How to Get Off Adderall

When deciding to get off Adderall, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor first and enter a treatment program to assist you in the process. Make sure to enlist the help of supportive friends and family members when deciding to get off Adderall. Alternatively, if you aren't willing or able to enter into a treatment program, you may be able to wean yourself off of Adderall with the assistance of your doctor. With the close supervision of your doctor, you will this by cutting your dosage by small increments every two weeks to a month. Making important lifestyle changes, like cutting back your work and school schedule, will also help you wean yourself off of Adderall.

Method 1 - Treating Adderall Dependency

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→ Consult your doctor. Let your doctor know that you have decided that you want to quit taking Adderall. Discuss with your doctor the different treatment options that are available to help you get off Adderall safely. Because there are different levels of Adderall dependency, your doctor will be able to recommend the best option for your particular case.

→ Your doctor can also refer you to professionals who treat drug dependency and addiction.

2

→ Talk to your friends and family members. Talking with your close friends and family members about your dependency may help you to finally decide to quit and stick to quitting. Only ask friends and family members who are truly supportive of you and that want to help you quit. Make sure that the people you are asking support from aren’t currently using or abusing drugs as well.

→ Because withdrawal symptoms may disrupt your life, you may need to move in with a family member or friend until your life is under control.

3

→ Pick an inpatient program. Inpatient programs are a great choice for people who are suffering from a debilitating and severe dependency. Inpatient programs offer 24-hour medical supervision and care. These programs allow their patients to focus on their recovery and to escape environments that may trigger a relapse. Choose from three different types of treatment centers:

→ Residential programs have 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day recovery programs to choose from. You live at the treatment center and receive treatment there.

→ Executive programs are for patients who are working professionals, for example CEOs, who cannot take time off from work to receive treatment.These treatment centers offer business amenities like workspaces, meeting rooms, and Internet access. They are also highly confidential and have fewer patients.

→ Luxury treatment programs have the look of vacation resorts. They offer recreational activities and added amenities like private rooms, room service, workspaces, and fine dining. These treatment programs are more expensive.

4

→ Try an outpatient program. Outpatient programs are a great option for people who are suffering from a mild or moderate dependency. These programs are flexible and are scheduled around patients' school and/or work obligations. Therefore, they are great for patients who cannot drop work, school, or family responsibilities to enter into an inpatient program.

→ Examples of these types of programs are intensive outpatient treatment, group counseling, partial hospitalization, individual therapy, and 12-step programs.

→ These programs offer a supportive environment where the patient can explore their dependency, receive medical supervision (if needed), and may require the patient to set aside a certain amount of time each week to attend the program.

5

→ Consider the location. If you have a severe dependency, you may want to choose a program that is located far from home to escape environments that may trigger a relapse. If your dependency is mild to moderate or if you want the support of your friends and family, you may want to choose a center that is closer to home.

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→ Check the staff's credentials. Check to see if the nurses, therapists, counselors, doctors, and psychiatrists are required to be licensed or certified to work at the treatment center before enrolling yourself. In the U.S., each state has different certification and licensing requirements. Check the state's requirements to see if the staff adhere to the guidelines.

→ At a minimum, the facility should be able to show proof that they are licensed to treat their patients and their primary staff/counselors should be certified by an accredited organization.

→ As a general rule of thumb, the more schooling, licensing, and certification a person has, the more qualified they are.

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→ Review the treatment plans. Quality rehabilitation centers create individualized treatment plans to meet each patient's needs. Make sure the center you choose tailors treatment plans to their patients' needs. Treatment plans usually consist of an evaluation of the patient's addiction and other co-occuring mental health disorders, assisted detox, therapy, and aftercare. Some common treatment therapies used are:

→ The matrix model: an intensive program that takes place over a 16-week period. This treatment is designed to treat stimulant dependency specifically.

→ Cognitive behavioral therapy: this treatment places emphasis on the relationship between behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. Patients learn coping skills for high-risk situations.

→ Motivational interviewing: this treatment encourages patients to make positive changes in their lives through talk therapy.

→ Contingency management: a treatment where positive behavioral changes made by patients are rewarded to encourage abstinence from stimulants.

Method 2 - Managing Withdrawal

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→ Work with your doctor. Tell your doctor that you have decided that you want to get off Adderall and why. Then work with your doctor to come up with a weaning plan that will suit your individual needs. For example, if your dependency is significant, then your weaning plan may be drawn out and your doctor may recommend therapy or an outpatient treatment program.

→ Dependency is influenced by many factors, including the method of use (snorting, injecting, or swallowing a pill); length of time using the drug; amount taken each dose; family history of substance abuse; and mental health status.

→ Your doctor can also recommend support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), where you may be able to find the support to help you stick to your weaning plan. These groups can also educate your friends and family members on how to provide you with the best support.

→ Your doctor may temporarily prescribe you antidepressants, or anti-anxiety or mood-stabilizing agents while you go through withdrawal. You may also need to temporarily use a sleep aid.

→ It is essential that you work with your doctor to get off Adderall — do not attempt to adjust your dosage on your own.

2

→ Know the symptoms of withdrawal. Though the experience of withdrawal will be different for everyone, usually the first week is when you will experience the most severe symptoms. As time goes on, the symptoms should lessen. The more dependent you are on Adderall, the more powerful and longer withdrawal may be. Symptoms may include the following:

→ Insomnia

→ Change in appetite

→ Fatigue

→ Irritability

→ Depression

→ Mood swings

→ Anxiety

→ Tremors

→ Headache

→ Drug cravings

→ Trouble concentrating

→ Lack of motivation

→ Muscle aches

→ Seizures (see a doctor immediately)

→ Suicidal thoughts (contact your doctor immediately)

3

→ Expect withdrawal to begin within 36 hours of your last dose. Depending on the size of your dose and how long it takes to leave your blood stream, you may begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms between about six and 36 hours. You will likely experience fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

4

→ Manage withdrawal during the first week. The first week will likely be the hardest, as withdrawal symptoms are often the most intense during this time. You may experience vivid nightmares, irritability, and headaches in addition to fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

→ Try to stay distracted and busy during this time. Attend support groups, meetings, counseling sessions and family therapy if you are not in an inpatient facility.

→ Take any medications prescribed by your doctor exactly as instructed. Make sure you are eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising to manage symptoms.

5

→ Anticipate symptoms for the next month to 90 days. Depending on your level of dependence, you may begin to feel normal as early as the second week of being off Adderall. You may experience an increase in appetite (as Adderall suppresses hunger), difficulty concentrating, and weight gain.

→ Note that the weight gain is usually temporary, due to a combination of feeling fatigued and a return of your appetite. Your appetite should return to normal soon, and if you begin exercising, you should lose the extra weight.

Method 3 - Adjusting Your Lifestyle

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→ Exercise. Exercise not only creates structure, but it is also a great way to deal with withdrawal symptoms like depression, insomnia, anxiety, and an increased appetite. Aerobic exercises, like swimming, cycling, walking, and elliptical trainers, are particularly helpful because they are low impact.

2

→ Sleep at consistent times. By sleeping at consistent times, you are also forcing your self to take your medication at a consistent time so you can sleep. If this means taking your dosage at an earlier time during the day, then you will need to do this.

→ Sleeping at a consistent time also creates a much-needed structure for you to successfully wean yourself off of Adderall.

3

→ Restrict your work or school schedule. You will need to break old habits like staying up late to finish work or homework assignments, or staying late at the office. If your schedule is full, cut unnecessary activities and obligations that cause you stress or cause you to overwork.

→ Remember that the average person completes three to five tasks per day.

→ Sign up for an aerobics class at your local gym.