Adderall, a stimulant medication meant for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, is abused by millions. On college campuses especially, prescriptions are widely traded between patients and non-patients—sometimes for studying, more often for partying. When abused, Adderall similarly to methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA (ecstasy). It dramatically increased dopamine activity in the brain, causing either a state of normalcy (for ADHD) or a high (for non-ADHD).
SYMPTOMS
If Adderall has been prescribed, dependency may develop. Even patients are prone to addiction, however, if they abuse the medication by misusing their prescription (taking too much, too often, etc). After weeks of Adderall use, the brain needs its presence in order to maintain a state of physiological balance: healthy heartbeat, temperature, liver and kidney function. If a regular user quits Adderall cold-turkey, their body may go into “panic mode” in a desperate effort to regain homoeostasis.
Adderall Withdrawal symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Anxiety/depression/mood swings
Cravings
Fatigue
Increased heart rate
Insomnia
Paranoia
Seizures
Adderall withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Single-incident overdose deaths are quite common, as well as gradual bodily shutdowns. Excessive Adderall use can cause insanity — “Adderall psychosis” — which can lead to destructive behavior.
QUITTING ADDERALL
To quit Adderall, get in touch with staff at a medical detox center. The detox process can take several weeks. Depending on the severity of your addiction, cravings may last for months; it’s not all physical.
After a few weeks, the worst of the withdrawal should pass. Following the acute phase, mild problems may occur like sleep problems, for longer. It doesn’t take Adderall dependency too long to resolve itself, however–just a month or so. Hang in there.
Inform your doctor of your intentions to quit, as he or she can and will likely you aid you. If you have depression or anxiety – either as a cause or an effect of the Adderall dependency, you may need extra help like a sober home or a hotline to call. Above all, maintain proactive action toward your mental health in general. If you aren’t seeing a therapist, we recommend it. If you don’t feel as though your daily life can possibly stimulate you, we recommend seeking out new and exciting things.
