How to Get Off Adderall Safely and Effectively

It’s unfortunate, but even drugs prescribed to treat a serious and legitimate medical issue can become addictive. It can be difficult to figure out which drugs are addictive until it’s too late and once someone is addicted, it is often even harder to get off the drug safely and effectively. 

 

Adderall is one of those prescribed drugs that can become addictive, and figuring out how to get off Adderall is just as challenging as any other addictive drug. We at Grace Recovery always want to help clients get the answers they need. That’s why today we’d  like to discuss the dangers of abusing Adderall and how to get off Adderall safely and effectively.

 

What Is Adderall? 

Adderall is the name brand of a heavily prescribed combination drug made of 4 types of amphetamine. The drug is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) typically in children and young adults. The drug may also be used to treat a specific sleep condition known as narcolepsy, a disorder where a person may fall asleep involuntarily at random points throughout the day. 

 

The drug works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. By altering these chemicals, it allows a person to focus, be more attentive, stay organized, listen, and follow tasks through to completion. 

 

The drug is classified in the category of stimulants. There is a particular issue with those without ADHD or narcolepsy taking the drug to take advantage of the stimulant effects. This is typically how the cycle of abuse begins for this particular drug, rather than a person who has been prescribed the drug being the one abusing it. Simply put, the effects are different.

Why Is Adderall Addictive If It’s Prescribed by a Doctor? 

Many prescribed medications have the potential to become addictive. In the case of Adderall, most studies have shown that those that become addicted are not normally those that take the drug for ADHD, but instead, others who abuse it for its stimulant qualities. 

 

In users without ADHD, Adderall has the effect of improving concentration, brightening mood, and decreasing appetite. It is known as an academic performance-enhancing drug as well as a “feel good” drug. This is because the drug acts on the dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in the central nervous system. After prolonged use, people become chemically addicted to the drug because of the effect on the central nervous system. The person then becomes dependent on the drug being in their system to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. This can also lead to them needing to take larger and larger amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can lead to illegal behavior or trying to find alternate sources for the drug. 

How to Get Off Adderall Safely

The first real step in how to get off Adderall safely is recognizing that the individual has a problem. Once that is done it’s time to find a recovery center like Grace Recovery. At Grace Recovery we believe in a holistic approach that treats the whole person, body, and mind, not just substance addiction. We believe in putting our clients on a path to wellness that will last a lifetime. 

 

Treatment typically begins with our medication-assisted detox program. This helps the client get off of the Adderall in a safe and secure manner with well-managed side effects. 

 

Once detox is complete, clients will then move on to our inpatient residential care program, where they will get the care they need to help cope with life after sobriety, the tools to stay clean, and assistance moving forward with a clean and sober life. We also offer aftercare services to help maintain sobriety long after treatment ends. 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from Adderall addiction, contact Grace Recovery and let us put you on the path to wellness today.