Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment. Adderall is a powerful central nervous stimulant producing effects similar to those caused by methamphetamine. While not all Adderall users develop a dependency, those taking more-than-prescribed doses of the medication are at an increasingly higher risk of developing a physical dependency.

Over time, as Adderall users build a tolerance to Adderall, many will become incapable of functioning without it.

For many, overcoming addiction to this drug often requires Adderall treatments in a medically-monitored detox setting. Due to its potency and mental stronghold on users, Adderall withdrawal treatment is safest in an inpatient or outpatient recovery center.

In this RSF-researched guide, you’ll learn about Adderall withdrawal symptoms and ways you can begin receiving Adderall abuse treatment.

Adderall is effective by raising dopamine and norepinephrine levels targeting the central nervous system. The norepinephrine affects the brain’s responses to events, more particularly, how it maintains focus and the reaction speed to stimuli (for example, light and sound).

Dopamine is the body’s feel-good chemical and creates a rewarding, highly-desired effect that Adderall users grow to crave. While dopamine levels naturally occur, CNS medications produce unnatural levels of the chemical. This heightened, feel-great euphoria is what keeps Adderall users returning for more.

Individuals dependent on Adderall for productivity and alertness are the most likely candidates to develop a full-on addiction. Without it, users may feel fog-minded and unusually tired. These are common symptoms of withdrawal from Adderall; strong signs that addiction is present.

An Introduction to Adderall

Adderall is a by-prescription-only medication used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall, a brand-name drug, is formulated with dextroamphetamine and amphetamine; central nervous system stimulants. Taking Adderall can help to increase one’s ability to focus, maintain attention to tasks and control behaviors.

Adderall stimulates activity in the brain and raises norepinephrine and dopamine levels, naturally occurring chemicals. However, Adderall increases the production of these chemicals to unnatural levels, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Adderall primarily stimulates what’s known as the “sympathetic nervous system”, which causes the “fight or flight” response. Increased blood pressure, pupil dilation, heart palpitations and unusual sweating are common Adderall symptoms.

Common signs of Adderall addiction include:

• Wanting to reduce usage but unable to do so
• Requiring larger doses to feel its effects
• Intaking the drug despite knowing of its harm
• Incapable of completing tasks without Adderall
• Financing usage by selling possessions
• Unable to be alert without Adderall
• Suffering from withdrawals when not using
• Neglecting responsibilities in order to use the drug

Just as with any other drug, first-time Adderall users never anticipate an addiction development. Typically, the road to addiction begins when someone chooses to start using the drug to study for a test or to increase productivity levels at the workplace. Non-prescription Adderall users, in some cases, will go as far as to “fake” ADHD symptoms in order to obtain a prescription.

Often, this is how many Adderall-based addictions start. It’s also what causes many Adderall users to begin prioritizing their usage of the drug over life responsibilities. Improving your understanding of Adderall medication and Adderall withdrawal treatment will help you to grasp a better understanding of your addiction, and will allow you to begin seeking treatment.

Withdrawal stemming from Adderall abuse can become rather severe and uncomfortable. As such, these symptoms make it challenging for users to quit without outside help. For some, withdrawals can become unbearable, the leading cause of relapse. Receiving help from a therapist or addiction treatment center significantly increases the likelihood of a successful recovery outcome.

Adderall Addiction vs. Adderall Dependence

Adderall dependence is natural. It’s an expected physiological and psychological response to the drug. The user develops a dependence caused by the chemical interactions in the body, even for those taking the drug as prescribed.

Adderall addiction is characterized by an Adderall user’s reliance on Adderall and exhibited behaviors. Most users are unable to cope with the symptoms that follow the stopping of use. This often leads to the user going to extreme lengths to acquire the drug. For many, life responsibilities become unimportant as Adderall takes prevalence.

Running out of an Adderall prescription early frequently occurs for those abusing Adderall. By taking more than prescribed, their prescription runs out early, they face withdrawals and may exhibit dangerous behaviors and/or actions to acquire more. Obsessive thoughts glamorizing Adderall is another sign of addictive behavior.

Adderall Withdrawals – Learn the Signs and Symptoms

As an award-winning Adderall drug rehab in Florida, we’re an addiction education advocate providing recovering hopefuls the resources needed to understand and treat their dependency.

In this segment, we’ll outline the symptoms of Adderall withdrawal so you can determine your level of dependence to make an informed treatment-route decision.

Duration of Adderall Withdrawal

The duration in which Adderall symptoms persist is unique to the individual. For some, symptoms subside in as little as five days but can last for three or more weeks. Factors that contribute to withdrawal durations include the average-taken dose and the frequency of usage. Those that take larger-than-prescribed doses are most susceptible to severe withdrawals.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms – Adderall vs. Adderall XR

There are two unique types of Adderall: instant and XR (extended-release). Non-XR pills are instant-release tablets with effects lasting for five to seven hours.

Adderall XR slowly and gradually releases the drug into the body for round-the-clock effects. Each type carries a unique set of symptoms (although both share similar withdrawals).

Because regular Adderall begins working immediately, the effects typically taper within hours. It also leaves the body rather quickly, which can cause withdrawals to emerge rather quickly too. On the other hand, Adderall XR slowly builds up in the system and maintains a presence in the body much longer.

Those using regular Adderall will experience withdrawals sooner than those using the extended-release tablets (due to how quickly it leaves the system). Although, Adderall XR users that stop using will experience withdrawals that can last for weeks as the body requires more time to detox it from the system.

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline

The first 6-36 hours: Signs of withdrawals can initiate within just a few hours following the last dose of Adderall. During withdrawal from this central nervous system stimulant, many will experience what’s called a “crash”. This can cause fatigue, depression, and insomnia.

Days 3-5: During the first week of withdrawals, symptom intensity peaks. Unusually high levels of irritability, fatigue, and depression are very common during this stage of withdrawal. Nightmares, headaches, and restlessness are also commonly-experienced symptoms. These signs usually mark the peak of withdrawal intensities.

Days 5-7: After day five, symptoms begin to subside. Most will still feel a bit moody and incapable of operating within social settings, but they certainly begin to feel better during this stage. Psychological symptoms, such as mild-level depression, may persist but are usually tolerable.

Weeks 3-4: While not too common, some prior users have reported experiencing symptoms of Adderall withdrawal for weeks following the last dose. This can occur for individuals that developed a high tolerance to Adderall that have been using the drug for more than twelve months.

Adderall Detox

Adderall detox is the process of removing the substance from the user’s system.

Once the removal of Adderall from the body completes, withdrawal symptoms begin. Since these symptoms can become rather severe, it can make day-to-day functioning and avoiding a relapse difficult.

As such, those struggling with Adderall dependence are encouraged and advised to undergo detox at rehab.

Adderall detox in Florida allows clients to recover from dependency through a tapering-down strategy. This is when the individual in recovery receives a daily dose that gradually reduces over time, effectively alleviating withdrawal symptoms.

At Rehab South Florida, experienced addiction treatment specialists aid client’s with dosage reduction and will help to address and alleviate symptoms with therapy and medication-assisted treatments.

There are some that have chosen to quit taking Adderall with the “cold turkey” approach. Those that have done so successfully usually do so in rehab where help, counseling, treatment, and relapse-preventative counseling can be had.

Treating Adderall Addiction

Overcoming an Adderall addiction involves more than just treating the dependency itself. Full-on recovery requires re-learning how to function without using the drug. Adderall, a prescription amphetamine, is highly addictive in nature. As with all addictions, recovery first requires a withdrawal-management plan. Depression, concentration issues, and fatigue make for a unique set of challenges that for many make maintaining abstinence a near-impossible task without professional health.

Inpatient Adderall Rehab

The duration of time spent in Adderall rehab depends on the user and rehab.

The amount of time someone spends in rehab and the level of care received depends on their addiction severity and recovery goals. Individuals with more severe levels of Adderall dependency typically stay for longer periods of time, ranging from 28-90 days.

At Rehab South Florida, our Adderall inpatient rehab program offers a structured, safe, and supportive environment to experience recovery. Our facility is free from situations that could provoke or encourage Adderall usage. In inpatient rehab, clients follow a strictly-regimented routine that consists of process groups, psychoeducation, mealtimes, support meetings, exercise, family visits, free time, individual therapy, and group activities.

Each of these activities offers therapeutic value to those in recovery. By gradually reducing client doses, we’re able to effectively manage withdrawals. This has allowed us to achieve increased patient-success rates. On-site nurses and physicians provide round-the-clock support to prevent complications that could arise due to co-existing health conditions as well, ensuring the smoothest recovery transition possible.

As a rehab offering a well-rounded recovery solution, one-on-one counseling has become an integral part of our inpatient program. Counseling gives the individual in recovery the attention needed to address issues influencing their behaviors.

In some cases, prolonged abuse of Adderall can worsen or cause mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. In other dependency cases, some may begin abusing the drug as a way to cope with existing problems, such as poor self-image or an eating disorder.

For the best chance at recovering from Adderall addiction, attending our inpatient Adderall rehab will ensure that. Our center will not only treat mental health conditions that are influencing the addiction but will also provide counseling and wellness/nutritional guidelines.

If necessary, on-site psychiatrists may also evaluate and/or prescribe medication to help treat underlying mental health disorders.
Other in-program offerings include holistic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and the 12-step program.

Ongoing Adderall Treatment

Post-rehab treatment reduces relapse-occurrence rates. At Rehab South Florida, many of the clients leaving our Adderall inpatient program to choose to seek individual therapy or will attend 12-step groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous. Some will utilize both. Individuals free from dependency can greatly benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as they’ll learn how to manage psychological triggers and how to cope with temptations. CBT improves the likelihood of sustained recovery and should be considered by all RSF treatment Alumni’s.

Research shows CBT to be highly effective in helping those recovering from amphetamine addiction. Contrarily, those not engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapies or other similar therapy are not as likely as those to sustain recovery as those that do.

Other tips that help former Adderall dependents to maintain sobriety include:

Being health-conscious: Exercising and proper dieting are essential to productivity. By adopting healthy-living practices, maintaining focus and alertness will come naturally. It also helps to have a consistent sleeping schedule so you feel well-rested for work or other stressful activities.

Understanding your Triggers: Former Adderall users have certain triggers that may cause them to think of or crave Adderall. Stress, for example, could be one of these initiators. Understanding what incites these cravings helps former Adderall dependents to avoid people and situations that could cause triggers to surface.

Taking a break: When Adderall cravings begin, it can help to take a reprieve. Stepping back from a stressful situation or project for even fifteen minutes can be enough to help alleviate cravings and urges.

Rehab South Florida eases the recovery process from Adderall with individualized treatments tailored to the unique recovery needs of clients. As more and more people recognize and understand the dangers of Adderall dependency, more are pursuing treatment. Between 2002 and 2013, treatment centers nationwide experienced a 58& rise in admissions for addictions to stimulants, such as Adderall.

To learn more about the treatment options available to you, and to learn how you can begin getting yourself or loved one effective Adderall addiction treatment, contact our center today at 561-933-5522.

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