Adderall addiction and dependence is more common than people may think. If an individual uses a prescription drug like Adderall for an extended amount of time, even if it is taken as prescribed, they can become physically dependent on it. Unfortunately when you become dependent on a medication you cannot stop or decrease the dosage of the medication without experiencing Adderall withdrawal symptoms.
If you have been illicitly using Adderall for the euphoric side effects then you can also become addicted to it. If addiction develops along with physical dependance, then the withdrawal process becomes even more difficult. Understanding the process of Adderall withdrawal and timeline of the symptoms helps ease the fear surrounding the process of detox and normally helps individuals have an easier time coping with the withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication that can only be obtained through a prescription from a doctor. Adderall is what is known as a stimulant medication and is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is prescribed for individuals with sleep disorders or chronic fatigue in order to increase mental sharpness. It is also prescribed to people who are diagnosed with ADHD/ADD or narcolepsy in order to increase concentration levels. If Adderall is taken consistently for long periods of time, then it can lead to addiction.
Is There A Risk Of Addiction With Adderall?
Adderall does pose a risk for addiction. Adderall increases the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The chemical increases in the brain that Adderall causes affect energy levels, focus, and mood. When Adderall is taken consistently for long periods of time an individual’s tolerance level builds up. If someone’s tolerance level begins to build up, then they will need more Adderall in order to feel the side effects and not experience withdrawal.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall withdrawal symptoms set in when someone who has consistently taken the medication either cuts their dosage down or abruptly stops taking it. The withdrawal symptoms can vary by the individual. The severity of the symptoms is normally dependent on the amount someone was taking, how long they were taking Adderall, and if they have any other underlying conditions. Some common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Panic attacks
- Increased appetite
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
Adderall withdrawal is normally very uncomfortable, which is why going into a drug treatment program can be extremely helpful. Programs like The Healing Center, in Cherry Hill, NJ, provide supportive treatment for individuals going through Adderall withdrawal. It is important for individuals struggling with an Adderall addiction to not only receive medical treatment for the symptoms of withdrawal, but they also need therapeutic treatment in order to heal from the psychological effects that long-term Adderall use may cause.
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
Just like withdrawal symptoms, the timeline for Adderall withdrawal can vary as well. Symptoms do not normally start until a few days after an individual stops taking it. This is due to the fact that the half life for Adderall is 9-14 hours, which means that the drug does not completely leave someone’s system until about 72 hours after their last dose. Symptoms normally last about a week. The exception is if someone has been taking Adderall for an extended amount of time, then their withdrawal symptoms may last weeks to even months.
In the first few days of Adderall withdrawal the initial symptoms are usually fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, and depression. By the fourth day other withdrawal symptoms will normally have set in including irritability, cravings, anxiety, and restlessness. Once someone is through the first week of withdrawal the most severe withdrawal symptoms normally begin to subside. If someone has taken Adderall for a long time they may experience what is known as post acute withdrawal. Individuals who have post acute withdrawal symptoms may continue to feel fatigue, sadness, and cravings for Adderall after they have gotten through the second week of the detoxing process.
Fortunately there are treatment programs which offer support for individuals who have detoxed from Adderall. At The Healing Center we offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs in order to help people following the initial week of Adderall withdrawal. Programs like ours offer therapeutic services and medication management in order to set people up for long-term recovery from Adderall addiction.
Treatment For Adderall Withdrawal In Cherry Hill, NJ
Here at The Healing Center in Cherry Hill, NJ we understand that Adderall withdrawal is not an easy process. We make getting help for Adderall addiction an easy and smooth process. We will help you find an affordable and suitable detox and then enter you into one of our programs in order to ensure that you have the tools you need in order to successfully recover from your Adderall addiction. We offer a variety of therapeutic services including individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management, and holistic therapy. Our philosophy is to work with each of our clients in order to create an individualized treatment plan that meets their personal needs. Reach out to our admissions team today in order to take the first steps towards living a life free from addiction.
