Adderall Addiction Library

Find the Best Possible Adderall Addiction Treatment

Adderall is a stimulant that doctors prescribe to people who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (also known as ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may also be prescribed as an antidepressant to help treat fatigue, and has other “off-label” purposes, as well. This medication has a major potential for dependency and long-term addiction.

Known as a study drug

Recreational Adderall use is primarily limited to young adults who see the medication as a study drug that will aid in their academic performance. It is predominantly used among students to help them study during exam season, since it keeps the individual awake and focused for hours on end. However, it can also be taken to simply get high because it acts in ways that seem to elevate the mind.

What to expect from Adderall withdrawal

Adderall is highly addictive. Consequently, anyone who uses this drug for a long period of time risks become dependent to its chemical effects, and therefore will struggle with withdrawal when they attempt to stop. If prescribed Adderall while under a doctor’s care, a patient can expect assistance from the doctor when the time comes to taper off of the medication. Conversely, those who take the drug illegally have an extremely difficult time with the withdrawal phase.

Long-term usage of Adderall, followed by immediate cessation, causes patients to experience a “crash”. This can result in mood swings, not being able to concentrate and fatigue. These intense, initial withdrawal symptoms are the ultimate reason that many users will seek professional rehabilitation assistance.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Here are some additional Adderall withdrawal symptoms:

  • Anxiety
  • Craving
  • Hypersomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Slow reflexes
  • Lack of sleep

What affects how severe the withdrawal symptoms are?

Every individual will experience the withdrawal effects when quitting Adderall differently. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the severity and treatment of the user’s anticipated withdrawal symptoms.

For how long was the medication taken?

Was the medication taken for several years or perhaps for only a couple of months? We know that individuals who have used any substance for years have a much higher tolerance and greater dependency than short-term users, meaning the withdrawals are going to be more intense, as well.

How frequently did the person use?

Does the person only take the medication on occasion, or do they use it every day, or perhaps multiple times a day? Some individuals use the medication as prescribed, but many addicted users habitually take doses all day long in order to maintain the desired effect. As stated with long-term users, withdrawal is going to be harder for the person who consumes greater quantities of medication due to their body’s increased dependency.

Building a tolerance

Adderall is similar to many types of other amphetamine drugs in its class, and it is very easy to develop a tolerance to any of these types of stimulants. Typically, during the first days of use the patient feels a sense of euphoria – but it does not last. In order to continue experiencing this effect, the user will need to increase their dosage. The patients who take the medication as prescribed are not chasing after “first high”. On the other hand, drug treatment is nearly always needed for Adderall users who abuse the drug.

Should you considering recovering at home?

Some substances, like alcohol, can be extremely dangerous to a person’s health when detoxifying. Adderall is not physically dangerous in this way, but it can be very uncomfortable. For the users’ safety and well-being, we still suggest that you or your loved one seek in-patient treatment, especially when going through the initial stages of detox.

Anyone with pre-existing health conditions should take extra precaution when going through detoxification. For the patient in otherwise good health, Adderall withdrawal is not considered dangerous. However if the user has other health concerns or appears generally unhealthy, professional assistance is always advised.

Treatment for the patient can be so valuable, as it gives them a chance to completely remove themselves from their negative situation. By taking them away from their environment where the drug addiction began, it makes it simpler for the client to remain on track.

Treatment also gives the person a chance to see other recovering Adderall users, and it gives them a sense of community, a sense of hope. Seeing that they can actually face their situation head on and with people that relate to them often makes all of the difference.

The main reason we suggest Adderall users go into treatment is to help break the vicious cycle of addiction. Adderall can cause dependency just like any other drug, and the user’s life can spiral out of control.

Long-term treatment for Adderall users is not only focused on helping the user reach sobriety, but also on identifying what led to the addiction in the first place and on find different coping skills to deal with those triggers. Drug rehabilitation gives people a chance to find out what’s going on with them internally without having to worry about what is going on in the outside world. The client needs to see that they are capable of making the changes necessary. Don’t let addiction continue in your household or with someone you love – pick up the phone and reach out. We are here to help you find the best treatment for your situation.