Adderall Withdrawal: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Adderall is a welcome medication for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1][2] It improves their ability to focus and concentrate, helping them to complete tasks and pay attention at school and work. However, it is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for abuse and misuse.[3] People who misuse Adderall are at risk of going through withdrawal once they stop taking it.

What Causes Adderall Withdrawal?

Drugs in the amphetamine category, such as Adderall, work by stimulating the central nervous system.[4] This results in speeding up the body’s functioning. It also boosts the body’s production of a feel-good hormone called dopamine.[4] This hormone is responsible for helping you pay attention and increasing your focus. 

Adderall withdrawal, also called amphetamine withdrawal by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV), occurs when someone abruptly stops taking an amphetamine after regular use.[5] This results from the brain and body adjusting to a sudden drop in dopamine levels. People going through Adderall withdrawal will experience several symptoms that make it difficult for them to function.  

What are Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms? 

Some symptoms of Adderall withdrawal overlap with its side effects. However, withdrawal symptoms are not considered side effects. 

If you’ve taken high doses of Adderall, misused high doses, or used it for a long time, you may experience these symptoms when quitting:[6] 

• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Appetite changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of motivation
• Adderall cravings
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach aches
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting 

A person going through Adderall withdrawal may also appear to be hungover or drunk.[6] They might zone out in a conversation or seem not to pay attention. These are all expected amphetamine withdrawal effects that will subside in time. 

What is the Adderall Withdrawal Timeline? 

Adderall withdrawal symptoms occur shortly after cessation and may last for several weeks.

The following withdrawal timeline estimates when symptoms begin and how long they will last.[6]

Six to 36 Hours

The first six to 36 hours after stopping Adderall may seem like a blur. You will feel fatigued and unable to do much of anything. Some people describe it as feeling depressed or uninspired. You might also experience bouts of sadness and want to lay in bed longer than usual during this period. 

Three to Five Days

Three to five days after quitting Adderall, you will experience more intense symptoms as your brain and body begin to crave more dopamine. During this time, you may have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep and may even have nightmares that make it difficult to return to sleep after waking up. 

Some people also experience:

• Anger 
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Depression
• Severe fatigue

Five to Seven Days

People going through Adderall withdrawal generally feel better five to seven days in. At this point, the symptoms are less pronounced as the brain adjusts to the absence of Adderall. 

However, some people still experience mild symptoms that include:

• Moodiness 
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating

You may also feel depressed, though it won’t be as severe as it was previously. 

Three to Four Weeks Plus

This is the period where people experience a marked improvement in Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Most people going through withdrawal will not have any symptoms during this time. However, individuals who abused Adderall or used very high doses for an extended period may have developed a high tolerance. This means they could experience symptoms months after stopping its use. 

How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last?

There isn’t a definitive answer on how long Adderall withdrawal symptoms will last, though most people experience them anywhere from three days to four weeks.[6] 

The following factors can influence how long someone will experience symptoms and how severe those symptoms will be:

• Dosage used 
• Length of time used 
• On-label or off-label use
• Underlying medical conditions
• Underlying mental health conditions
• Reinitiating use after abrupt cessation 

How to Avoid Adderall Withdrawal

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Adderall should be initiated at the lowest effective dose, although you should use it as instructed by your prescriber.[7] This means taking the medication on time without skipping, missing, or doubling doses. Additionally, since Adderall is an amphetamine, your doctor may taper your doses to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal from quitting. 

Is Adderall Withdrawal a Sign of Addiction?

People with a substance use disorder can experience withdrawal symptoms when quitting an addictive substance like Adderall, but withdrawal doesn’t always signal an addiction.[8]  Withdrawal symptoms come as a result of the brain’s dependency on an increased level of dopamine and its inability to abruptly regulate to a lower level after no longer detecting the drug.[9] 

A person who’s addicted to Adderall may find it hard to function without it. They will also experience more severe withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing its use. 

Other signs of Adderall addiction include:[10]

• Preoccupation with using Adderall
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Changes in eating habits
• Arguing with family or friends over increased Adderall use
• Loss of interest in their favorite hobbies or activities
• Failing in school
• Difficulty concentrating at work or school
• Selling items to purchase more Adderall
• Doctor shopping for an Adderall prescription
• Stealing or borrowing Adderall pills from other people
• Buying Adderall pills 
• Getting into legal trouble
• Increased risk-taking 

It’s important to note that addiction is the most severe form of an SUD.[11] A person with an addiction may find it hard to stop using drugs like Adderall despite no longer needing them or experiencing adverse effects. They are also more likely to reinitiate use after cessation, which causes their body to build a tolerance over time. This means they will require a higher dose of Adderall to feel its effects, and the effects will never be as pronounced as they were in the beginning.[9] 

Oftentimes, this leads individuals with an Adderall addiction to use other substances along with it to enhance their “high.” They are also more at risk of an overdose than those who use the medication as prescribed. 

Getting Treatment for Adderall Addiction

If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty quitting Adderall despite no longer needing it or experiencing adverse side effects, you may have an addiction. Addiction is difficult to address on your own, but there are science-backed methods to address and treat it.

The most common Adderall addiction treatments are:

• Detoxification (detox): Detoxification is the first step in quitting any addictive substance. It involves withdrawing from the substance under medical supervision. Medication or other supportive measures are provided in detox to curb drug cravings and the physical effects of withdrawal syndrome. 
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of behavioral therapy that provides coping strategies to manage their mental health issues or the negative thought patterns that often prompt them to use. 
• Peer Support Groups: In a peer support group, you will hear other people’s experiences with addiction and the strategies they use to cope. Twelve-step and Narcotics Anonymous are examples of national peer support groups. People with an Adderall addiction may attend peer support groups at a treatment facility or a rented space such as a church or recreation center.
• Holistic Programs: Holistic programs consist of adjunct supportive services that enhance the benefits of science-backed treatments. These include yoga, mindfulness meditation, and adventure therapy. Holistic programs are also useful in long-term recovery programs.

To learn more about substance abuse or addiction treatment programs for Adderall addiction, contact Southeast Addiction Center GA today.