Adderall is a brand name medication for a strong central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 1996. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Adderall as a Schedule II Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). The CSA provides a mechanism for substances to be controlled, categorized, and regulated as each substance is sorted into one of five schedules, whose placement is based on the substance’s medical use, potential for abuse, and dependence liability. As a Schedule II Controlled Substances, Adderall is defined as a substance “with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” The way Adderall works is by affecting neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and altering the chemicals in one’s brain. When used exactly as directed, Adderall can effectively help individuals manage symptoms of ADHD.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of Adderall is approximately 10 hours. Adderall affects the way an individual’s brain works and removing the substance from a person’s body when it has become accustomed to functioning with it present will result in unpleasant side effects. These are known as withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal symptoms an individual may experience when detoxing from Adderall could include the following, provided by Medical News Today:
- Excessive sweating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Flu-like symptoms
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Chills
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Everyone is different therefore the withdrawal symptom combination and severity of symptoms will vary. Individuals that have built up a high tolerance to Adderall will have a greater risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms. The duration of one’s withdrawal symptoms will differ. Withdrawal symptoms can last from 48-72 hours after one’s last dose, and for some individuals it could last as long as 30-60 days, in some cases longer.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
