Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Vyvanse has a high risk for dependence, abuse and addiction. Understanding how someone can get addicted to Vyvanse is the first step in starting a substance-free life.

Treatment Options for Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) Addiction Symptoms

Misuse of prescription stimulants like Vyvanse is very common — 5 million Americans reported misusing stimulants in 2018. Although many people take their stimulant drugs as prescribed, approximately 25% misuse them. This can be very dangerous due to the addictive potential of stimulants like Vyvanse.

As a Schedule II controlled substance, Vyvanse poses a high risk of abuse, addiction and dependence. Vyvanse works by increasing the amount of dopamine available in the brain, which is helpful for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who lack enough dopamine. However, dopamine is also the brain’s feel-good reward chemical. Taking more Vyvanse than prescribed or taking it when you do not have a dopamine deficiency can therefore increase your risk of addiction. Fortunately, treatment is available to help you stop misusing Vyvanse.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help

Although it can be tempting to try to quit Vyvanse on your own and get through withdrawal without help, it is important to seek professional guidance. Suffering through withdrawal without medical assistance can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, which are linked to future problems staying sober. Further, trying to detox without help can be a long ordeal: After an acute withdrawal phase that can last up to 5 days, a longer withdrawal syndrome may occur that can last for months.

Vyvanse Medical Detox

When you become dependent on a drug like Vyvanse, your brain and body begin to expect its presence. In Vyvanse’s case, the drug causes a release of dopamine that your brain learns to expect. For this reason, your brain chemistry can be thrown off if you suddenly stop taking the drug, which leads to withdrawal symptoms.

The first step in addiction treatment is detox. A Vyvanse medical detox occurs when a patient goes through detox in a professional setting with around-the-clock monitoring for comfort and safety. This can prevent severe complications that can occur during withdrawal from stimulant drugs. During a Vyvanse medical detox, the patient can also be given or prescribed certain treatments that will ease withdrawal symptoms, including psychological effects and sleep disturbances. Once someone has fully detoxed from all substances, they can begin an addiction treatment program.

Vyvanse Rehabilitation Programs

Rehab programs focus on helping you heal emotionally and psychologically from your struggle with Vyvanse. Rehab often focuses on intensive therapy in both individual and group settings. In rehab, you learn to explore what made you begin to rely on Vyvanse in the first place. Further, you learn the coping skills that will be necessary to live a Vyvanse-free life. Different kinds of rehab settings exist, including inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Inpatient Vyvanse Rehab

In inpatient rehab, which is also called residential treatment, you live in a safe, onsite setting at the treatment facility after medical detox. The inpatient setting gives you a supportive, drug-free place to stay while you focus on healing and recovering from Vyvanse addiction. Therapy is a major focus of inpatient rehab. In therapy, you will learn healthy life skills and learn how to adjust your thinking about Vyvanse use. Many types of recreational activities are also available. Inpatient treatment programs can last varying amounts of time and are often flexible to your needs. However, most treatment programs will last at least 90 days.

Outpatient Vyvanse Rehab

After inpatient rehab is complete, you will be ready to transition back to the outside world and continue rehab as an outpatient. Those with less severe Vyvanse addictions or those who cannot put their outside life on hold to stay in inpatient rehab may choose to go directly to outpatient rehab after medical detox.

Outpatient Vyvanse rehab continues your therapy sessions and may include behavioral and family counseling. Support groups and teletherapy may also be available.

Finding the Help You Need

The first step in addiction recovery is asking for help. Your doctor can be an excellent resource in helping you choose the type of rehab that best meets your needs and allows you to effectively recover from Vyvanse. Good rehab facilities will also be willing to work with you to better understand your unique circumstances.

Our addiction experts at The Recovery Village can provide you with information about inpatient and outpatient treatment options and answer any questions you may have about the Vyvanse recovery process. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free future.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more