Adderall is frequently prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of ADHD for teens and adolescents. Some people believe it is not a potentially dangerous drug, but Adderall is an addictive substance, and quitting Adderall cold turkey without medical support can be dangerous. To learn more about Adderall addiction treatment and how to stay safe during withdrawal, call Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.296.7477.
What Makes Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is the brand name of a medication prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is occasionally used for weight control. It is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.
Both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine are stimulants that alter brain chemicals to improve concentration and impulse control for people with specific disorders.
Adderall is addictive because it increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels — the “feel good” hormones. Medications or illicit drugs that affect the brain’s reward center are highly addictive for two main reasons. First, the feelings of euphoria caused by Adderall are pleasant. Some individuals get hooked on those good feelings and want to experience them over and over again, separate from medical needs.
Second, in time, the brain becomes dependent on Adderall to produce those feel-good hormones it once produced naturally. Once users develop physical dependence, they rely on the drug to feel any type of pleasurable emotions.
What Does Coming Off Adderall Cold Turkey Mean?
Going “cold turkey” means to stop using a substance abruptly. It is not recommended to stop cold turkey. Adderall can have potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. A tapering-off program along with medical supervision is recommended for people who are addicted to the substance and those who have been using it as prescribed for a long period of time.
Going off Adderall cold turkey could cause:
- Cardiac arrest
- Seizure
- Coma
- Psychosis
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Paranoia
Abruptly stopping any type of amphetamine the body has become dependent on floods the brain and nervous system with neurotransmitter chemicals that can cause serious psychological complications.
Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal
Another reason to avoid quitting Adderall cold turkey is because of the withdrawal symptoms, which include:
- Cravings for the drug
- Abdominal pain
- Dysphoria
- Insomnia
- Panic
- Sweating, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Inability to concentrate
- Tremors
Withdrawal symptoms may begin as few as ten hours after the last dose, depending on usage and the form of ingestion. People who are injecting or snorting the crushed pills may begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms sooner.
With the help of a tapering-off program and medical supervision, Adderall withdrawal can be done safely with minimum discomfort.
Why Is Medical Supervision Better than Coming Off Adderall Cold Turkey?
While some medications are safe to stop cold turkey, Adderall is not one of them. A medically supervised detox can provide medications that ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent dangerous health risks. Medical supervision also provides care for other physical and psychological health issues that need to be addressed.
If a client has a co-occurring substance or mental health disorder or is suffering from other health issues, a medically supervised withdrawal program offers the medical attention and resources that are needed to address those concerns.
The strong cravings some people experience when they try to quit Adderall abruptly can be almost impossible to resist. Going through detox with a team of trained, experienced health and addiction professionals significantly increases a person’s chances of long-term recovery.
A more positive detox process helps clients feel more receptive to addiction therapies and helps them reach their wellness goals.
Thinking About Going off Adderall Cold Turkey? Contact Oceanfront Recovery Instead
Don’t face Adderall withdrawal alone. The compassionate team at Oceanfront Recovery understands what you’re going through and has the experience to keep you safe and comfortable during withdrawal. Call Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477 today if you or someone you know needs help with Adderall addiction.
