Adderall Withdrawal & Detox

Because Adderall, a commonly prescribed drug used to treat ADHD, ADD and narcolepsy, is also known to be highly addictive, there are some who might need to learn about Adderall withdrawal and detox symptoms. Those who may need to stop using the medication suddenly, whether they have been taking the medication as prescribed or abusing the drug, may need to know what to do, how to prepare and what to expect from an Adderall withdrawal and detox treatment. Keep reading to learn more about Adderall, how it it used, how it can be abused and what to expect during withdrawal and detox.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a combination medication of stimulants – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The effects of the two combined result in better concentration levels in those who may experience difficulty focusing on tasks for a prolonged period, have trouble fidgeting when they need to sit still for a time or struggle learning because of an inability to focus and retain information. Adderall is typically prescribed to patients who experience Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and in some cases of narcolepsy.

How is Adderall Abused?

As recently as 2013, there was a reported 7.5 percent of high school students who abused the prescription drug Adderall. Because there isn’t a specific test that has to be done to determine whether someone has ADD or ADHD, it is reported some students will exaggerate symptoms to be able to get a prescription for Adderall. Some will buy it from friends and dealers with legal prescriptions. Not only does Adderall abuse create criminal activity, both for the user as well as the dealer, but it increases a person’s chances to get addicted to the drug. For a person with a neurotypical brain, abusing a drug like Adderall can create life-long changes to the brain.

Some new studies have indicated those who abuse Adderall, among high school and college students, are more likely to venture to try other drugs including opiates as well as partake in dangerous activities like binge drinking.

Taking too high of doses of Adderall or using it for a prolonged period of time can lead a person straight toward addiction of the drug. Typically these addictions, unless addressed early, may need more serious treatment and professional help in order to be overcome.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Once a person has been directed by his or her doctor to stop using the medication, it is important to follow the direction of the medical professional. However, it is important to be aware of Adderall withdrawal symptoms, which can be common if there were cases of prolonged use of the drug or abuse of the drug (ie. ingested in high doses).

Important Adderall withdrawal symptoms to take notice of include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mental or mood changes such as an onset of depression or anxiety

To prevent these withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may direct you toward reducing your doses gradually. If you experience any of the withdrawal symptoms listed above, it is important to notify your doctor right away.

How long does it take to go through Adderall withdrawal?

For many, a doctor will prescribe a slow tapering of the drug over a 90-day period. Most users of the drug report feeling significantly improved after a three-month period.

Adderall Detox Treatment

When it comes to Adderall detox treatments, typically a doctor is able to oversee the medical weaning of the drug with their patients. For those who have taken the drug illegally and/or for a prolonged period of time, more intensive detox therapies or rehabilitation might be necessary. Depending on the reason for the drug abuse, including causes like mental illnesses including depression, anxiety or simply an addictive personality, in and out-patient rehab might be necessary to get the patient the help they need to both wean from the Adderall, but also to treat underlying issues that caused the abuse of the drug in the first place.

There are several factors that can contribute to how smooth or difficult an Adderall detox treatment might be including:

• Time: how long was the patient using the drug? Those who have used it longer, typically notice more withdrawal symptoms and have a more difficult time weaning from the drug.
• Frequency: how often did the patient or user partake in the drug. Again, those who use more frequently are going to have a tougher time stopping use of the drug or making it through the detox period.
• Physiology: the physiology and brain chemistry of the person taking the drug plays a large role in how the person is affected by weaning from it. Studies have shown that those who legally took the drug per their prescription had a less difficult time going through the Adderall detox, and many reported little to no troubles at all. However, those who have been known to abuse the drug often faced a more difficult detox period.

If you, or someone you know is struggling with Adderall addiction, it is important to seek the help of a qualified medical professional right away.

Sources:

webmd.com
drugfree.org
mentalhealthdaily.com
recoveryfirst.org