Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Adderall is a pharmaceutical stimulant drug made up of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is utilized to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
  • This stimulant has been shown to improve focus, attention, and alertness in people with ADHD.
  • Although Adderall is regarded as a viable treatment method for certain disorders, it has had severe consequences as a result of overuse.

Adderall is a pharmaceutical stimulant drug made up of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is utilized to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This stimulant has been shown to improve focus, attention, and alertness in people with ADHD. Although Adderall is regarded as a viable treatment method for certain disorders, it has had severe consequences as a result of overuse.

The process of recovering from an Adderall addiction is relearning how to live and work without the drug. Adderall is a highly addictive prescription amphetamine. Treating Adderall withdrawal, as well as relapsing triggers and warning symptoms, is the first step toward recovery. Without expert help, fatigue, despair, and inability to concentrate provide a unique set of hurdles to abstinence.

A reputable treatment center can closely monitor an Adderall addict during detox, ensuring that withdrawal symptoms are managed properly.

Adderall detox frequently comprises a taper-down technique for heavy users. This aids in the slow elimination of the drug from the body, reducing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms like depression and weariness. Following the drug’s removal from the body, continued therapy and support are required to sustain sobriety. The search for the source of an Adderall addiction is an important step in the rehabilitation process. Counseling can assist in identifying the social, occupational, or academic pressures that lead to Adderall usage. Trained therapists can assist people in working through these emotions and finding appropriate strategies to cope.

Since 2000, the number of people who have been prescribed Adderall has increased dramatically. Adderall sales grew by more than 3,000 percent between 2002 and 2006. There were 18 million Adderall prescriptions written in 2010. Despite the fact that these prescriptions were legally placed on the market, their widespread distribution has raised the risk of abuse. Adderall is useful for “off-label” uses because euphoric effects are more likely to happen in users who do not have a need for the medicine. (source: MedlinePlus, 2024)

The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is increasing, which has the unintended but unavoidable consequence of driving Adderall misuse. As per Business Insider, the below Adderall facts shed light on the risks of using this prescription medication off-label:

Emergency department visits for Americans aged 18 to 34 seeking care for stimulant usage increased between 2005 and 2011. (not only Adderall; but amphetamine usage formed a bulk of those patients).

Since 2000, the FDA granted citations for false and deceptive advertising to every major ADHD medication business, including Adderall’s makers.

Students don’t seem to recognize the danger Adderall poses; in one research of undergrad college students, just 2 percent thought using Adderall was “very harmful.”

The proportion of adults with ADHD prescriptions increased between 2007 and 2012. (source: NIDA, 2024)

In 2007, approximately 5.6 million Americans aged 20 to 39 received monthly ADHD medications. By 2012, however, the number of prescriptions had nearly tripled to close to 16 million.

Although Adderall usage affects people of all ages, college students appear to be at a higher risk. Prescriptions for Adderall are available to college students, and because school is a collegiate setting, it is usual for students with prescriptions to share their tablets. Another aspect of the Adderall problem on campuses is the widespread belief that the medication is safe, which is partly based on the substance’s legal production.

More information on the important recovery services available to address drug misuse can be found at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Psychotherapy and  Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are the two basic techniques in the recovery landscape, painted in broad strokes. While detox can be done on-site at a rehab center that is equipped to do so, other people will detox in a detox facility that is not affiliated with a rehabilitation center or in a hospitalization program. Both psychotherapy and MAT (where applicable) can be delivered in the same outpatient or inpatient treatment program.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, MAT is primarily used to treat opioid addiction. At this time, the FDA has not approved a medication to treat Adderall addiction specifically.

It is never a good idea to stop using Adderall suddenly. Most Adderall users, as per Mental Health Daily, link discontinuing the stimulant with a “crash” that includes concentration issues, mood changes, and exhaustion. The withdrawal process for long-term or strong Adderall users can be painful and dangerous to one’s health. As a result, a gradual tapering-off method under medical monitoring is advised. Individuals who are used to high dosages of Adderall may have paranoia, severe sadness, and/or schizophrenia-like symptoms after withdrawal. Stopping Adderall “cold turkey” can cause cardiac arrest, convulsions, and psychosis in these people. (source: NIMH, 2024)

Another risk of Adderall withdrawal is that most addicts are unable to recognize the depth of their chemical dependency and may undertake an at-home detox only to experience severe symptoms.

Clinicians will offer a medical assessment, and a counselor will perform a comprehensive medical intake to check the level of Adderall in the body, so a supervised detox ensures significantly more safety. The attending physician(s) will design a tapering plan for the person’s particular needs based on this information.

Personal and group psychotherapy will be provided to recovering Adderall addicts in rehabilitation during the post-detox abstinence maintenance stage. Every rehabilitation center will have qualified therapists on staff who will use a psychotherapy method that is consistent with the treatment philosophy of the facility. For the treatment of Adderall abuse, several treatment centers use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT has its origins in the therapy of alcoholism, but it was later applied to the management of cocaine consumption. CBT is being utilized to treat a wide range of drug addictions. Learning processes have a critical role in substance dependence, according to one of CBT’s major assumptions. For example, a CBT session could look into why drug addicts were encouraged to use and then misuse the drug (whether it was prescribed or not). Drug misuse often begins as a coping mechanism, like a college student attempting to cope with the pressures of an achievement-oriented workplace. A person suffering from Adderall abuse can engage with a CBT counselor to acquire new coping techniques and life skills. CBT can be used in a group environment as well. The counselor guides and leads the group in group psychotherapy, and the group follows the treatment parameters of one or more talk therapy theories, such as CBT. It’s crucial to understand the difference between group psychotherapy and self-help groups like 12-step fellowships. The latter would be self-directed or member-led. A 12-step meeting is not administered by a therapist; the group is in charge of that. (source: SAMHSA, 2024)

A recovery center may hold on-site 12-step meetings or provide transit to a local group. 12-step meetings, on the other hand, are not affiliated with rehab institutions and may be attended by anyone in recovery; it’s just a question of finding one (which is oftentimes quite easy). As a result, 12-step meetings are critical in the post-rehab recovery process. When the rigorous period of rehab at a treatment center finishes, a recuperating person is highly motivated to involve in a network of supportive services, which is referred to as aftercare.

Addiction has a 40-60 percent relapse rate, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As a result, having an appropriate aftercare plan is especially vital for those who are healing. An aftercare plan would provide self-empowerment skills that support an individual in a new drug-free sense of direction, in addition to preventing relapse. The ideal approach is to use as many resources as possible and to take advantage of every aftercare option available.

Working with a sponsor, rather than simply engaging in a 12-step group like Narcotics Anonymous, is tremendously beneficial. Because 12-step fellowships are usually founded on donations, the costs are never exorbitant (note, both Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous have bylaws that require membership to be donation-based). Certain services, like psychotherapy, are frequently covered by private insurance (with a co-pay) or state insurance (like Medicaid, and there might not be a copay). Additional information regarding local aftercare options can be obtained from a drug treatment counselor.

But what if you have to go to a rehab facility that is far away from your home? Information is likely to be available from a local organization or advocacy group committed to assisting substance addicts. Furthermore, 12-step meetings are frequently attended by experienced folks who can provide information on local agencies that can assist with recovery.

Most rehab centers are capable of effectively treating persons who are addicted to Adderall. Every treatment center, on the other hand, has its own specializations and eccentricities. Some rehabs take a hard-love approach to treatment, while others provide a luxurious setting for their patients. To give the addicted person the best possible chance at recovery, it’s critical to locate a treatment center that suits their needs. (source: FindTreatment.gov, 2025)

The following are some of the best Adderall addiction treatment centers:

Inpatient Rehabilitation

For people who have a moderate to severe Adderall addiction, inpatient rehab is the best option. For people battling with several addictions, inpatient therapy is also recommended.

Every user and rehab provider has a different length of time in Adderall recovery.

The intensity of treatment is usually determined by the degree of need. Those with serious addictions are more likely to stay in recovery for a longer period of time. Inpatient treatment might run from 28 to 90 days. (source: APA, 2023)

Inpatient treatment offers a stable and regulated environment free of factors that could trigger Adderall use. Individual counseling, process groups, support meetings, psychoeducation, mealtimes, exercise, free time, group activities, and family visits are all part of an inpatient recovery program’s daily routine. Every regimen is beneficial to your health. Many Adderall rehabs assist users in gradually reducing their doses to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Physicians and nurses are on staff at detox rehabs to prevent complications from co-existing health conditions throughout the detox process.

Ongoing Treatment

Following up on treatment after discontinuing Adderall can help you avoid relapsing. Some people join a 12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous, while others seek out individual counseling. Many people benefit from both. For recovering Adderall addicts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a useful method. CBT teaches participants how to recognize situations that may lead to the urge to use and how to prevent or manage them.

Significantly more participants in the cognitive-behavioral intervention group refrained from amphetamine at six months follow-up than in the control condition, as per one study. (source: NIH/NLM, 2023)

CBT has been demonstrated to be useful in the treatment of amphetamine addictions such as Adderall in clinical studies. Those who do not engage in CBT or another sort of therapy, on the other hand, are less likely to make a long-term recovery.

Suggestions for ex Adderall users to stay sober

Other suggestions that have helped ex Adderall users stay sober include:

Keep yourself in good shape. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are critical components of productivity. People that are healthy are more attentive and concentrated. It also helps to get enough sleep and be well-rested before going to work or engaging in stressful activities.

Recognize your personal triggers. Certain items can provoke a need in those who are addicted to Adderall. It could be a case of drowsiness or tension. Knowing what triggers a craving might help addicts prepare for future temptations. (source: NCBI, 2015)

Taking a break from the task at hand. When the desire to use Adderall becomes overwhelming, it may be beneficial to take a break. Taking a 15- to 30-minute break from a difficult endeavor or scenario may be enough to satisfy the urge.

Withdrawing off Adderall can be both unpleasant and harmful. The effects of withdrawal on one’s mental state may lead to someone endangering oneself or others. Acute and long-term withdrawal symptoms are frequently classified into two types. Acute withdrawal symptoms usually appear during the first 24 hours after the last dose has been taken. These symptoms can last up to five days and include the following:

  • Changes in mood, such as agitation, irritation, or depression
  • Paranoia, disturbing ideas, and hallucinations are examples of psychiatric disturbances.
  • Sleep duration increased
  • Appetite increase
  • Muscle pain

Following acute withdrawal, the longer-term withdrawal period might last up to two months. Among the signs and symptoms are:

  • Lethargy
  • Anxiety and emotional changes
  • Sleep habits that are inconsistent
  • Adderall compulsive tendencies

1. Enroll in a facility or inpatient program for supervised detox:

  • Have a medical examination as well as an intake assessment.
  • Begin a gradual tapering-off program under medical supervision.
  • Detox

2. Begin abstinence management at an inpatient facility or an intense outpatient program: (source: NHS, 2023)

  • To acquire a customized treatment regimen for your needs, go through the screening and evaluation process.
  • Attend licenced therapists’ personal and group psychotherapy sessions.
  • Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), you can learn new coping methods and life skills

3. Create an aftercare strategy for the post-treatment period:

  • Visit a sober living facility.
  • Continue your therapy in an outpatient facility.
  • Engage in 12-step fellowships or other self-help groups (group run)
  • Continue personal and group psychotherapy as needed.
  • As needed, make use of supplementary services.

There are several personal accounts of Adderall addiction. Some of the stories have happy ends, with a person obtaining treatment and recuperating without incident, while others have sad ones. Richard Fee, a young man who, like one in every 5 college students, tried Adderall in college, was featured on CBN News. Fee, who did not have ADHD, liked the effects of Adderall so much that he got his medication.

Fee was able to secure 2 Adderall prescriptions from 2 distinct doctors when he returned home after college. His parents observed a significant difference between their son and the young man who had gone off to college. Fee’s parents revealed that their boy would stay awake for days before falling asleep. He also looked to have paranoid tendencies, such as tying his fingers to his computer keyboard with scotch tape to stop leaving fingerprints. Fee’s parents were concerned about their son’s behavior.

Fee’s parents pleaded with the doctors who ordered the drug to cease administering because they were afraid their son would die. Fee’s parents were ignored by both doctors, who even increased Fee’s dosage (likely Fee had developed a tolerance to Adderall as a result of his physical need for it). Fee’s parents found out shortly after that their kid had committed suicide. Fee’s parents claim that their son’s Adderall misuse was the cause of his death. Although Fee’s parents told CBN that they won’t be able to bring their son back, they feel they can help educate others about the dangers of Adderall usage.

FAQs

What Are The Common Indicators Of Adderall Addiction?
The following are some of the most common indicators of an Adderall addiction:

To experience the drug’s effects, you’ll need to take bigger amounts.
Trying to lower consumption but lacking the ability to accomplish so
Taking the medicine despite knowing how dangerous it is
Being unable to perform tasks without the use of Adderall
Investing a significant amount of money and time in acquiring, using, and recuperating from the drug
Not being able to stay awake without the medicine
Putting off other things in order to use Adderall
When you stop using Adderall, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
What Is The Distinction Between Adderall Addiction And Adderall Dependence?
Adderall addiction is a normal and expected physiological reaction to the substance. The patient has a physical dependence on the drug due to the interaction of substances in the body (even if taken as recommended), but not a psychological dependence in which they are misusing the prescription to achieve a “high.” Due to the way the chemicals influence the brain, individuals may need medical assistance to go off the medicine; yet, they are not mentally obsessed with or seeking Adderall.
An individual’s psychological and/or physical reliance on Adderall, as well as a certain set of behaviors, is referred to as an Adderall addiction. When these people stop taking Adderall, they are frequently unable to cope and will go to any extent to get more of the drug. The individual’s primary focus becomes the use of the substance. They frequently run out of their prescriptions early as a result of taking more than prescribed, resulting in withdrawal from the substance, prompting them to go to any extent to obtain more. Addictive behavior is also indicated by intrusive thoughts about Amphetamine and cravings.

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