Medically Reviewed By: Benjamin Caleb Williams RN, BA, CEN
Written By: Gary Bowers
Article Updated: 01/24/2021
The first, and always the most important thing to remember, is that recovery is possible and Adderall detox centers are there to make what seems impossible, possible. Detoxing from Adderall can be very uncomfortable, but with therapy, assistance from medical staff, and an overall plan for recovery, it can be done safely and effectively. Here, we will discuss when an Adderall detox center may be recommended, the intake process, and what treatments these centers use to help relieve the discomfort of Adderall detox.
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Attempting detox from Adderall alone, or without the supervision of experts, is fraught with risks. Make no mistake, Adderall is a powerful drug, and for someone who has become addicted or dependent upon Adderall, detox in a professional facility is typically recommended. Having the support and direction of dedicated medical staff will increase the prospect of recovery, and decrease the chances of relapse. Additionally, someone who falls under certain “high risk” categories should absolutely participate in professional medical detox.
Some situations where an Adderall detox center may be especially recommended can include:
Detox from amphetamines like Adderall can trigger a spate of terrifying – though rare – psychotic side effects including hallucinations and delirium (a state of confusion and disorientation). These psychotic episodes can be very distressing and can last for many hours or days. These episodes can cause harm to oneself or others and long-term psychological damage, however, they can be managed and treated effectively in clinical settings.
The “crash” of coming down off of Adderall can be a painfully persistent experience, and it has been documented that people who are detoxing from Adderall will pursue other drugs to help alleviate this discomfort or to treat the symptoms they are experiencing. In other cases, when the symptoms of detox begin to present themselves, people will simply revert back to using. Fear of relapse is always very real, and unless the underlying issues are dealt with in a systematic way, the risk of relapse remains high. Adderall detox centers are equipped to provide referrals to the support needed to prevent relapse and/or the abuse of other drugs.
For those in the midst of an Adderall detox, it can feel as though their tools for coping with their life are being taken away. This is where the effects of addiction and detox to Adderall can run deep. Even when the consequences of abusing Adderall persist, the idea of living without Adderall can be traumatizing. For those who suffer from co-occurring mental illness, these psychological symptoms can be extremely prevalent, and they can range in intensity from mild depression or anxiety to extreme depression and suicidal thoughts.
Eating disorders carry their own laundry list of symptoms and side effects, both physical and mental. While we won’t get into those details here, Adderall is frequently abused to lose weight, even when it is not necessary. Anyone who has co-occurring issues with body image, weight, body dysmorphic disorder, or similar challenges should typically detox under the care of an Adderall detox center.
One of the first steps toward successful recovery from Adderall addiction is entering in an Adderall detox center. Intake at an Adderall detox center will be similar to that of any other drug. Upon entering the facility, medical staff will gather some basic health information which will help the staff stabilize the patient as needed, and serve as a baseline for basic health metrics, which can help measure health progress as detox continues. This would include:
In addition to the gathering of basic biometric information, staff will also conduct a thorough health review or interview. The intent of this review is to gather the information that will help the clinical staff craft a plan of recovery based on the unique needs of the patient. Some information the staff may gather would include:
Keep in mind that intake processes can vary based on facility or the context of the reasons for entering. Ultimately, the main objective is to understand as much as possible about who is entering the facility, why they are there, and what can be done to best support them. This is a critical step towards recovery – making informed decisions now will support better decisions at each step in the process moving forward.
Medical staff will monitor the patient during their detox from Adderall. Coming down off Adderall can result in the “crash”, and Adderall detox centers will have expertise and knowledge needed to effectively treat the symptoms of detox as they arise. So what exactly will the medical staff be watching for? While this can vary from patient to patient, and from facility to facility, these are the primary symptoms/signs of Adderall detox medical staff will monitor:
The severity of these symptoms can vary, and some will naturally progress over time, but having staff on-hand to observe and address these needs will help reduce the unpleasantness of detox, thereby improving the chances of recovery and decreasing the chances of relapse.
Adderall Withdrawal TimelineThe FDA has not approved any specific drugs for assisting in Adderall detox specifically. In many cases, the preferred approach for Adderall detox is tapering off the drug in clinically directed increments. In any event, medical staff may also prescribe other medications to address symptoms as they present themselves. Excessive use of Adderall can result in neurological changes. This occurs when the body has been in a state of hyperarousal over longer periods of time. When this happens, normal functions begin to lose their effectiveness because they’re so used to having external sources doing the work. Some of the medications described below will be prescribed in these situations. Some examples of medications prescribed in these situations would include:
Regardless of the duration or extent of drug abuse, those who see successful long-term recovery combine various forms of therapy to create a tapestry of successful and healthy choices. While medical therapy can address brain chemistry or neural imbalance, as well as other biological influences on the body, other forms of therapy can “fill the gaps” by treating the emotional or psychological impacts of addiction. Some examples of non-medical therapy would include:
12-step programs have a long history of success for treating a wide range of addictions. Why are 12-step programs so successful? Simply put, they create an environment where spiritual and personal growth are fostered through fellowship and service. This formula has served many addicts for decades, and access to this form of therapy is abundant in many communities, which continues to grow. Adderall detox centers will offer exposure to 12-step programs, which can immediately help those in recovery by learning from others who share similar afflictions, and similar solutions.
Talk therapy takes many forms, sometimes referred to as ‘counseling’ or simply just ‘therapy’. While individual aspects of these forms of therapy can vary, they all carry similar methods and outcomes: by creating and fostering a safe place where people can openly share and discuss their emotions, feelings, beliefs, and vulnerabilities. Adderall detox centers will offer these forms of therapy. This safe space allows therapists to incorporate new ideas and new concepts for dealing with the struggles of life, the challenges faced by those who suffer from addiction and the root causes of addictive and risky behavior
Aftercare planning can truly create a path forward towards long-lasting recovery. By mapping out and planning around a life free of addiction, those in detox, or newly released from Adderall detox centers, can focus on following a plan as opposed to attempting a complicated path on their own. Thorough aftercare planning would incorporate medical therapy, talk therapy, and a plan for personal accountability.
After leaving an Adderall detox center, the real journey begins. By this time, symptoms should have abated, and a plan for ongoing care should be developed and pursued. Other forms of therapy should help initialize the healing process, creating space for addressing aspects of addiction that can’t be treated with medicine. Most importantly, Adderall detox centers have provided a firm basis for moving forward; a foundation upon which a happy and successful life – free from addiction – can be built.
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