Adderall withdrawal symptoms can be alarming to the addict as well as their family. They never meant to get in this deep, but there they are.
Continue reading this article to read all of the information we have compiled on symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, how to detox and get the answer to many frequently asked questions.
What is Adderall?
We hear about Adderall in rap music. We know people with ADHD and ADD often have prescriptions for Adderall, but what is it really?
Adderall works by changing natural substances in the brain.
Adderall is in the class of drugs known as stimulants. Though many people believe Adderall to be harmless, Adderall is a scheduled 2 drug.
Why Do People Use Adderall Without a Prescription?
Many people that can’t get a doctor’s prescription still want to experience the benefits of Adderall. While they might notice short-term benefits, there are long-term side effects you don’t want. We will talk about these negative side effects further in the article.
The main reason people use Adderall, even without a prescription, is because they want to be able to focus. They want to be able to study and not have to sleep. Some people also use Adderall to lose weight.
Who Abuses Adderall?
We always think it is going to be someone else. Possibly someone that is out of control or bad that is going to fall into an addictive situation. But the truth is that every day people get addicted to Adderall and other substances.
Many people that find themselves suffering from withdrawal symptoms of Adderal are fully functioning and successful individuals. If you are one of those people or know someone that is dealing with them — don’t let shame stop you from reaching out.
One of the major groups of people that get swept into using Adderall is college students. There is a lot of pressure to make good grades. Adderall is known as the “study drug” and as such many students don’t feel they are doing anything wrong by using Adderall.
It’s for a good cause, right?
While this may make sense, even if Adderall does help you study, there are important things to think about.
Who Should Not Use Adderall?
People that are on other drugs may have adverse interactions because of it. If people are on other drugs and do not consult their doctor before using Adderall, depending on the drug, serious side effects could be fatal.
Even consuming alcohol while you’re on Adderall can cause serious problems since Adderall is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant.
Can People Die from Adderall?
Even bad side effects don’t keep everyone away from Adderall, but what about death? Can people die from taking Adderall?
Adderall has two main ingredients:
- dextroamphetamine salt
- amphetamine salt
The warning label on Adderall that is required by the FDA says:
The least amount of amphetamine feasible should be prescribed or dispensed at one time in order to minimize the possibility of overdosage.
If you take too much Adderall, it can result in sudden death. Even if you don’t die, there are other side effects that you could experience.
Adverse Effects of Abusing Adderall
With over 16 million adults using stimulants like Adderall, what side effects could come from abusing Adderall?
Some of the common side effects of Adderall abuse are as follows:
- Stomach Pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
- Nervousness
- High Blood Pressure
- Trouble Sleeping
- And more
Depending on the person, they could experience one or more of the above side effects. If you believe you’re experiencing these side effects, you should speak with your doctor immediately and talk about your next steps.
Some people do take Adderall and experience no side effects but this is most often achieved under the guidance of a medical doctor.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms: What Is Adderall Withdrawal?
When someone takes large doses of Adderall for a long period of time and stops taking it quickly, they will experience Adderall withdrawal.
Using large doses of Adderall over a long period of time often causes the individual to build up a tolerance to the drug. This means if the person wants to get the same feeling and results as before, they will need to continue to up the dosage they give themselves.
While a higher dosage may cause negative side effects and even death, many people aren’t in control and continue to take higher amounts of Adderall to keep feeling the high, decreased stress and ability to concentrate.
People that suffer from Adderall XR withdrawal symptoms, may not be able to think and function the same way they did before they started using Adderall. Developing a dependency on Adderall can decrease their ability to operate mentally on their own.
The symptoms of withdrawing from Adderall include but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Sleeping Through Alarms
- Irritability and Bad Attitudes
- Depression
- Inability to Sleep
- Increase in Appetite
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Thoughts of Suicide
- Aching
- Inability to Concentrate
There may be other side effects, but these are the most common side effects people notice when they are going through physical withdrawal symptoms of Adderall.
How Long Do Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
There is no standard answer when it comes to how long Adderall withdrawal symptoms last. Physical symptoms relating to withdrawal from Adderall could last a few days or more. The mental aspect of withdrawal from long-term Adderall use could last for weeks and longer.
When you taper off adderall do you still have withdrawal symptoms?
Some people think they will escape the withdrawal symptoms by slowly coming off Adderall and this can help in sometimes but is not always the case.
How to Spot Someone that Is Abusing Adderall
If you are worried that you or someone you love is suffering from Adderal withdrawal symptoms, there are some things you can look out for. Below are some of the top signs that someone is dealing with withdrawal after using Adderall.
Acting Depressed
If you notice someone is acting more down than they normally have, this could be a sign that they are dealing with withdrawal.
Increased Irritability
If someone acts irritable and frustrated over small things that wouldn’t otherwise upset them.
The Desire for More Sleep
If you notice someone is trying to sleep off of their normal schedule or more than they are used to sleep. You may find they are closing themselves in their rooms to sleep but denying it.
Nightmares
When people are going through withdrawal from overusing Adderall, it is not uncommon for them to experience nightmares. Many nightmares are rather violent and you might hear them shout or even fall out of their bed.
Suicidal Thoughts
While you can’t read their thoughts, look for signs that they might be experiencing suicidal thoughts. If you notice they say something about hurting themselves, even in a joking manner, you should take it seriously.
Acting Off
If you notice any actions out of the normal, they could be withdrawal symptoms. They may lose interest in certain activities that were once important to them. They may stop caring about seeing their friends or family.
How to Deal With Withdrawal Symptoms from Adderall
If you or someone you care about is dealing with withdrawal symptoms from Adderall, there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort. While you can’t make the symptoms go away before they are ready to go away, you can manage the withdrawal symptoms from Adderall side effects.
If you are working with the person that is going through withdrawal, you should not take anything they say during this time personally. They are not themselves and are going through a very painful experience so give them some grace and time.
- Eat a Healthy Well-Balanced Diet – While it is always a good idea to eat well, it is especially important when going through withdrawal. Diet is a major part of allowing your body and your mind to heal.
- Exercise Frequently – Keep the body moving and your mind off the withdrawal as much as possible. When the body is exercising, the brain releases endorphins which help to rebalance chemicals in the brain
- Join a Support Group – Even if the person doesn’t feel like talking about their feelings or experience right now, it is a good idea to have people that understand them around them. Joining a local support group can make a major difference in recovery time.
- Water is a Friend – Most people don’t get enough water on a daily basis. When going through withdrawal, people cannot afford to get too little water. A large water bottle with a straw system is the best way to make sure they are getting enough water.
- Stretching – When people stretch, they have to slow down their mind and notice their bodies. When noticing the body, it helps with healing and self-care.
- Confiding in Someone They Trust – Whether they are talking to a friend, family member or professional, it is important not to keep unhealthy thoughts and feelings inside. Communicating with someone and having a listening ear of someone that cares makes a major difference.
- Practicing Meditation – Some people think meditation is hokey but in fact, meditation allows people to notice thoughts and feelings they might have otherwise not unearthed. Being able to realize and let go can help with some of the mental issues that come along with addiction and withdrawal.
- Spa Treatments – Having a relaxing spa treatment can help ease some of the discomfort and pain throughout the withdrawal process.
There is a Difference Between Adderall Dependence & Adderall Addiction
Adderall dependence is an expected part of taking a prescription of Adderall. This is a physiological dependence and the body gets used to having the help of the drug.
On the other hand, Adderall addiction is when someone needs Adderall on a psychological level because they are looking for the “high” that it gives them.
How to Know If Someone Is Addicted to Adderall
Even if you talk to someone and ask them about their Adderall use, they may say it is normal. Even if they don’t have a prescription, they may defend their use of the drug.
People that are highly defensive of their Adderall usage may be addicted. If you notice they find it difficult to function without the use of Adderall, this could be a sign of an addiction problem.
If you are worried that you or someone you love has a problem with Adderall addiction, you should contact a professional for help right away.
How to Detox from Adderall and Keep the Withdrawal Symptoms at a Minimum
When people are ready to stop using Adderall, it can be a scary experience. Whether they have a prescription for the Adderall or they are buying it from a friend, it is difficult to stop using.
Keep in mind that drugs and alcohol change up chemicals in the brain. It isn’t simply a matter of willpower when it comes to quitting using Adderall or another substance.
If you try to detox on your own, it can actually kill you according to experts. The body cannot handle the change in chemicals in many cases and this is what causes these adverse reactions and even death.
While people can quit Adderall cold turkey and try to keep their minds off of it using the techniques above, it is most wise to get help from a doctor or go into a detox program. There are many options available for people that want professional help including inpatient and outpatient programs.
Using inpatient detox programs can keep you from experiencing temptation. Some people choose this option because it works best for what they need. Other people don’t like the idea of going into an inpatient program but still need help so they use an outpatient treatment option.
Choosing a program that is going to work best for them and their lifestyle is a must so they continue with the program. They need to be honest about where they are in their life as well as how addicted they are or if they just need a helping hand as they are going through the process on their own.