Modafinil Addiction: Symptoms and Treatment
What happens at Drug Rehab | Drug Withdrawal | Drug Detox | Admission FAQs
Table of Contents
What is Modafinil?
Modafinil is a eugeroic nootropic medication, with the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant properties, primarily used to increase wakefulness and mental concentration and combat fatigue. Although less potent than amphetamine, it has similar effects to other stimulants.
Modafinil is marketed under different brand names: Provigil and Alertec (in English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, and the US) Modiodal (France and Japan), Modasomil (Switzerland)
What is Modafinil (Alertec, Modavigil, Provigil) prescribed for?
Modafinil is intended for the clinical treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, shift work disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as treat excessive fatigue associated with other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, or Parkinson’s disease.
Modafinil is popular amongst students and working professionals as a “smart drug” and mental performance enhancer. These are all off-label uses, as medical studies on modafinil’s effects do not support the claim of any special cognitive enhancing quality, apart from any stimulant’s known ability to increase concentration at low levels.
Using Modafinil outside a doctor’s prescription is dangerous and can lead to physical and psychological addiction.
Modafinil Rehab Treatment
Modafinil (Alertec, Modavigil, Provigil) Detox
Common adverse reactions of misusing Provigil/Alertec or other modafinil-based drugs are:
- Increased wakefulness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Upper respiratory infections
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rate
- Psychosis and suicidal thoughts.
Modafinil has been suggested as a potentially effective method in the detox of cocaine or methamphetamine addiction because it seems to have a low potential for addiction. Despite this, recent studies found no significant effect of modafinil in treating stimulant addiction.
At Castle Craig, we use evidence-based treatment. As such, we adopt the modafinil (Provigil) tapering detox method by gradually decreasing the Provigil dose over a number of days, helping the patient’s body readjust.
On admission, each patient is carefully assessed by our medical team and Consultant Psychiatrist. They thoroughly consider each individual’s medical and drug use history, as well as other psychological and biological factors and recommend the proper modafinil detox regime as part of each patient’s personalised treatment plan.
Common modafinil addiction withdrawal effects that patients going through modafinil (Provigil, Alertec) detox might experience include: fatigue and insomnia, cognitive difficulties, and depression.
Our residential medical staff are on-site 24/7 and supervise each patient, adapting their detox treatment accordingly in order to ease withdrawal symptoms.
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Rehab Treatment for Modafinil (Alertec, Modavigil, Provigil) Addiction
After patients conclude modafinil (Provigil, Alertec) detox, they enter our extended care unit. Patients with a history of stimulant drug misuse commonly suffer from hidden mental health issues (social anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, eating disorders) that we address in therapy. If stress, executive burn-out or work addiction were factors in taking Modafinil, these will also be addressed.
Our residential treatment programme for modafinil (Provigil, Alertec) addiction comprises a daily routine of individual and group psychotherapy sessions, complementary therapies, educational lectures, regular meals and exercise, relapse prevention training and 12-step support groups.
We teach patients how to cope with addiction triggers, help them discover the underlying psychological causes that led to their addiction, and help them learn how to manage stress more effectively or how to become assertive and handle work responsibilities without misusing drugs or going into executive burnout.
When patients complete our modafinil (Provigil, Alertec) rehab treatment programme, we prepare a long-term recovery plan with them. We provide a personalised, two-year continuing care plan and ongoing support on-site or through teletherapy.
We liaise with local 12-step NA support groups and we refer patients to the care of NA sponsors, recovery experts as well as medical doctors that can oversee their recovery.
Get Help for Modafinil (Alertec, Modavigil, Provigil) Misuse
If you or someone you know is misusing modafinil or any of its brand combinations (Provigil, Alertec, Modavigil) or is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from using other stimulant drugs, we are here to help.
Contact us for personalised modafinil (Provigil, Alertec) addiction treatment.
How Can Castle Craig Help?
Who will I speak to when I call Castle Craig?
When you call you will reach our Help Centre team who will give you all the information you need to help you decide whether to choose treatment at Castle Craig. If you decide that you would like to have a free screening assessment you will be asked a series of questions to build up a picture of your medical and drug use history as well as any mental health issues you are facing. If you decide you want to proceed with treatment you will be put in touch with our admissions case managers who will guide you through the admissions process.
How long is the rehab programme?
Residential rehab treatment starts at 4 weeks and can go up to 12+ weeks. Research shows us that the longer you stay in rehab and are part of the residential therapy programme, the longer the likelihood of continued abstinence and stable recovery.
How do I pay for rehab?
One concern we sometimes hear from people is how they will fund their rehab treatment. You can pay for treatment at Castle Craig privately, or through medical insurance, and some people receive funding through the NHS. The cost of rehab varies depending on what kind of accommodation you choose.
What happens at the end of my treatment?
Castle Craig thoroughly prepares patients before departure by creating a personalised continuing care plan which is formulated following discussions with the medical and therapeutic team. We offer an online aftercare programme which runs for 24 weeks after leaving treatment, in order to ensure a smooth transition back into your everyday life. Patients leaving treatment automatically join our Recovery Club where they can stay connected via our annual reunion, events, online workshops and recovery newsletters.