Adderall Withdrawal Timeline, Detox & Treatment
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The Adderall withdrawal timeline refers to the period when individuals experience physical and psychological symptoms triggered by reducing or stopping this medication. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can and does vary based on the frequency and duration of use and the dosage taken.
By learning more about Adderall and the withdrawal timeline it can help individuals determine when they need to seek professional help to stop misusing and abusing this drug.
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ABOUT ADDERALL USE AND MISUSE
Most people mistakenly assume that Adderall use and misuse are most frequent in tweens and teens. However, this is not an accurate reflection of the actual age groups misusing the drug or using it recreationally. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics has reported:
- 4.9 million people over the age of 12 misused Adderall and other prescription stimulants within the previous year
- 18.4 percent tried them for the first time
- 51 percent of stimulant and Adderall abusers are 26 or older
- 40.8 percent of stimulant and Adderall users are between 18 and 25 years old
- 614,000 teens between 12 and 17 only represent 8.8 percent of abusers
- 50.7 percent of Adderall abusers reported using it for improved concentration and to remain alert
- 19 percent reported using the drug to help them with their academic studies
- 9.8 percent of users reported taking Adderall just to get high
- 1.1 percent of abusers took the medication to decrease or increase the effects of another substance
IS ADDERALL ADDICTIVE?
Adderall can become addictive when misused and taken illicitly. The drug’s effects cause an increase in the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, both neurotransmitters that help regulate energy levels, focus, and mood. The flood of these neurotransmitters can cause a euphoria-like state with heightened attention, elevated energy levels, and improved mood.
When taken over time, tolerance builds, requiring individuals to take larger dosages to achieve the desired results. Increased tolerance is also indicative of increased dependency on the drug just to function. Continuing to misuse and abuse Adderall, once dependent on it, leads to eventual addiction. Quitting Adderall at this point is very challenging due to the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms without medically supervised detox.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADDERALL WITHDRAWAL
When Adderall use is cut down or discontinued completely, the body will go into withdrawal because it has become accustomed to the drug. The type of Adderall withdrawal symptoms experienced will vary from one person to another. Generally, the following withdrawal symptoms are common:
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Difficulties concentrating and focusing
- Thoughts of self-harm and suicide
- Cravings for Adderall
ADDERALL WITHDRAWAL TIMELINE
The Adderall withdrawal timeline usually follows a similar pattern but can vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Most people will go through the following stages as follows:
- Days 1 to 3: The initial crash stage of Adderall withdrawal is accompanied by fatigue, increased appetite, irritability, and depression.
- Days 4 to 7: The withdrawal symptoms typically peak during this stage and can also include restlessness, extreme cravings for Adderall, insomnia, and problems focusing and concentrating.
- Weeks 1 to 2: During this stage, symptoms can continue to increase in intensity until they fully peak. Some individuals may also notice their symptoms subsiding and improving during this period.
- Weeks 2 to 4: By now, most of the physical withdrawal symptoms will have subsided. However, psychological withdrawal symptoms could persist, such as cravings, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.
POST-ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME (PAWS)
In certain situations, some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) when discontinuing Adderall abuse and misuse. The stage of withdrawal can last for months or sometimes years. Common symptoms of PAWS include:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Difficulties focusing and concentrating
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
With continued medical supervision and ongoing addiction treatment services, PAWS symptoms do eventually subside.
HOW IS ADDERALL WITHDRAWAL TREATED?
Adderall withdrawal is treated using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Some common treatment approaches that could be used as part of an individual’s personalized Adderall withdrawal care plan are:
- Medically supervised detox: It is vital for individuals to undergo detox in a medically supervised setting where 24/7 support and monitoring are available.
- Gradual tapering of Adderall: It can be beneficial to taper off Adderall gradually instead of going “cold turkey.” When tapering is used, it will extend the Adderall withdrawal timeline, but withdrawal symptoms will not be as severe or as intense.
- MAT: Certain medications may be prescribed to address specific withdrawal symptoms, such as benzodiazepines for anxiety or antidepressants for depressive symptoms.
- Therapeutic support: Individual, group, family, and holistic therapies may all be used and can be beneficial when undergoing detox. These therapies can help individuals learn more about their addiction, underlying contributing factors, and how to develop coping strategies for managing triggers and cravings.
- Aftercare planning: As one nears the end of detox, aftercare planning is essential to avoid relapse. Aftercare plans could include transitioning to an appropriate addiction treatment program, continued therapy, and related support services.
FIND HELP FOR ADDERALL WITHDRAWAL IN NASHVILLE TODAY
It is easy to find help for Adderall withdrawal in Nashville at Music City Detox. Our caring and compassionate team is here to help you take the initial steps to break from Adderall addiction. We offer personalized and comprehensive detox treatment programs tailored to your specific needs and treatment objectives. Contact us today to start the path to a brighter, drug-free future.
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