Help for Adderall withdrawal

While Adderall withdrawal is not dangerous, it’s a good idea avoid a cold turkey detox. More on how and where to find help for Adderall withdrawal here.

4
minute read

How can you help get yourself through Adderall withdrawal? What are the best ways to treat this type of stimulant withdrawal and what are the risks? More here on how to ease the symptoms, from when the first signs of Adderall withdrawal appear through their resolution. Then, we invite your questions about Adderall withdrawal at the end.

Is Adderall withdrawal dangerous?

No, Adderall withdrawal is not dangerous. Instead, Adderall withdrawal is fairly routine and is not usually accompanied by serious complications. Again, stimulant withdrawal usually does not involve medical danger or intense discomfort.

Is Adderall withdrawal hard?

It is not a good idea to just stop taking Adderall. After therapeutic or medical use of these types of amphetamine salts (prescribed to treat ADHD), the body develops physical dependence on Adderall, making it hard to withdraw from the amphetamines found in Adderall. While uncomfortable, the intensity of symptoms will depend on your patterns of use: dosage, frequency, length of use, and levels of tolerance or dependence.

Furthermore, the level of discomfort you may experience during withdrawal can be difficult to generalize. In fact, the process of detox from any drug is highly personal and dependent on many factors. But in general, Adderall withdrawal starts a few hours after Adderall effects wear off. Adderall withdrawal can feel exhausting and lethargic. You will probably feel the need to nap more or sleep for longer periods of time. You may feel more agitated/irritable and have a harder time regulating your emotions. The main symptoms of abrupt discontinuation of Adderall include:

  • apathy
  • disorientation
  • extreme fatigue
  • irritability
  • long periods of sleep
  • mental depression

Adderall withdrawal methods

Method 1: Medications

No medication is currently use in the treatment of Adderall withdrawal.  However, pharmacological intervention may be necessary during stimulant-induced drug states. For example, neuroleptics may be useful in controlling stimulant-induced psychosis or delirium, and anti-craving agents with a fast onset of action may be helpful during the early withdrawal period. During the late withdrawal phase, when depression may be present, antidepressants may be an appropriate choice for treatment. Additionally, medicines are currently in trial to address Adderall withdrawal.

Method 2: Tapering

Slowing tapering doses of Adderall over time showed reduction in discontinuation rates and improvement in clinical presentations compared to a placebo, but had little effect on reducing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or craving (a sign of possible addiction).  Still, tapering doses of Adderall is preferred to a cold turkey withdrawal method.

Method 3: Watchful waiting

Some cases of Adderall withdrawal (especially when addiction is suspected) are best monitored in a medical environment. This can include inpatient hospitalization, detox clinics, or even outpatient clinical settings. Symptoms to be especially watchful of include dysphoric mood (a general dissatisfaction with life), suicidal thoughts, or erratic behavior. These can signal need for additional treatment.

Natural help for Adderall withdrawal

The most effective means of treating stimulant withdrawal involves establishing a period of abstinence. However, potassium and zinc can help with the restlessness and agitation you may experience. For symptoms of fatigue, some people recommend caffeine in monitored quantities. Further, getting yourself on a regular sleeping schedule, exercising to help relegate endorphins in the body, using cold packs to help with the increase in your body temperature, and talk therapy can also help. Magnesium supplements have also been suggested to help make new cells in the body and activate B vitamins.

How to ease Adderall withdrawal?

The best way to ease the withdrawal from Adderall is by tapering the doses, which shortens the intensity or duration of withdrawal symptoms. For this method you need to consult with your doctor, because getting off Adderall often causes fatigue. Make sure you are on a regular sleeping schedule and not getting excessive sleep. Keep in mind that your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications to help treat depression associated with withdrawal symptoms from Adderall.

Help with Adderall withdrawal

Still, the most highly recommended way to get help during Adderall withdrawal often consists of methods which includes counseling and therapy, especially in cases of dual diagnosis of mood disorders combined with addiction. If you have been abusing Adderall, it helps to identify triggers and reasons that make it an attractive drug to abuse. Addressing the psychological issues which compel Adderall use can help promote the success of withdrawal.

Helping Adderall withdrawal questions

If you still have questions about Adderall withdrawal treatment and helping reducing the symptoms, please write to us in the comments section below. Or if you’re ready to address the symptoms of Adderall addiction, we will do our best to answer you personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: NHTSA: Methamphetamines and amphetamines
NCBI: Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal
NCBI: Pharmacological approaches to methamphetamine dependence: a focused review
The Office of Veterans Affairs: Treatment of Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal from Drugs of Abuse
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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