Amphetamine Abuse & Addiction Treatment
Contents
- Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
- Program Philosophy and Benefits
- Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
- Continuing Care
As an athlete it is likely that you want to be faster, stronger, and better at your sport than those around you. However, the journey to being the best is not an easy one. With early mornings, rigorous workout routines, lots of time spent on the road, and the constant expectation to win, many athletes turn to amphetamines to help overcome these hurdles. When taken, amphetamines will increase an athlete’s energy and alertness, allowing them to focus with extreme intensity during a game. These drugs, such as Adderall or cocaine, can also be used for an energy boost during training, when a player is completely exhausted. Over time an addiction may develop and the athlete is no longer able to compete without them. Retired athletes are also affected, as they are either dealing with the long-term consequences of abuse or are still using amphetamines because they are unable to kick their addiction. While amphetamines may not be the most popular type of performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes, they can still give them a slight advantage. However, the small benefits are not worth the consequences.
Athletes Recovery is a mental health recovery center that is dedicated to providing athletes with a confidential approach to treatment for those who are struggling with mental disorders and substance abuse problems like an amphetamine addiction. This inpatient program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of professional and collegiate athletes, both active and retired. The treatment provided at Athletes Recovery is rooted in the principles of recovery, placing extra emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Our goal is to transform the lives of those we treat as they begin their journey toward recovery.
Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
While many athletes may use some type of amphetamine to help them excel and meet the high demands of their sport, these substances pose a number of different short-term and long-term risks. One of the most immediate problems faced by athletes who abuse amphetamines is the increased risk of muscle damage, due to the fact the these drugs affect an individual’s perception of fatigue and pain. While an athlete may feel like they are excelling, in fact they could be causing cause serious sports injuries due to overexertion. Amphetamines cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Over a prolonged period of abuse they can lead to the development of anxiety, paranoid psychosis, hallucinations, tremors, and severe depression when use is discontinued.
Amphetamine addiction is most effectively treated by a team of mental health professionals in a rehab treatment program. Researchers have shown that inpatient treatment programs are a great option for athletes who are struggling to overcome their amphetamine abuse. In addition to providing a number of different therapeutic approaches, an inpatient program gives an athlete the unconditional support that they need during this difficult time. Through an inpatient program, an individual can learn better coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention. When you enter into a rehab program you will be able to get away from the pressure of the world of competitive sports and place all of your energy into your recovery.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
Athletes Recovery is a private, confidential program custom-made to help current and retired athletes who are struggling to manage the challenges of their unique career. Our culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment staff is dedicated to providing each client with an individualized treatment plan. Our treatment approach places a strong emphasis on strength and accountability of the team and our services are based upon the mental and physical regimes that athletes are inherently familiar with. We want to make sure that each patient leaves our program knowing that they have had the best experience imaginable.
Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
Before starting the treatment process each athlete will complete a comprehensive assessment with one of our treatment specialists, which will allow us to identify the client’s exact needs. Once this process is complete, a treatment plan will be developed based upon the results of your assessment that will lay out your plan of care for your stay. Throughout this entire process we welcome your input and make sure to address any concerns or questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include some of the following therapeutic approaches:
Detoxification: If you come to our center physically dependent upon any substance then you will need to first complete our detoxification program. Our medical team will provide medically-monitored detox, which will allow us to effectively remove any drugs in your system, while we monitor you for safety and comfort. Once this process is complete you will be able to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Individual therapy is a time spent one-on-one with one of our therapists, and is designed to focus on your presenting concerns. Individual counseling is held in a safe space where you can discuss the challenges you are facing as a result of your addiction, while at the same time learning to cope with associated emotions.
Group therapy is especially beneficial because it allows athletes to connect with one another and share similar difficulties, while providing support. As a team, you will build off of one another to develop better coping skills, identify triggers, and learn how to prevent relapse.
Family therapy: When an addiction is present, family support is essential for helping individuals remain successful with their recovery. Additionally, a drug addiction affects the whole family, not just the individual. Some athletes may have spent a majority of their time on the road or may be newly retired and need to once again learn how to integrate back into family life. Family therapy can open lines of communication and let everyone express how they are feeling about the addiction.
In addition to traditional therapy, Athletes Recovery provides a number of additional treatment approaches. These may include:
- Exercise and weights
- Prayer and meditation
- Physical therapy
- Educational therapy
- A.A. and N.A.
- Yoga
- Massage therapy
Continuing Care
When you come to the end of your time in our inpatient program you will work with your treatment team to determine what your next step of treatment will be and what needs to be included in your aftercare plan. Some of our athletes find that they are more successful in a sober living facility, where they will be able to practice their newfound sobriety skills, while slowly adapting to life without drugs. Others may feel that they have made enough progress to continue their recovery in a less restrictive environment, in either a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP programs allow our athletes the opportunity to work on continued recovery, while slowly reintegrating back into their community in the evenings. Finally, others may discharge home with a sober coach, referrals to traditional outpatient therapy, and references for community resources. Whatever you determine is the next best step for you, Athletes Recovery will be there to support you.