Adderall has quickly become one of the most readily available and widely abused drugs in America. Adderall is a prescription drug that treats disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, Adderall’s ease of accessibility mixed with its high potency makes it quite easy to attain and to become addicted to. Detoxing and recovery begin by going through the Adderall withdrawal timeline to begin treatment for the underlying causes of a person’s addiction.
What is Adderall?
On a chemical level, Adderall is an amphetamine. Specifically, Adderall is composed of racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine but has a distinct effect profile from the two. Recreationally, Adderall has become widely abused and quite popular due to its effects as a stimulant drug. Users recreationally abuse Adderall for effects like athletic performance enhancement, appetite suppression, cognitive enhancement, euphoria, and as an aphrodisiac.
With such a wide range of uses and ample availability, it is easy to see why many people abuse Adderall. Withdrawal from Adderall is a necessary evil on one’s road to recovery. Here is some helpful information on the nature of detox as well as the Adderall withdrawal timeline and symptoms.
Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Adderall will affect everyone differently. Depending on factors such as length of use, nature of use, and the level of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly.
Adderall affects and increases the activity of both dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Since dopamine controls the brain’s reward system and norepinephrine plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, withdrawal from Adderall will greatly affect a person’s mood and emotional regulation. With extended Adderall use or abuse, one’s brain becomes accustomed to the influx of both dopamine and norepinephrine. When Adderall is removed from one’s system, there is a tremendous decrease in dopamine and norepinephrine production, and the effects are often felt as severe depression.
Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include but are not limited to the following:
- Anxiety
- Severe Depression
- Mood swings
- Feelings of guilt and low self-worth
- Loss of Appetite
- Overeating
- Thoughts of suicide
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Loss of interest (particularly in previously enjoyed activities)
- Problems with attention and focus
- Headaches
- Poor motor function
- Paranoia
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
Most symptoms of withdrawal from Adderall subside in a matter of weeks. Individual factors greatly influence the length of recovery, but generally, most experience major relief after a month of non-use.
Lighter users may see their symptoms subside as early as the first five days since giving up Adderall. In heavier users, however, the timeline increases greatly. Severe depression typically subsides after a week or two of stopping Adderall use, however, depression can linger in individuals for many weeks or even months. Unexpected psychological issues are quite common with recovery from Adderall use and are important to keep an eye out for.
Knowledge of length of use and amount used can also be key factors in helping to predict an Adderall withdrawal timeline and assist further in helping one prep for the difficulties of withdrawal from Adderall.
Is Adderall Withdrawal Dangerous?
When compared with drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol, Adderall has a relatively safer and less complicated withdrawal process. The biggest danger of withdrawing from Adderall lies in its immense unpredictability. Be it the range of time one will experience symptoms or the severity of the symptoms themselves, the true dangers lie in the psychological aftereffects one will experience when withdrawing from Adderall.
Unpredictable mood swings and possible suicidal episodes make up the bulk of the danger when regaining one’s independence from Adderall addiction. Manic episodes and major depressive episodes are common during Adderall withdrawal. Knowing yourself and staying ahead of these difficult issues can be key to your success. The process of recovery is always easier with a good support system, and recovering from Adderall addiction is no different.
How to Safely Withdraw from Adderall
For heavy users or abusers of Adderall, it is highly recommended that one work with a doctor to help decide the best course of action for an individual’s journey to recovery. Quitting Adderall “cold turkey” is oftentimes not recommended for heavier users, as this will result in even more severe withdrawal symptoms. With increased severity comes an increased risk of danger and more adverse physical and psychological effects.
Tapering off use and weaning away from the drug under medical supervision at a detox center is considered the best option for those struggling with more severe cases of Adderall addiction or abuse. Finding the right support system can be the first and most important step in regaining one’s independence from addiction.
Adderall Detox in Memphis, TN
At Detox West Tennessee, your individual recovery journey is our primary focus. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, we are ready to help provide you with the tools necessary to live the addiction-free life that you deserve. Detox West Tennessee understands the complexities of addiction and the kind of impact it can have on one’s life. Offering medically supervised, evidence-based detox programs, Detox West Tennessee is at the forefront of combating Adderall addiction and helping people regain their independence from drug dependency. There has never been a better time to get you or your loved one the care they deserve. Call us or visit our admissions page now to reclaim your independence from Adderall addiction today.