Adderall is a stimulant prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While this medication can be very effective at easing the symptoms of ADHD, it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Many people abuse Adderall for it’s energy-increasing, euphoric effects by taking it without a prescription.
People who use Adderall for prolonged periods face the risk of becoming physically dependent. When this happens, a tolerance develops, which means that the user must take increasingly large doses of Adderall to achieve the desired effect.
Those who have developed a tolerance to Adderall frequently feel like the drug doesn’t help them concentrate or increase energy like it once did. However, if they stop using the drug, they have difficulty thinking or functioning normally.
These are the first stages of withdrawal – Adderall withdrawal is the result of the body attempting to reestablish balance without exposure to the drug. While withdrawal from Adderall is seldom dangerous on its own, it may be related to suicidal thoughts in some.
Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal
Unsurprisingly, Adderall withdrawal symptoms are essentially the opposite of the drug’s sought-after effects. While Adderall improves concentration and produces euphoria and energy, the crash that follows after someone stops using the drug causes a reversal of these effects.
Common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Oversleeping
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
- Achiness
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
Duration of Adderall Withdrawal
The duration of withdrawal symptoms from Adderall will be different for everyone. Some people experience a cessation of symptoms in as little as five days, whereas it may take weeks or more for others.
The most significant factors that can affect the duration of withdrawal are the average dose consumed as well as the frequency of use and duration. Moreover, people who used larger doses, more frequently and for a longer period can reasonably expect withdrawal symptoms to last longer.
Prolonged Withdrawal Symptoms – Adderall IR and Adderall XR
There are two types of Adderall: instant and extended-release. Regular Adderall, or Adderall IR, is an instant-release medication that generally lasts for up to six hours, while Adderall XR (extended-release) is used for around-the-clock treatment.
Because Adderall IR begins working almost immediately and its effects subside after several hours, it clears the body quickly. Comparatively, Adderall XR accumulates and stays in the body longer, and thus the duration of withdrawal is different for these two types of drugs.
People who have been using regular Adderall start feeling withdrawal sooner than those who have been using Adderall XR. Also, withdrawal from Adderall XR may persist weeks longer than withdrawal from Adderall IR because it takes longer for the body to detox.
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
6 hours to 3 Days
The first symptoms of withdrawal can manifest within the first few hours after the last dose. Many people encounter the crash of stimulant withdrawal during this time, hallmarked by intense fatigue and depression.
Days 3-5
Symptoms intensify and tend to peak during the first week, including irritability, depression, and fatigue. Some people also experience headaches and nightmares.
Days 5-7
Symptoms of withdrawal begin to abate, and the person usually begins to feel better after about five days. Many people are still moody, however, and incapable of functioning normally in social settings. Psychological symptoms, such as depression, may continue after this period but are usually much milder.
Weeks 3-4
In some instances, people have reported feeling the effects of withdrawal from Adderall weeks after their last dose. These persistent effects can occur to those with a particularly high tolerance and who have been using the drug for more than one year.
Adderall Detox
Detox is the process of releasing a drug from the user’s system. Once Adderall clears the body, the symptoms of withdrawal onset. Because these symptoms can make it challenging to function in daily life, some people benefit from help during detox avoiding any triggers that could cause a relapse.
Adderall detox often makes use of a tapering down strategy in which the patient’s dose is gradually decreased over time to minimize the symptoms of withdrawal. Addiction specialists at rehabs can help Adderall users appropriately reduce their doses.
Recovering from an Adderall Addiction
Undergoing withdrawal from Adderall is rarely dangerous, but for many, it’s not easy to achieve alone. Many people relapse during the withdrawal period in an effort to avert the highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Drug addiction is a serious and life-altering disease that wreaks havoc on the person suffering as well as their loved ones. Persons who are abusing or addicted to Adderall or other stimulants are urged to seek help as soon as possible.
Our center offers comprehensive treatment programs that include essential, clinically-proven therapeutic services such as psychotherapy, psychoeducation, counseling, group support, and more. We employ caring addiction specialists who provide clients with the knowledge and support they so desperately need to achieve abstinence and enjoy long-lasting wellness and sobriety.
You don’t have to battle through addiction alone – you can experience a joyful and fulfilling life! Call us today to find out how!