Detoxing from Adderall
Adderall is both a prescription medication and amphetamine, i.e. a central nervous stimulant. It is often used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition commonly associated with restlessness and impulsiveness. In some instances, Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness and hallucinations.
Adderall stimulates dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. For people dealing with ADHD, it has a calming effect. Or, for people dealing with narcolepsy, the end result is a stimulating effect. And for recreational Adderall users, the drug delivers the same effect as a traditional amphetamine – the high of an “upper.”
Additionally, Adderall is rated at a Schedule II drug by the U.S. government. As such, Adderall is available for medical use but requires close monitoring due to the risk of dependence and abuse.
Recreational use of Adderall is a serious issue. In fact, recent research indicates nonmedical Adderall use was highest among individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. These individuals often received Adderall from family members or friends – and without a doctor’s prescription.
The more frequently that Adderall is taken, the more likely it becomes that an individual develops a tolerance to the drug. In this instance, an individual may encounter serious health problems due to excess Adderall use.
How Does Adderall Affect the Brain?
An individual who is dealing with an Adderall addiction may deal with withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings if he or she goes even a few hours without the drug. When this happens, an individual may have trouble sleeping, feel irritable, and experience other physical side effects.
Adderall abuse also increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and aggression. People who are dealing with Adderall addictions are more prone to low moods and depression during withdrawal as well.
With Adderall detox, an individual can take steps to address his or her Adderall addiction. Each detox varies based on the individual, but ultimately, every Adderall detox is designed to help an individual put his or her addictive behaviors in the past.
Adderall Detox: What You Need to Know
The longer an Adderall addiction goes unaddressed, the worse it becomes for an addict and his or her loved ones. Thus, if you or someone you know is dealing with any of the following Adderall abuse symptoms, it may be time to consider an Adderall detox:
- It is difficult to stay focused on everyday activities; instead, the mind focuses on using Adderall or determining the next available time to use Adderall
- Excessive Adderall consumption is commonplace; in this instance, an individual uses high Adderall quantities prescribed to him or her or acquired illegally
- Daily responsibilities at school, work, or home get ignored, as the primary focus is getting and using Adderall
- Many days are spent using Adderall or trying to acquire it
- An individual continues to use Adderall – even when performing potentially life-threatening activities like driving or operating heavy machinery
- Although Adderall makes a person feel sick, he or she continues to use it
- As Adderall use persists, an individual requires greater amounts of Adderall than ever before to achieve the same effects
- An individual experiences withdrawal symptoms when he or she stops using Adderall for even a short period of time
How Long to Detox from Adderall
The amount of time required to detox from Adderall depends on the individual. Adderall withdrawal symptoms may last from five days to three weeks. Meanwhile, it sometimes takes people up to three months to overcome the effects of an Adderall addiction.
How to Detox from Adderall at Home
For people who are exploring how to detox from Adderall, at-home options are available. Yet detoxing from Adderall at home can be problematic due in part to the withdrawal symptoms associated with Adderall use.
An Adderall detox requires medical care and attention. If detox is administered by medical personnel, an individual can receive full support as he or she copes with Adderall withdrawal symptoms. This helps reduce the risk of a relapse during an Adderall detox.
Additionally, an at-home Adderall detox may put an addict’s family members, friends, and other loved ones in danger. Although loved ones may try to provide support during an Adderall detox, an addict may be susceptible to suicidal thoughts and depression at this time. Thus, it is always better to err on the side of caution and ensure any Adderall detox is performed and monitored by medical personnel.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Use
Adderall is used for a number of reasons, and it is misused by people who receive it with or without a prescription. In certain instances, people abuse Adderall so they can feel more energized, study more effectively, or lose weight faster than ever before. Or, people sometimes use Adderall to get high.
If you believe someone you know may be abusing Adderall, there are several warning signs to look for, including:
- Appetite changes
- Lack of sleep
- Dizziness
- Seeing multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
- Appears to be in a euphoric state
- Increased energy levels
- More social than ever before
- More prone to nosebleeds and sniffling
- Increased nervousness
- Prone to mood swings
- Track lines, puncture marks, and other visible signs of intravenous drug use
Having the ability to identify the symptoms and signs of Adderall abuse in others is key. Because if someone you know is dealing with an Adderall addiction, you can help him or her get the necessary help to overcome this addiction.
Adderall Abuse Risks and Effects
Adderall is sometimes obtained with a prescription, but even a prescription drug can be addictive. If an individual abuses Adderall, he or she may be prone to various physical and mental side effects. And the longer an individual abuses Adderall, the greater the risk becomes that the consequences may be fatal.
Understanding the risks and effects of Adderall abuse is paramount, particularly for those who want to help family members, friends, or other loved ones dealing with an Adderall addiction. Common long-term consequences of Adderall abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Blood vessel blockages
- Heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions
- Increased anger and aggression
- Withdrawal symptoms due to Adderall dependence
- Perforated septum
- Depression
- HIV, hepatitis, and other medical conditions associated with intravenous complications
- Malnutrition
- Mood swings
- Stroke
Treating an Adderall effort can be difficult, especially for someone who tries to address this addiction on his or her own. By meeting with a doctor, an individual can determine the best course of action to start an Adderall addiction treatment program.
Is Adderall an Addictive Substance?
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is highly regulated due in part to its potential for abuse and dependency. College students may be more likely than others to abuse Adderall, too. Some research shows college students were more prone to abuse Adderall than cocaine, marijuana, prescription painkillers, and prescription tranquilizers.
A Closer Look at Adderall Withdrawal
Adderall withdrawal impacts individuals who use high volumes of Adderall for a prolonged period. An addict may experience physical withdrawal symptoms as his or her body tries to function without Adderall.
Physical dependence is a major problem associated with Adderall abuse. As a person abuses Adderall over time, he or she likely needs to increase his or her dosage to achieve the same effects. This leads to Adderall dependence, as well as withdrawal symptoms if an individual goes without the drug for even a few hours.
As a person continues to abuse Adderall, the dangers associated with the drug increase accordingly. If prolonged Adderall abuse continues, an individual is susceptible to an overdose.
Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall has been linked to both psychological and physiological dependence. And once a person becomes dependent on Adderall, he or she is prone to withdrawal symptoms.
The severity and length of Adderrall withdrawal symptoms vary. They sometimes take one to three weeks to disappear and may include:
- Body pain
- Drug cravings
- Feelings of nervousness and panic
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Paranoia
Adderall withdrawal may prove to be an arduous process. For those who want to achieve the best-possible results, professional help is available.
Adderall Detox Timeline
The entire Adderall detox process may require up to three weeks. The following factors dictate how long it will take a person to detox from Adderall:
- Average Dose: The more Adderall a person has consumed, the longer it will take him or her to detox.
- How Long an Individual Has Used Adderall: The longer a person has used Adderrall, the longer it will take him or her to eliminate the drug from his or her system.
- Genetics: A person’s genes sometimes influence the severity and length of his or her detox.
Relapse sometimes occurs during the Adderrall detox process. In this instance, a person may start using Adderall once again within about four weeks of quitting the drug. But with the right treatment program in place, an individual can safely and effectively detox from Adderall – and minimize the risk of a relapse at any point during the recovery cycle.
Ongoing Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Two types of Adderall are available: regular and extended-release (XR) varieties. The withdrawal period associated with Adderall varies due in part to the type of Adderall he or she uses.
Regular Adderall works quickly, and its effects last up to six hours. Additionally, the effects of regular Adderrall usually disappear within a few hours.
Comparatively, Adderall XR is designed for prolonged use, and it remains in the body longer than its regular counterpart. This means it may take an individual longer to remove Adderall XR from his or her system.
Suboxone for Adderall Withdrawal
In some instances, suboxone is used to treat Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is a prescription medication that is sometimes used to treat opioid addiction. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for addiction treatment, and two forms of suboxone are available: pill and sublingual film.
Research indicates that there are many risks associated with using suboxone and Adderall at the same time. Combining suboxone and Adderall sometimes lead to a “speedball” effect, resulting in a greater high than taking either of the drugs on their own.
Taking suboxone and Adderall together can be dangerous. Therefore, a person who is searching for a safe, effective way to cope with an Adderall addiction should consult with a doctor. This allows an individual to pursue different Adderall treatment programs and find out that can deliver the desired results — without putting his or her health at risk.
Adderrall Treatment Programs
The ideal solution to quit Adderrall differs based on the individual, but there is no shortage of treatment options to address Adderrall addiction. Common Adderall treatment programs include:
- Inpatient/Residential Rehab: Enables an individual to work with a therapist and other addiction professionals.
- Outpatient Rehab: Requires a patient to stay in a treatment center and includes treatment services that are virtually identical to those provided at an inpatient rehab center.
- Group Therapy: Ensures an individual can work with peers to recover from an Adderall addiction.
- Individual Therapy: Consists of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy and other personalized therapy; individual therapy may be performed weekly and used in combination with a group therapy program.
- 12-Step Treatment Programs: Offer a 12-step Adderall addiction treatment process; notable 12-step treatment programs include those provided by Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
How to Help Someone Quitting Adderall
Some of the best ways to help someone who is trying to overcome an Adderall addiction include:
- Remain patient. Don’t put additional stress on a person dealing with an Adderall addiction; instead, remain calm, cool, and collected, and try to help this individual find the best solution to his or her addiction.
- Seek out addiction professionals. Find addiction professionals who know how to help people dealing with an Adderall addiction.
- Set up an intervention. Meet with an intervention professional to learn how to set up an intervention.
- Take care of yourself. Practice self-care, and you’ll be ready to assist someone who is dealing with an Adderall addiction if and when he or she comes to you for help.
Adderall FAQ
What are the most common signs and symptoms of Adderall use?
Adderall increases alertness and productivity, and the drug may cause a person to become more excitable and overly talkative. It may also result in impulsive behaviors, disorientation, and mania.
Extended use of Adderall may cause a person to become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. At this time, Adderall overtakes a person’s life, and it may lead to financial issues related to the need to consume large quantities as frequently as possible. It may also force a person to miss work or school, and instead, focus on satisfying his or her Adderall addiction. Furthermore, prolonged use of Adderall may cause memory loss, as well as heart attack, stroke, liver damage, and other long-lasting health issues.
What are the risks and effects associated with Adderall abuse?
Adderall abuse can be deadly, particularly for people who become physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Ongoing Adderall use increases a person’s tolerance for the drug, and a person may find that he or she needs an Adderall “fix” to cope with everyday life. Meanwhile, the side effects of Adderall abuse escalate over time. If a person cannot control his or her Adderall addiction, it may cause serious health problems. Long-term Adderall abuse may even be fatal.
Is it possible to get addicted to Adderall?
Adderall addiction is a serious problem that can affect anyone, at any time. If a person is prescribed Adderall, he or she is given instructions on how much of the drug to take, and how frequently to use the drug. Yet if a person consumes more than the prescribed dose of Adderall, he or she is prone to addiction. Additionally, if an individual consumes Adderall beyond the period it was prescribed or more frequently than prescribed, an Adderall addiction may develop.
For those who receive an Adderall prescription, it is essential to follow a doctor’s instructions for use. An individual should only use Adderall as prescribed; otherwise, his or her risk of Adderall abuse and addiction increases.
What are the signs and symptoms of Adderall withdrawal?
Depression and fatigue are among the primary signs and symptoms of Adderall withdrawal. An individual may also experience insomnia, nausea, and other physical symptoms during Adderall withdrawal. In some instances, people experience a “hungover” sensation as well due to Adderall withdrawal.
Adderall withdrawal is problematic, and without the right approach to it, an individual risks relapse. Fortunately, medical personnel are available to help people cope with Adderall withdrawal. Thanks to medical personnel, an individual can receive comprehensive support as he or she deals with Adderall withdrawal symptoms. This individual can also work with medical personnel to determine the best course of action to manage an Adderall addiction and prevent Adderall withdrawal symptoms from recurring.
What is the best way to detox from Adderall?
A medically based detox provides a safe, effective way to detox from Adderall. Medical personnel monitor a patient’s progress closely as he or she deals with Adderall withdrawal symptoms. They then offer guidance to help a patient manage an Adderall addiction, as well as develop a personalized treatment program to help this individual achieve long-term addiction relief.
Choose an Adderall Addiction Treatment Program
Adderall withdrawal and recovery are rarely simple, and those dealing with Adderall addiction require round-the-clock support. At the ibogaine treatment center Transcend Clinic, patients can detox from Adderall in a safe, comfortable setting. Reach out today to find out how Transcend Clinic helps patients overcome Adderall addiction.
Sources:
https://transcendibogaine.com/how-to-detox-from-adderall/
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/long-term-effects
https://www.detox.net/adderall/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9618415
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17228335
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/long-term-risks-adhd-medications