Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS
Adderall is a stimulant medication often prescribed to adolescents and young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and other behavioral issues.
Over time, Adderall abuse can lead to a substance use disorder. People who try to abruptly stop using the drug may begin to feel withdrawal symptoms from Adderall dependence.
What Does The Adderall Withdrawal Timeline Look Like?
Adderall withdrawal symptoms will differ among people based on the severity of their addiction, length of time using Adderall, and other factors.
First 72 Hours
In the first three days of withdrawal, symptoms may include insomnia, fatigue, and depression. These symptoms may start to appear hours after the last use of Adderall.
Days Four Through Seven
After the initial wave of withdrawal symptoms subside, a person may start to experience irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and an inability to concentrate.
First Two Weeks
Once a week has gone by without Adderall, sleep patterns will begin to return to normal. People may still feel fluctuating symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and cravings throughout the day.
Week Three
By the third week into withdrawal, most if not all of the symptoms should be gone.
Some people may still have long-term withdrawal symptoms for up to three months after their last use of Adderall. These symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, and drug cravings.
Can You Withdraw From Adderall Cold Turkey?
While quitting Adderall cold turkey is not recommended, particularly for people with moderate to severe addiction, safe withdrawal may still be possible.
Cold turkey Adderall withdrawal can be accomplished through medication tapering, emotional support from loved ones, keeping a busy schedule, and eating a nutritious diet.
Side Effects Of Adderall Withdrawal
Below are some of the most common side effects experienced with stimulant withdrawal and addiction.
Side effects of Adderall withdrawal may include:
- extreme fatigue
- depression
- agitation
- suicidal thoughts
- intense cravings
- sluggishness
- anxiety
- high heart rate
- dramatic fluctuations in blood pressure
- psychosis
- panic attacks
Addiction Treatment Options For Adderall Abuse
If you or one of your loved ones are battling drug or alcohol abuse, help is available at Bedrock Recovery Center (BRC) in Massachusetts.
Our addiction recovery facility offers inpatient and outpatient services for people with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health issues.
Behavioral health treatment programs for Adderall abuse may include:
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for prescription drug addiction
- support groups
- medical detox
- aftercare services
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- group therapy
- case management and wellness services
- treatment for people with mental health conditions
While Bedrock does offer detoxification services onsite, other treatment facilities may require you to acquire a referral to a detox clinic nearby before starting residential treatment.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center
Call the helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today for more information about Adderall addiction and withdrawal. Our healthcare providers can assist you in your journey to sobriety.
- National Health Service (NHS) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants
- National Institute of Health (NIH) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7138250/