Adderall is a stimulant that doctors prescribe for ADHD and narcolepsy. It sharpens focus and boosts energy by stimulating the central nervous system. Used properly, it can help people manage their lives. But it’s also one of the most misused prescription drugs. Students might take it to pull all-nighters. Workers might rely on it to keep up with deadlines. Over time, use can slide into dependence without you even realizing it.

Dependence happens in two ways. Your body starts needing higher doses to get the same effect, and your mind starts to believe it can’t function without the drug. Once both physical and psychological dependence take hold, stopping becomes much harder.

Sometimes it’s not easy to tell the difference between use and misuse. Adderall misuse can creep in slowly. Watch for warning signs like:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed or using someone else’s prescription
• Using it to study longer, work harder, or feel more confident
• Mood swings, irritability, or paranoia
• Struggling to sleep, or not sleeping at all
• Losing weight because of appetite loss
• Thinking constantly about how to get or use the drug
• Skipping responsibilities at school, work, or home

If these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to consider medically supervised detox.

Adderall isn’t harmless, especially when misused over months or years. It can strain your heart, raising the risk of dangerous cardiovascular problems. Sleep loss and poor nutrition weaken your body. Mental health suffers too. Many people experience anxiety, depression,

or even psychosis after prolonged misuse. Memory and focus—the very things Adderall is supposed to help with—can decline over time. The longer misuse continues, the greater the chance of overdose, especially if Adderall is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

When you stop taking Adderall, your body reacts. Withdrawal can feel overwhelming. Many people describe it as hitting a wall they can’t climb over without help. Symptoms often include:

• Extreme fatigue, sometimes sleeping for long stretches
• Cravings so strong it feels like you can’t think about anything else
• Depression, sadness, or irritability
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, or nightmares
• Slow thinking and poor concentration
• Sluggish body movements

These symptoms are temporary, but they make relapse easy if you don’t have support.

The detox timeline looks a little different for everyone, but most people move through these stages:

• First 1–3 days: Exhaustion, irritability, and anxiety begin. Mood dips and cravings start quickly.
• Days 3–5: Symptoms usually peak. Cravings, depression, and restlessness can feel overwhelming.
• Days 6–10: The body starts to adjust. Sleep may improve, and mood begins to stabilize.
• Two weeks and beyond: Emotional symptoms like sadness or anxiety may linger. Some people also experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where mood swings, cravings, or sleep issues come and go for several months.

Knowing what to expect helps you feel less alone in the process.

Trying to stop Adderall on your own can feel appealing, but it comes with risks. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts sometimes occur during withdrawal. The fatigue can be so intense that it disrupts basic routines like eating and drinking. Medical detox lowers those risks.

At Jasper Grove Recovery, medical detox offers:

• Round-the-clock monitoring and fast response to complications
• Medications, when appropriate, for anxiety, depression, or sleep issues
• Nutritional support and hydration to restore energy
• Emotional support from staff who understand stimulant withdrawal
• A calm, safe setting away from everyday stress and triggers

Detox is your first step toward recovery, and it should never be something you have to face alone.

Starting detox with us begins with an assessment. We listen to your story, review your health, and talk about your goals. Then we create a plan that fits your needs.

That plan may involve:

• A supervised taper if stopping suddenly would be too difficult
• Meal and hydration support to help your body recover
• Restorative routines that encourage healthier sleep
• Counseling sessions to work through stress and cravings
• Case management to plan for the next steps after detox

You’ll be supported every step of the way, with people available 24/7 to check in and help when things get tough.

Detox alone doesn’t rebuild your life. Once your body is stable, inpatient rehab gives you the chance to focus on healing your mind and building new habits.

Our inpatient program includes:

• A structured environment with full-time care
• One-on-one counseling and daily group sessions
• Education about addiction and relapse prevention
• Holistic care such as mindfulness, nutrition, and movement
• Peer support from others who understand what you’re going through

Rehab helps you strengthen the foundation you built in detox.

Adderall misuse often ties into mental health struggles. Some people start using to cope with ADHD, depression, or anxiety. Others develop these issues after long-term misuse. If you only treat the addiction and not the mental health challenges, recovery is harder to maintain.

That’s why Jasper Grove offers dual diagnosis care. Our team provides psychiatric assessments, therapy, and medication management when appropriate. This approach helps stabilize mood, reduce relapse risk, and support your overall well-being.

Some clients do better with a gradual reduction instead of stopping all at once. Tapering reduces withdrawal intensity and gives your body time to adjust.

A safe taper plan may include:

• Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision
• Frequent check-ins to track symptoms
• Adjustments based on your comfort and progress
• Counseling and coping strategies to manage cravings

Our goal is to keep you comfortable and safe while moving steadily toward recovery.

Recovery doesn’t stop once detox ends. Planning for relapse prevention begins early in treatment so you leave with tools to handle challenges.

Our relapse prevention services include:

• Individual sessions focused on identifying triggers
• Group therapy to practice new skills
• Family education so loved ones know how to support you
• Aftercare planning with referrals to outpatient programs, sober housing, or alumni support

Relapse can be part of recovery, but with the right plan, it’s less likely to derail your progress.

Many people originally took Adderall for ADHD or another medical reason. If ongoing treatment is needed, there are safer options. These include non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, clonidine, or antidepressants like bupropion. Lifestyle changes—better sleep routines, balanced nutrition, and exercise—can also make a big difference. Our team works with you and your doctor to find a plan that supports your needs without risking dependence.

Healing doesn’t end when you leave detox. Staying connected to support helps recovery last.

Aftercare at Jasper Grove may include:

• Case managers to coordinate outpatient care
• Group therapy and peer mentoring for ongoing encouragement
• Family education sessions to strengthen home support
• Alumni programs that keep you connected to others in recovery
• Community resources for housing, employment, and school support

We want you to leave feeling supported, not alone.