Concerta Addiction Treatment & Rehab
Written by Rob Alston
& Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD
Medically Reviewed
Last updated: 08/16/2022
Many different rehab treatment options exist when you are struggling to quit Concerta. Finding the one that is right for you is key to your success.
Stimulants like Concerta (which is the brand name for the drug (methylphenidate) are commonly abused. Up to 25% of adults prescribed stimulants like Concerta misuse the drug. Generally, people take more of the drug than a doctor has prescribed. If you or someone you love struggles with Concerta, you may wonder about addiction treatment options. When seeking treatment, you have many choices. Understanding the differences between the therapies is important before picking a rehab program.
Concerta Addiction Treatment Options
Rehab should be tailored to your unique needs. Because Concerta is mainly prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, finding a rehab that can also address ADHD may be helpful. Adults who misuse stimulants are at higher risk of misusing other substances. Therefore, you may be struggling with substances besides Concerta. A rehab facility that can help you work through all your struggles may best suit your needs.
Medical Detox
Detox is the first step in recovery. While in detox, you stop using Concerta under close medical supervision. If you start getting withdrawal symptoms, a medical team is on-site to help you right away. However, detox alone does not strongly impact long-term substance. Instead, detox helps safely manage withdrawal symptoms. This can still help you in the long run, because severe withdrawal symptoms are linked to future problems staying sober. Therefore, a medical detox program that stops severe symptoms can improve your chances of success.
Symptoms of Concerta withdrawal often include:
Concerta Withdrawal Symptoms
Feeling anxious
Feeling irritable
Having trouble sleeping
Having high blood pressure
Being severely depressed
Getting abnormal muscle contractions
Having painful and prolonged erections
Related Topic: How long does it take to detox from methylphenidate?
Residential Rehab
Residential rehab is an option if you struggle with Concerta. These programs may be especially helpful if you struggle with multiple substances. This type of rehab takes place following detox. Residential rehab programs create a safe home environment for you to recover from Concerta. While in residential rehab, you live in the rehab center while getting treatment.
Because you live on-site, you must put your outside life on hold. Your focus can, therefore, be entirely on your recovery. Treatments include therapy, which may be individual or in groups. Residential rehab benefits include:
- Getting you away from drug-use triggers
- Giving you a safe place to live
- Providing you with round-the-clock medical help
Outpatient Rehab
If Concerta is the only drug with which you struggle, you may be able to complete rehab while living at home or in a sober living house. Even if you struggle with multiple substances, outpatient rehab may be an option, especially when:
- Residential rehab has been completed
- Pausing daily life is not an option
- Privacy is needed since you would still participate in daily life as normal
- Your struggle with Concerta is easily managed
Even while in outpatient rehab, you have therapy, which may be individual or in groups. You can also join support groups.
Therapy
Therapy is a vital part of rehab. This is especially true for stimulants like Concerta. Therapy is important for many reasons, like:
- Giving you a different attitude about substance use
- Helping you replace unhealthy habits with healthier ones
- Reinforcing your recovery
Rehab facilities often offer different types of therapy. You may take part in one or more of them during your recovery. Therapy options include:
Individual Therapy
In this type of counseling, you work one-on-one with your therapist. Together you set goals, evaluate setbacks and celebrate success.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This helps you with coping skills. In turn, you can better manage stress. By learning how to change your thought patterns, your reliance on Concerta may decrease.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
This can help your goal of sticking to your treatment plan.
Contingency Management
This may provide rewards for staying off Concerta.
Group Counseling
In group therapy, you share with other people with similar struggles. This kind of therapy may help you realize you are not alone in your recovery journey. People in group therapy learn from and support each other as you work together towards sobriety.
Family Counseling
Family members, including spouses, have therapy sessions with you in this kind of therapy. Together, you work to build a stronger relationship.
Dual Diagnosis
Substance abuse and mental health issues have a close relationship. This is especially true for Concerta, which is most often used for the mental health problem Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Therefore, even if you successfully stop Concerta, the underlying mental health problem will still be there. This can put you at further risk of substance misuse. For all these reasons, you may need extra support in rehab. Dual diagnosis treatment is a strategy to treat both the substance problem and the underlying mental health issue. Mental health problems addressed during rehab may include:
Mental Illnesses Addressed During Rehab
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Depression
Personality disorder
Bipolar disorder
Autism
Psychotic disorders
Anxiety
Eating disorders
Aftercare & Sober Living
The long-term success of any rehab program is rooted in aftercare programs and sober living. The goal of aftercare is to keep you sober and focused on recovery. After rehab is over, it can be tempting to stop focusing your time on recovery. However, this can put you at risk of lapses. Therefore, aftercare continues the rehab strategy of reinforcing the skills and tools that you need to face life without Concerta and to overcome any relapse. Aftercare services may include:
- Twelve-step programs
- Self-help groups
- Rehab alumni groups
- Volunteer roles
Related Topic: Halfway Houses vs. Sober Homes
Frequently Asked Questions About Treatment & Rehab
Many people have questions about what to expect in rehab. This is natural, as rehab is a new experience for most people. Questions include:
How Should I Prepare for Rehab?
After deciding on rehab, you should begin to prepare yourself and your loved ones. A few ways to prepare include:
- Telling people, if you want them to know
- Arranging time off for work or school
- If you will be staying at the rehab center, asking for a packing list
- If you are staying at the rehab center, asking if you should avoid packing certain items
- Checking your coverage with your insurance company
How Long Does Concerta Rehab Take?
Everyone is different, so no single timeframe for rehab is right for everyone. Depending on your needs, you may require a longer or shorter rehab stay than someone else. Data suggests that outpatient rehab needs to be at least 90 days long to work. However, rehab can last much longer than that.
What Does Concerta Rehab Cost?
Prices for rehab often vary. The cost is based on the type of rehab you choose and the services you need. Your insurance may cover some or all of the drug rehab price. Even if your insurance does not cover enough for you to be able to afford rehab, the rehab facility can often work with you. Rehab centers do not want to turn anyone away and may be able to suggest payment options.
Does Insurance Cover Rehab?
Insurance can cover some or all of rehab costs. However, the exact coverage depends on your insurance plan. If you are insured:
Work or Private Insurance Coverage
Rehab is covered by all plans.
Medicaid
Rehab may be at least partly covered. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration can give you more information. If you are not enrolled in Medicaid but want to see if you are eligible, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Medicare
Rehab coverage depends on your plan and the treatment you need. Medicare Part A may cover you if you are admitted to the hospital, although care limits exist. Medicare Part B covers outpatient programs. If you have original Medicare, you will need to meet your deductible and pay 20% of the rehab price.
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs may cover your rehab. Your nearest Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center can give you more information. Florida VA medical centers are located in Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
You can check your insurance coverage for The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health on our website.
How To Choose A Rehab Center in South Florida?
It can be hard to pick a rehab center. Many are available, and they often have different options. Considerations include:
Rehab Considerations
Rehab Setting
Different centers may offer inpatient, residential rehab or outpatient rehab.
Distance
You may prefer a rehab center far from home, or you may want something close.
Program Duration
Some programs last only a specific time, while some are flexible.
Specialty
Different programs may specialize in different types of substance abuse.
Addiction Severity
Less severe addictions may require less intense rehab.
Insurance
Your insurance may not work with all rehab centers.
Aftercare Support
Some centers provide more support for post-rehab aftercare and sober living.
What Happens After Rehab?
After rehab, you enter the longest stage of recovery: aftercare and a commitment to sobriety. Although rehab teaches you skills to live without Concerta, the real world is full of temptations. Old, unhealthy habits are easy to fall into. Aftercare programs are intended to be long-term support systems to reinforce the tools you were given in rehab.
Once you have decided to stop Concerta, you have taken the first step on the long road of recovery. Rehab can assist you on this path by helping you stop harmful behaviors that led to substance use, and by helping you start new, healthy behaviors.
If you or a loved one struggle with Concerta, The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health can assist you. Contact our experts today to learn how we can help.
View Sources
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National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Duration of Treatment.” February 2016. Accessed October 5, 2019.
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Grau-López, Lara; et al. “Dystonia in Methylphenidate Withdrawal: A Case Report.” Journal of Addiction Medicine, March/April 2017. Accessed October 5, 2019.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Concerta.” August 15, 2019. Accessed October 5, 2019.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorders.” Fall 2015. Accessed October 5, 2019.
Sinha Rajita. “New Findings on Biological Factors Predicting Addiction Relapse Vulnerability.” Current Psychiatry Reports, October 2011. Accessed October 5, 2019.
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