Adderall is a drug used to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is in the stimulant class of drugs, affecting chemicals and nerves in the brain that control impulses and hyperactivity. Although Adderall can effectively control the symptoms of these two disorders when used as directed by a physician, it is highly addictive. Adderall has also become a popular street–and study drug by college students looking for ways to help them focus. College students with prescriptions sell their pills to other students or share them in all-night study sessions. Students often feel using Adderall is safe because so many people take the drug for ADHD, and they soon become dependent and then addicted. Adderall withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and difficult to deal with. Withdrawing from the drug in a safe and medically supervised way is the best route to freedom from the addiction.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Adderall that is taken by prescription in the right amounts does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped. However, Adderall that is used in larger-than-prescribed amounts for purposes other than to treat ADHD or narcolepsy can lead to withdrawal side effects. This is especially true in people that have developed a dependence on the drug and stop it abruptly. Side effects from Adderall withdrawal can include:
- Extreme fatigue- extreme fatigue usually results in excessive sleepiness to the point where engaging in normal activities is impossible.
- Depression- because Adderall works in the brain to slow chemicals that control hyperactivity, stopping the drug abruptly can cause an imbalance in brain chemicals and lead to depression.
- Changes in heart rhythm- heart rhythm changes can lead to cardiac arrest and stroke.
Although Adderall withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening, people who try to withdraw from Adderall on their own are often tempted to use again because they are uncomfortable. The safest way to withdraw from Adderall is through a medically supervised detox program.
Medically Supervised Detox from Adderall
Medically supervised detox from Adderall is the first part of an overall treatment program for Adderall addiction. Doctors and other medical personnel supervise the detox process giving medication when necessary to ease discomfort. Detox in this type of safe environment makes the process easier and clears the way to begin rehab and decreases the likelihood of relapse later. Those who abuse Adderall and become addicted need the help of a detox and rehab facility to ensure a successful recovery process.
Find Help for Adderall Addiction
When Adderall is used as prescribed it is an appropriate part of an overall treatment plan to deal with the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. However, when the drug is abused it is highly habit forming and can lead to addiction. If you or a loved one is addicted to Adderall, we are here to help. Call our toll-free helpline number and speak to a trained drug counselor. We are ready to answer your questions about Adderall addiction, withdrawal and rehab 24 hours a day.