How long is the Adderall withdrawal timeline, and what happens during this process? If you’ve been struggling with Adderall addiction, or you know someone who is, getting the answers to these questions can help you make the best treatment-related decisions for yourself or on behalf of your loved one.
What Should I Expect During Adderall Withdrawal?
Some people become addicted to Adderall after using the medication on a prescription basis to alleviate the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Others develop Adderall addiction after abusing the drug, either as an illicit “brain booster” or solely for recreational purposes.
Regardless of why you first used Adderall or how you became addicted to it, ending your use of it can trigger several physical and psychological symptoms.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the Adderall withdrawal timeline. Before we get to that, though, we should spend a bit of time reviewing the types of symptoms that you can expect when you abruptly stop or drastically reduce your Adderall use.
Adderall contains several versions of amphetamine, which is a stimulant. When you take Adderall, the drug prompts your central nervous system to maintain higher levels of certain neurotransmitters that are associated with mood, reward, energy, and motivation.
When you stop taking Adderall, your system will be unable to maintain these neurotransmitter levels. As a result, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Muscle weakness
- Low motivation
- Disrupted sleep and vivid nightmares
- Impaired ability to focus and concentrate
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Seizure
- Thoughts of suicide
What Is the Adderall Withdrawal Timeline?
The Adderall withdrawal timeline is not set in stone. The duration and intensity of this process can be influenced by several personal factors, including how long you have been addicted to Adderall, how much of the substance you have been using, and if you are also affected by any co-occurring physical or mental health concerns.
With those caveats in mind, the Adderall withdrawal timeline often follows this general progression:
- You will most likely begin to experience symptoms within 24 hours after you stop using Adderall.
- The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms should peak within 72 hours.
- After peaking, the symptoms will gradually subside. By the end of the fifth day after you last took Adderall, you should be feeling better.
Please note that the five-day Adderall timeline described above is a general estimate, not a firm prediction of what you will experience. The Adderall withdrawal timeline does not follow a rigid schedule. In fact, it’s not unheard of for people to experience lingering withdrawal symptoms for weeks or even months after they ended their Adderall use.
Do I Need Detox for Adderall Withdrawal?
Some people are able to complete Adderall withdrawal on their own, while others are best served by beginning their Adderall addiction treatment in a detox program.
Here are a few reasons why you may want to consider detox for Adderall withdrawal:
- Detoxification occurs in a safe, closely monitored environment where you will not have access to Adderall or any other dangerous substances.
- Depending on what types of symptoms you develop, your detox team may be able to offer both medical and therapeutic support.
- The professionals who staff your detox program will be familiar with the entire Adderall withdrawal timeline. They can help you prepare yourself for each stage of the process, and they will be ready to address any contingencies if they occur.
- Successfully completing detox can demonstrate that you are capable of accomplishing more than you may have once believed.
- Your detox team can help you decide what type or types of follow-on treatment may be best for you.
What Should I Do After Adderall Withdrawal?
Addiction doesn’t only impact your body. It affects how you interact with others, how you view yourself and the world around you, and how you respond in times of both happiness and despair. Detox can help you with some of the more intense physical and psychological aspects of Adderall addiction, but it can’t help you make the behavioral and social changes that can be crucial for your continued recovery.
This is why it can be so important to enroll in further treatment once you have completed withdrawal. The therapies and support services that are integrated into Adderall addiction treatment can help you in many ways, such as:
- Gaining vital insights into the disease of addiction and the process of recovery
- Replacing negative thought and behavior patterns with healthier ways of thinking and acting
- Taking greater responsibility for your decisions and actions
- Learning how to respond to personal challenges or stressful circumstances without resorting to Adderall abuse
- Developing better conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills
- Identifying the close friends and trusted family members who should be part of your personal support network
- Sharing support with others who have also struggled with addiction and who are working to maintain their recovery
Begin Adderall Addiction Treatment in Nashville
Nashville Treatment Solutions is a trusted provider of personalized care for adults who have become dependent upon Adderall and other stimulants. Our addiction treatment center in Tennessee offers multiple outpatient options, including a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program (OP).
In each of these programs, you will receive customized services from a team of skilled professionals. Your treatment team will encourage you to play an active role in all aspects of your care, with the goal of empowering you to take ownership of your recovery.
When you’re ready to get started, the Nashville Treatment Solutions team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call our center today.
