Adderall Detox

Adderall detox is the first step toward breaking free from dependence on this powerful stimulant. Whether prescribed or purchased illicitly, Adderall can cause physical and psychological dependence that you will not be able to manage without professional help. Pride Detox provides a supervised Adderall detox program that supports LGBTQ people who need to safely manage withdrawal and begin their recovery with a clear mind and stable body.

How Does Adderall Addiction Happen?

Adderall addiction can occur even when you follow your prescription, but intentional misuse is also a common pathway to dependence. Misuse can mean taking the medication in higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or purchasing it illicitly to get high or stay awake and focused. While some people start using Adderall to cope with academic or work pressure, regular misuse can lead the body to develop a tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to feel the same effects.

With time, this can also cause dependence, where the person feels unable to function without Adderall and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop. In some cases, this cycle of misuse and dependence progresses into stimulant use disorder, a condition marked by the compulsive use of both prescription and street drugs even when it causes harm to one’s health, relationships, or responsibilities.

When to Begin an Adderall Detox Program

Knowing when to begin an Adderall detox program starts with suspecting that you need it. Maybe you have tried to stop taking the drug on your own, but keep going back even when it's harming you. It also helps to know the signs of misuse and potential addiction, like:

• Severe weight loss due to a chronically low appetite
• Fatigue and excessive sleepiness when not on the drug
• Memory loss
• Neglecting personal appearance and hygiene

You may also notice sudden and drastic changes in behavior, such as isolation, impulsivity, or secretive actions. Financial strain and running out of medication too soon are indicators that a struggle is ongoing.

Because Adderall is a Schedule II drug with a high risk for dependence, you should seek early intervention. If you or a loved one shows these physical or behavioral symptoms, it is time to seek medically supervised Adderall detox.

How Long Does Adderall Detox Take?

It is difficult to say exactly how long Adderall detox takes because the experience can vary from person to person. Some people may move through withdrawal in as little as five days, while others might continue to feel symptoms for weeks. People who have been using Adderall at high doses or over a long period often find that their withdrawal symptoms last significantly longer.

The form of Adderall that you misused also affects how long detox takes. People who were using regular Adderall (immediate-release) usually begin to feel withdrawal symptoms earlier, but these symptoms may not last as long. On the other hand, those who used Adderall XR (extended-release) may have a longer detox timeline because the drug stays in their system for an extended period.

Adderall Withdrawal vs Symptoms of Unmedicated ADHD

It could be hard to tell if you are experiencing Adderall withdrawal when you try to stop the drug or if it is the return of unmedicated ADHD symptoms. There is a fair amount of overlap between the two; however, some differences can help tell them apart.

Withdrawal from Adderall usually starts within a few days after you stop taking the medication or significantly lower the dose. The most common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Low mood 
• Changes in appetite
• Vivid and often unpleasant dreams
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Heightened anxiety 

People often describe the fatigue that comes with Adderall withdrawal as crushing and overwhelming.

On the other hand, when someone with ADHD stops taking medication, the core symptoms of ADHD tend to return. These include difficulty focusing or paying attention, impulsive behavior, forgetfulness, and physical restlessness. While you may feel tired due to the mental effort it takes to manage daily responsibilities with untreated ADHD, this type of tiredness tends to be more cognitive and less physically draining than the fatigue associated with stimulant withdrawal.

Another difference lies in the timeline. Adderall withdrawal symptoms tend to appear suddenly after stopping the drug and gradually improve over time, especially with supportive care. In contrast, ADHD symptoms tend to remain steady and persist without treatment.

Need Help Detoxing from Adderall?

Anyone who struggles with an Adderall addiction understands how hard it can be to quit without support. The withdrawal symptoms can feel intense, and without medical guidance, the risk of relapse increases. That is why detoxing in a treatment facility with medical supervision is the safest approach. Our Adderall detox program gives you access to 24/7 care from compassionate, culturally competent, affirming professionals. Call Pride Detox today at 866-381-8221 to end your struggle with prescription stimulant addiction and begin your recovery.