What to Expect When Detoxing from Adderall


In This Article
What is Adderall Withdrawal?
When you become physically dependent on Adderall, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. The withdrawal experience can be even more difficult if you’re addicted to Adderall.
You can become dependent on the drug when you take it for an extended period. Some people can still experience Adderall dependence even if they take it as directed.
Unlike other withdrawal syndromes, Adderall withdrawal has no link to dangerous medical problems. The main risk is that your depressed mood can develop into suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Is Adderall Addiction Affecting Your Life?
If you or a loved one is suffering, call now. An Addiction Specialist can help:
- Answer questions about treatment
- Provide financial assistance options
- Give you valuable guidance and resources
What are the Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal?
Typically, Adderall boosts concentration and energy. Adderall withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of these effects.
Common symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Intense depression
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Oversleeping
- Trouble falling asleep and other sleep disturbances
- Increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating
- Body aches
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
Severe Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have a higher tolerance for Adderall, you may have a more severe amphetamine withdrawal. These symptoms are similar to Adderall withdrawal symptoms but will be more intense.
Withdrawal from amphetamines is usually not life-threatening. However, it can be extremely uncomfortable and trigger a relapse.
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Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
Here is a typical timeline of the Adderall withdrawal period.
Days one to three
Some of the first withdrawal symptoms include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Tiredness
- Depression
Days four to seven
After the first symptoms subside, another wave of withdrawal symptoms may appear. Adderall users may start to feel:
- Irritable
- Anxiety
- Restless
- The struggle to concentrate
- Sleep disturbances
Week two
Sleep will likely return to normal for most people. But it can continue to fluctuate at this part of the Adderall detox.
You may experience:
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe depression
- Drug cravings
Week three and onwards
The amphetamine withdrawal symptoms should have subsided by week three. If you’ve been using Adderall for a long time or have a higher tolerance, some symptoms last longer.
Some long-term Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Drug cravings
- Mood swings
After one to three months of not taking Adderall, you’ll feel normal again.
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How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last?
Typically, you won’t experience Adderall withdrawal until a few days after your last dose. Adderall withdrawal symptoms usually last up to one week.
However, this can depend on how long you’ve used or abused the drug. If you’ve been taking Adderall for an extended period, you may experience long-term withdrawal.
These symptoms can last for a few weeks to a month or longer. Many people experience lingering psychological symptoms and Adderall cravings.
Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction
If you or someone you know suffers from Adderall addiction, consider finding treatment. There are different treatment options available to help you recover from addiction.
Here are a few treatment options available for Adderall Addiction:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Support groups and aftercare: Provides a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
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Can You Detox From Adderall at Home?
Adderall can be safe to detox from home. Although other drugs have complex withdrawal symptoms, amphetamine withdrawal is unlikely to trigger severe medical issues.
However, the problem with Adderall withdrawal is that it can be unpredictable. It’s difficult to know if you’ll experience severe depression or agitation.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to quit Adderall for long-term support and guidance. You should go to a rehab center or an addiction specialist if you experience extreme depression and suicidal thoughts.
Tips For Managing Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
There are no medicines currently recommended to treat stimulant withdrawal. However, there are some tips available to reduce discomfort during the detox.
Medication
Consider taking different medications to help relieve other symptoms. Here are some of the medicines you can take to relieve symptoms
- Anti-anxiety medication for intense irritation and aggression
- Painkillers for headaches and body aches
- Prescription sleep medicine for sleeping disorders
- Antidepressants for depression and lingering post-withdrawal depression
It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking medications, especially for:
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleeping pills and antihistamines like Benadryl
- Antidepressants
Ask for Support
You can ask someone you trust to check in on you occasionally during the Adderall detox. But it would be best to consider attending a rehab facility for a medical detox.
A rehab facility will be able to give you medical care and supervision. It can help you manage uncomfortable or harmful withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid Having Access to Adderall
If you want to detox or avoid a relapse successfully, you should throw away your supply. You can ask someone you trust to keep Adderall away from you. You should also tell your supplier to cut you off.
Eat Healthy & Stay Hydrated
Eating healthy and drinking plenty of fluids can help the Adderall detox process. Consider taking vitamins and drinking energy drinks for electrolytes.
Distract Yourself
Consider preparing for a depressed mood by surrounding yourself with things that give you joy or peace. Taking care of your emotional needs is essential throughout the detox process.
Here are a few things you can do to distract yourself:
- Eat your favorite foods
- Watch your favorite movie
- Play video games
- Talk to a friend
- Exercise & meditation
You may also take time off from your daily obligations and responsibilities. Give yourself time to rest and recover by taking time off work, school, and studying.
What is an Adderall Crash?
An Adderall crash or comedown is an intense, mini withdrawal that begins within several hours of your last dose. It happens when the stimulant effects of the drug wear off.
An Adderall crash can last for one to two days. Most people experience physical exhaustion and depression during this stage.
When you quit Adderall permanently, your symptoms will resemble those of an Adderall crash initially. However, they will become less intense over time.
Summary
Adderall withdrawal happens when you suddenly stop taking the drug. You’ll typically feel withdrawal symptoms a few days after your last dose.
Withdrawal symptoms can last up to three weeks or a month. The withdrawal process will take longer depending on how much Adderall you take and how long you’ve abused it.
Although Adderall withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, they aren’t dangerous, and detoxing at home is safe. However, the main risk of Adderall withdrawal is depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
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- Major Depression, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2018.
- Chen et al. “Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 2016.
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- Siefried et al. “Pharmacological Treatment of Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Dependence: A Systematic Review.” CNS Drugs, 2020.
- Solanki et al. “Amphetamine Withdrawal Differentially Increases the Expression of Organic Cation Transporter 3 and Serotonin Transporter in Limbic Brain Regions.” Journal of experimental neuroscience, 2016.
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