allows you to focus on your recovery without any distractions.
  • Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Dual diagnosis treatment programs address both your addiction and any underlying mental health disorders. This is an important step in ensuring a lasting recovery.

Your success in sobriety is our priority. Staying in a judgment-free, supportive environment can be the change you need to reach your recovery goals. Get started on your path to a healthier future, call 888.450.2153 today.

D Block Mx Auto Img Fluid

Talk to a Rehab Specialist

Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.

888.450.2153Contact Us

Full Infographic:

Strattera Addiction Infographic