Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone who becomes addicted to Adderall begins recovery, the first step is going to detox. They can expect to experience Adderall withdrawal symptoms. These can continue into the next phase of treatment. Because of this, getting help to minimize them makes resisting relapse easier to do. Buckhead Behavioral Health understands how complex the process of overcoming substance use disorders is for everyone. We created a series of outpatient rehab programs that help people discover their strength and ability to quit abusing Adderall and enjoy improved physical and mental health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall addiction, call us now at (470) 460-6789 or fill out the form below and one of our admissions representatives will reach out to you.

What is Adderall Withdrawal?

Adderall is a prescription medication used by millions to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. The number of people who have prescriptions for Adderall has skyrocketed in the past few years. In 2017, 32.2 million people took the drug. In 2021, that number increased to 41.4 million people with prescriptions for the drug.

Even though Adderall is an FDA-approved medication, when someone stops abusing it, they develop Adderall withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body has developed a dependence on the drug. Adderall contains both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which makes it a stimulant drug. Stimulant drugs increase the activity of a person’s central nervous system. This produces increased energy, alertness, an ability to stay awake for long periods of time, and a sense of euphoria. The person develops a reliance on these feelings and becomes unable to produce them naturally. If they try to stop abusing the drug on their own, the withdrawal symptoms they experience usually overpower them and they return to taking Adderall.

Many people have a prescription for the drug and use it as directed at first. As well, some people abuse the drug without having a prescription for it. They obtain it through illegal channels, either to treat self-diagnosed ADHD, give them a leg up in activities like studying, or as a recreational drug. Regardless of the reason for taking Adderall, anyone can end up developing a full-blown addiction and need professional treatment.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Many withdrawal symptoms can happen when someone stops abusing Adderall. They vary to some degree, with influencers including a person’s physical and mental health, the length and severity of the addiction, and the typical dosage taken. Some common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include the following:

How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last?

How long Adderall withdrawal symptoms last depends on many factors. Someone entering detox should count on experiencing them for several days, with the peak period happening for a few days during the first week. Some of the symptoms continue after completing detox. These can all be addressed by providing FDA-approved medications and therapeutic support during all levels of rehab for Adderall addiction.

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline 

A common concern for anyone going through Adderall detox is how long the withdrawal symptoms will last. Not everyone experiences the exact same Adderall withdrawal symptoms, but a common timeline does exist.

Day 1: The first symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of taking the last dosage of Adderall. Common ones during this time include headaches, sweating, muscular aches, anxiety, and mood swings.

Day 2-4: This is the peak period when withdrawal symptoms are at their worst. Common ones during this time include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Feelings of anxiety often increase, too.

Day 5-10: During this phase, most of the symptoms become less intense or stop happening. The physical withdrawal symptoms typically end quicker than emotional ones.

By the end of the first ten days, most people have completed detox. Any withdrawal symptoms that continue can be treated during the next phase of treatment. This includes both outpatient and residential care provided by professionals at another facility.

How To Quit Adderall

Someone addicted to Adderall can overcome their substance use disorder by choosing an effective treatment program. It begins by going to detox and ridding the body of the toxins that build up during long-term addiction. From there, a person can go to a residential program. For many, an outpatient program provides the care they need. Outpatient programs operate on several levels that include:

Detox for Adderall

When it comes to starting treatment for substance use disorders, the first step is going to detox. An initial assessment of a person addicted to Adderall will help determine what type of detox provides the right fit for them. For severe addictions, many people require the round-the-clock care that residential detox provides.

For many others, an outpatient program fits the bill. Outpatient detox allows a person to continue living in their own home or a sober living home instead of moving into a facility. They travel to the treatment facility daily for visits with a doctor or nurse practitioner, who will monitor them for Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Medical and psychological support will be provided to help minimize the symptoms and support the person’s ability to stay sober during this vital first stage of recovery. Detox takes about a week, though it can last longer when someone needs extra time to receive the professional attention needed to prepare to move to the next level of treatment.

During a detox program, the staff will recommend what level of care the individual should attend next. This can include transitioning into a residential treatment center or continuing with outpatient care.