Before any individual living with an addiction can begin their recovery, they must detox. This is especially true for those living with an Adderall addiction. With the help of a treatment facility, detoxing from Adderall can be made more comfortable and much safer, creating the ideal start for recovery.
What is Adderall? How Does It Affect a Person?
Adderall is a stimulant often prescribed to individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine found in Adderall changes the amounts of natural substances in the brain. In doing so, Adderall helps those who ingest it maintain their focus more effectively.
While Adderall does have its place in the world and pharmacology, Adderall like many other substances can be and is often abused. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Adderall can have several side effects, including:
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Changes in sex drive
- Slow or difficulty with speech
- Dizziness
- Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
- Tics
- Teeth grinding
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Mania
- Hallucinations
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling in eyes, face, tongue, and/or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
One of the more serious side effects when taking Adderall can also include sudden death. This risk specifically affects children, teens, and adults with heart defects.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
When taking Adderall for prolonged periods of time, there are chemical changes made in the brain. These changes create a dependence on the drug. Once dependence has developed, an individual has a stimulant abuse problem also known as an Adderall addiction. With this addiction, it can be hard to stop using Adderall. When one does, they can often exhibit signs of withdrawals.
Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Change in appetite
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Lack of motivation
- Muscle aches
- Seizures
What is a Detox?
A detox is the first step on the road to recovery from an addiction of any kind, including an Adderall addiction. The process of detox is done naturally by the human body. However, when an individual develops a dependence on a substance, detoxing can become more dangerous. As the body removes the substance, the symptoms of withdrawal appear, making the process uncomfortable and even dangerous in some cases. However, detoxing can be made far more comfortable and safe with the help of medical professionals at a treatment center or rehabilitation facility.
Why Detox is Important in Treating Adderall Addiction
Detox is important in treating an Adderall addiction because it rids one’s body of any trace of the substance, allowing them to move beyond withdrawal symptoms. Once a person has fully detoxed, their body will no longer crave Adderall. This is the first victory in fighting an Adderall addiction. However, it is only the start of recovery.
Once fully detoxed, an individual with an Adderall addiction can begin to fully focus on the mental aspect of their addiction. This includes identifying why they used Adderall and what may trigger them to want to use Adderall again. Through self-reflection in varying kinds of therapy and treatment, individuals can discover why they used Adderall, what triggers they should avoid, and develop a number of coping strategies to keep themselves from relapsing in the future.
Overall, without a detox, a person with an Adderall addiction or any other addiction is still addicted. If the substance one is addicted to is still in the body, they are not sober. Therefore, they are not recovering.
Looking for a Detox and Treatment for Stimulant Abuse?
Adderall can and often does help individuals with ADHD. However, Adderall, like any other drug, can be abused and be the source of addiction. To truly overcome an Adderall addiction and begin the process of recovery, a person must detox. They must rid their bodies of any presence of Adderall. In doing so, they can focus on healing mentally and living a life free from dependency on Adderall.
For more information on the detox process and detoxing from an Adderall addiction, contact Asheville Detox today! Our team is available to answer any questions you have regarding our many services. You are not alone.
