How Long Does it Take to Detox from Adderall?

Exactly how long does it take to detox from Adderall? Generally, withdrawal symptoms from Adderall start a few days after discontinuation and can persist for up to a week. However, some individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last for several months. Read on to learn more about the Adderall detox process and its withdrawal timeline.

As one of the leading recovery centers, NUMA provides comprehensive treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and other co-occurring mental health disorders. Contact NUMA Recovery Centers today to learn more about these programs and how it will benefit you or your loved one.

Quick Points

• Prolonged periods of Adderall addiction can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.

• Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can last up to 2 weeks for some individuals, and this can include depressed mood, severe fatigue, Adderall cravings, and more.

• Individuals may experience protracted withdrawal, which can last for extended periods, so proper withdrawal symptom management is necessary.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. As a stimulant, Adderall affects the brain's neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in regulating attention, motivation, and pleasure.

However, given its stimulant properties, taking Adderall in large doses or for extended periods can alter an individual’s brain chemistry. This can lead to dependence and addiction. If stopped, Adderall can cause stimulant withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to various physical and mental discomfort, including depression, irritability, headaches, and fatigue.

Adderall vs Adderall XR

Adderall is a prescription stimulant that comes in two main forms: Adderall IR and Adderall XR. Adderall IR (instant release) is also considered as regular Adderall. Because of its short duration of action, regular Adderall can be taken multiple times a day.

On the other hand, Adderall XR (extended-release) is formulated to release the medication gradually over an extended period. Adderall XR should only be taken once daily because it has a longer duration of action.

Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from Adderall can cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Here is a list of the common Adderall withdrawal symptoms when you detox:

Physical Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal

Fatigue — As the body adjusts to the absence of the stimulant effect of the medication during Adderall withdrawal, individuals may feel unusually tired or lacking energy.

Insomnia — The body’s disrupted sleep patterns after discontinuing the stimulant may cause some individuals to have difficulty sleeping or develop insomnia during Adderall withdrawal.

Increased appetite — Changes in eating patterns are among the common symptoms during Adderall withdrawal because the medication is known to suppress appetite.

Physical discomfort — Muscle aches, stomach cramps, and general discomfort are likewise considered common symptoms in individuals experiencing Adderall withdrawal.

Headache — Some individuals may experience mild to severe headaches during Adderall withdrawal, which may also be accompanied by other withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue and irritability.

Psychological Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal

Depression — Adderall withdrawal can lead to feelings of intense depression, including sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities.

Irritability — Withdrawal from Adderall can cause irritability, which makes individuals easily annoyed or agitated.

Anxiety — Anxiety is a common symptom of Adderall withdrawal, and it’s characterized by feelings of nervousness, worry, or restlessness.

Mood swings — Individuals experiencing withdrawal from Adderall may develop rapid changes in emotions as the brain readjusts to neurotransmitter levels altered by the drug.

Difficulty concentrating — Difficulty in focusing, remembering things, or making decisions are also common withdrawal symptoms of Adderall.

Adderall cravings — As the brain becomes accustomed to the altered dopamine levels, individuals may experience strong cravings during withdrawal from Adderall.

Adderall Detox Timeline

The Adderall withdrawal timeline is classified into different phases. As individuals progress to a different phase, they may experience a new set of withdrawal symptoms, while their current withdrawal from Adderall intensifies.

Here’s a breakdown of the Adderall withdrawal timeline:

Initial Crash Period (Days 1-3)

• After quitting Adderall cold turkey, you can expect withdrawal symptoms within the first three days. This experience is known as a comedown or “crash.”

• Among the first symptoms of withdrawal are extreme fatigue, depression, and increased appetite.

• At this point, the body is adjusting to the absence of Adderall, which leads to these pronounced effects.

Acute Withdrawal Phase (Days 4-7)

• The symptoms intensify during this period, followed by a different set of withdrawal symptoms, such as drug cravings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

• The absence of Adderall leaves the individual to develop Adderall cravings because of the chemical imbalance in the brain.

• At this phase, the brain is recalibrating its neurotransmitter levels, which causes these challenging symptoms of withdrawal.

Subacute Withdrawal Phase (Week 2)

• During this phase of withdrawal from Adderall, most of the symptoms begin to diminish.

• While most withdrawal symptoms may have diminished, others may persist. Among the persistent symptoms of withdrawal include lingering fatigue and mood swings.

• While the body is still adjusting from abusing Adderall, the intensity of symptoms of withdrawal starts to decrease.

Protracted Withdrawal Phase (Weeks to Months)

• Some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms for prolonged periods.

• Individuals who have had prolonged Adderall use or have been taking Adderall in frequent doses or abusing or large doses will experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms of withdrawal include severe depression, fatigue, and cravings for Adderall.

• These symptoms can persist for an extended period after stopping Adderall, which requires ongoing support and management from certified Adderall addiction specialists.

How Can NUMA Help?

NUMA Recovery Centers offers comprehensive support for individuals struggling with Adderall addiction. Through our medical detox programs, we provide safe management of physical symptoms while our staff treat Adderall withdrawal symptoms like intense depression and drug cravings.

Moreover, our therapeutic support also includes counseling and therapy to address psychological symptoms while experiencing severe withdrawal from Adderall. Reach out to NUMA Recovery Centers today to start your journey towards recovery.