Individuals take Adderall as part of their medication. However, just like other substances, some develop a dependence on the drug and find Adderall addictive. When a person stops their intake, the effects of withdrawal can be uncomfortable.
Luxe Recovery understands that going through Adderall withdrawal may be challenging, so in this article, we will discuss the withdrawal timeline and a comprehensive Adderall recovery process.
What is Adderall?
Adderall – known generically as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine – is a medication for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are known to be central nervous system stimulants. Individuals with ADHD use Adderall to help them focus and pay attention. Using the drug also helps in controlling their behavior.
It is available in two different forms: IR and XR. Adderall IR is an immediate-release version, while XR is an extended-release version. While doses of Adderall IR may be an affordable option, just a single dose of XR can last a day. Those suffering from sleeping disorders (e.g., narcolepsy) are usually prescribed Adderall XR to help them stay awake during the day.
A doctor prescribes this depending on your medical condition. Your Adderall dose is adjusted based on your body’s response to the treatment. Although it’s a helpful medication, Adderall has become a widely abused drug. Taking it for an extended period without medical supervision can lead to addiction and dependency.
What is Adderall Detox?
Adderall stimulates the brain, releasing the ‘feel-good hormone’ dopamine. Because of the pleasurable sensation from dopamine, the craving to seek Adderall increases. The use of Adderall for an extended period then results in dependency and addiction.
When Adderall dependency is not managed early on, an individual may experience long-term withdrawal symptoms. This is when a supervised detox is recommended. Adderall detox is a program to help deal with the effects of withdrawal. It also allows individuals to stop taking the drug safely.
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
The length of time it takes for the withdrawal process varies significantly for individuals who have taken this prescription drug for a long time. However, the typical Adderall withdrawal timeline starts like this:
- Day 1-3: Withdrawal symptoms begin to show within the first twelve hours of your last dose and can last up to three days. In this early stage of stopping Adderall intake, symptoms of withdrawal usually are mild. Since they’ve taken Adderall for a long time, one would start to feel exhausted. They can also experience trouble sleeping caused by withdrawal from Adderall XR. This is when individuals begin showing symptoms of depression.
- Day 3-5: Withdrawal (or Adderall crash) symptoms peak between the third and fifth day. Individuals start to experience symptoms of stimulant withdrawal, like nightmares, headaches, extreme fatigue, and depression.
- Day 5-7: The usual symptoms subside during days five to seven. However, psychological symptoms (e.g., irritability, panic attacks, anxiety) continue.
- Month 1: During this period, amphetamine withdrawal causes drug cravings to peak. This is when you should get concerned about withdrawal because this excessive feeling of needing Adderall can cause one to relapse. Having anxiety caused by Adderall, erratic sleep, and fatigue are also common.
- Month 2: Symptoms from your withdrawal period start to dissipate.
As previously mentioned, the symptoms and timeline for withdrawal can vary depending on how long the individual has taken the medication. It is recommended to consult a doctor, especially when you are already experiencing severe symptoms of withdrawal. They can recommend programs that can help you manage how long Adderall withdrawal lasts and lessen its effect.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
As one stops taking the medication, they experience some of the common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms of Adderall include:
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical symptoms start within the first week of your last Adderall intake. Although physical symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, and headaches are common, individuals can also experience:
- upset stomach
- increased appetite
- sweating
- chills
- muscle aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- high blood pressure
Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Since stimulants like Adderall are drugs that affect the central nervous system, one can experience psychological issues caused by withdrawal. Common symptoms include:
- depression
- agitation
- cognitive difficulties
- moodiness
- irritability
Physical and psychological symptoms can persist if a person has taken the medication for quite a long time. How long does it take? If an individual has taken it for quite some time and has developed tolerance to Adderall, expect withdrawal symptoms to last longer.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms may include suicidal thoughts and hallucinations. Factors such as your health, genes, and your family health history can also cause severe Adderall withdrawal symptoms.
How long or how bad you experience withdrawal symptoms are caused by such factors. If you’re feeling withdrawal is hard to cope with, rest assured that there are treatments available.
Treatment for Adderall Withdrawal
Adderall cold turkey is a standard method to help a person stop taking the drug. However, doing so can cause problems. When you quit taking Adderall, your body may have a hard time adjusting to its sudden absence. This is why coping with Adderall withdrawal involves a multifaceted treatment.
Lifestyle Change
Lifestyle changes can help improve our overall well-being. This could mean having a balanced diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise.
Stress Management
Meditation and yoga can help manage stress and relieve anxiety. Deep breathing exercises can also be helpful.
Support Groups
Joining support groups provides comfort and a sense of community. People also share their experiences, which could be helpful during the withdrawal process.
Therapy
Therapy aids in treating the psychological effects of withdrawal. Through counseling, an individual learns different coping strategies. They can also get the emotional support they need to manage symptoms and other difficulties they experience.
Medical Supervision
Seeking the help of a medical professional when dealing with withdrawal helps the body detox safely and effectively. They can provide individualized treatment, check on your progress, and even address any problems that arise throughout the process. Medical professionals can also check for underlying issues that contribute to your condition.
Medication
Although there is no approved treatment for Adderall crash, doctors prescribe medication before withdrawal symptoms start to worsen. This can include:
- Antidepressants: This is prescribed if a person has severe depression.
- Sleeping Pills: People dealing with withdrawal experience sleeping problems. Sleeping pills are prescribed for those with insomnia.
- Pain Relievers: This over-the-counter medication helps relieve headaches and body aches.
- Benzodiazepine: Benzodiazepines aid in slowing down brain activity, making it ideal for relieving anxiety.
Coping with withdrawal may be difficult. However, when these different forms of treatment are combined, a person can manage withdrawal effects more efficiently.
How To Detox From Adderall
A person’s symptoms vary, especially when they have been prescribed Adderall for an extended period, making each case different. This is why it’s crucial to be guided by a medical professional about Adderall withdrawal and detox.
Here at Luxe Recovery, our programs to detox from Adderall include evidence-based techniques. We understand that every person is unique. They each have their own experience and difficulties, so we carefully assess and create individualized treatment plans.
Our medical detox program can help a person purge the drugs from their body. Detoxification involves gradually reducing your dosage of Adderall. Doing so allows your body to gradually adjust to the decreasing dose until it is flushed out of your system.
Once the Adderall is out of the body, withdrawal begins. Our team at the detox center will be with you throughout the process and offer support to help manage any discomfort caused by withdrawal.
Adderall Addiction Treatment Options
Adderall is a stimulant drug that is usually prescribed for those with ADHD and sleeping disorders. Because of the ‘feel-good’ effect a person gets from taking it, Adderall misuse is common. Their drug cravings can later lead to Adderall addiction.
Here are some of the addiction treatment options for individuals addicted to Adderall.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
This involves 24/7 monitoring and care. Our structured residential treatment program involves counseling with medical specialists and evidence-based therapies that can lead to a long-term treatment to help with Adderall addiction.
Outpatient Treatment
Luxe Recovery offers an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This is ideal for those who do not have severe Adderall addiction but still need proper levels of care to help them recover from the effects of Adderall addiction.
Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs are completed following inpatient or outpatient treatment for Adderall use addiction. The program includes staying in sober living spaces that can aid individuals in slowly transitioning back to their daily lives.
Sober living spaces offer an environment that lets a person relax and feel safe before returning to independent living. Individuals are taught different skills to help them cope in the real world.
The effects of abusing Adderall can be uncomfortable and challenging, but with a trusted treatment center like Luxe Recovery, taking the first step towards recovery is possible.
We Offer Support and Treatment for Adderall Addiction at Luxe Recovery
Managing withdrawal symptoms can be a challenge, especially for those who have used regular Adderall doses. However, even though the effect of Adderall withdrawal varies and the timeline can be different for everyone, it can be treated.
A reputable recovery center like Luxe Recovery offers counseling and guidance for those going through withdrawal.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall dependency, contact Luxe Recovery. We have quality programs that aid in treating Adderall dependence and addiction. Our experienced team is here to help you on your road to recovery.
