Adderall is a stimulant primarily prescribed for ADHD and sometimes for narcolepsy, but it is often misused either recreationally or to enhance productivity. Whether you have been using Adderall as prescribed or not, you may start to feel you would be better off without it and want to quit. Is Adderall safe to quit abruptly? Although quitting Adderall cold turkey is not as dangerous as quitting alcohol or benzodiazepines, there are still considerable withdrawal symptoms. As with other drugs, the severity of withdrawal depends on how heavily you have used and for how long. Symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, headache, seizures, anxiety, cravings, trouble concentrating, irritability, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Some of these symptoms may last for months. People quitting Adderall abruptly can become severely depressed, especially if they already have a history of depression. Suicidal thoughts are perhaps the biggest danger of quitting abruptly. It’s typically better to taper off Adderall gradually, especially if you have been using it regularly for a long time. Dependence on Adderall forms quickly, which means your brain physically adapts to the presence of the substance. Every time you increase your dosage, your brain adapts more. It typically takes much longer for your brain to return to normal levels of neurotransmitters. Tapering gradually minimizes the psychological and cognitive effects of withdrawal. You may still feel a bit foggy or fatigued during the taper, but at least you will be able to get out of bed. Tapering off of Adderall is best done under medical supervision, ideally in a detox facility. This will help ensure you don’t reduce your dosage too quickly and that you don’t relapse. The fatigue and cognitive impairments of tapering off Adderall create a strong temptation to start using again, especially if you’re worried about your performance at work or school. Detoxing in a facility will also ensure that if you do encounter serious complications like seizures or psychosis, someone will be able to help you. You may also be able to get treatment for non-emergency issues like insomnia, headaches, and anxiety. Most importantly, getting safely through detox is only the beginning. You may need treatment for depression, especially if you had a history of depression before using Adderall. Feelings of depression can persist for a long time as your brain gradually resumes a healthy level of dopamine. Staying free of Adderall and other addictions typically requires counselling, including cognitive behavioural therapy, and social support. Entering treatment helps you detox safely and get a good start in recovery.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, we can help. Recovery Ways is a leading addiction treatment provider with an excellent recovery rate. Our expert staff includes masters and PhD level therapists and board certified addiction psychiatrists. Our comfortable facilities will help to make your treatment as enjoyable as possible and our therapists use proven techniques like sensory integration and recreation therapy to help to engage the world without the assistance of drugs or alcohol. Call us today at 1-888-986-7848 or email us through our contact page to learn more.
