What Is Adderall Tolerance?

Adderall is a prescription medication often given to manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy to help increase alertness. This drug affects neurotransmitters in your brain, increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin, which help improve focus and reduce quick, unplanned actions.

Adderall is an amphetamine drug that stimulates the central nervous system and changes the way it functions in the body. Adderall is the most widely used prescription stimulant approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD. However, using it long-term can make it less effective, and that’s when Adderall tolerance develops.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall, a medication often given to people of all ages to help with ADHD and narcolepsy symptoms, works by stimulating the brain. This amphetamine drug comes in two types: one that works right away (IR) and another that releases slowly over time (XR), which helps with different treatment needs.

Adderall is diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), the standard for classifying mental health diseases.

What Is Adderall Tolerance?

When your body gets used to a medicine, it means your system has adjusted to having it regularly, making it less effective over time. If you develop a tolerance to Adderall, you might need higher doses to feel the same effects you used to with lower amounts.

Increasing the amount of Adderall taken doesn’t always mean someone is addicted or misusing it. Drugs that increase tolerance make the body create a natural adjustment that can happen even when following a doctor’s prescription.

When tolerance to the medication develops, it’s vital to be mindful of Adderall’s adverse effects. Seeking guidance from a medical professional is essential to steer clear of dependency on Adderall, ward off severe withdrawal symptoms, and reduce Adderall tolerance.

How Fast Does Adderall Tolerance Build Up?

Over time, consistent and prolonged use of Adderall can lead to a tolerance to its effects. Even if one follows prescribed doses diligently, one’s body may become accustomed to the drug’s regular presence. Some individuals may be more prone to this adaptation. However, consuming high doses of Adderall more frequently can speed up the process of becoming less sensitive to its effects.

Signs of Adderall Abuse

To reduce Adderall tolerance, it’s critical to know if you’re misusing it. Here are signs you might abuse Adderall:

• Using high doses or more than your doctor prescribed
• Using the medicine not for health but just to feel its effects
• Needing more of it to get the same feeling because your body is used to it
• Feeling sick when you don’t take Adderall
• Mixing Adderall and alcohol to feel more potent effects

Adderall Tolerance Reset

Suppose you notice that Adderall is becoming less effective due to increasing tolerance. In that case, it’s not unusual for healthcare providers to suggest taking a break from ADHD medication to reset your body’s response.

If Adderall starts to work less well, doctors may recommend taking a break from ADHD medicine to see if it helps. This break means stopping the medicine for a short time, maybe two days, to help your body get used to lower amounts of the medicine.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

People used to taking Adderall every day might start having withdrawal symptoms within a day after their last dose if they stop suddenly. It’s imperative to talk to your doctor before you change how you take your medicine to help avoid bad withdrawal symptoms.

How severe and how long withdrawal symptoms last can vary. So, suppose you’re worried about getting too used to Adderall. In that case, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or join a medical detox program at a place that helps with addiction recovery to handle withdrawal better.

Frequently reported symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Intense discomfort
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Challenges in staying alert
• Paranoia
• Inability to concentrate
• Sleep disturbances
• Isolation
• Intense cravings
• Mental fog
• Inability to remember things

Prevent Adderall Addiction

If you or someone you care about is having a hard time with Adderall addiction and drug abuse, Northridge Addiction Treatment Center can provide proven, evidence-based treatment. Our compassionate and licensed medical staff and therapists can help you stay away from the lasting harm of misusing Adderall.

Addiction to alcohol and drugs, especially when there are also mental health issues, is dangerous, and getting help immediately is crucial. Northridge Addiction Treatment Center’s residential treatment facility can provide a solid foundation for life-long recovery, offering dual diagnosis and medication-assisted treatment to treat individuals with co-occurring disorders.

NATC’s medical detox program provides around-the-clock medical supervision in a serene and caring environment to withdraw safely and as comfortably as possible.

Each resident gets a personalized treatment plan made just for them based on their need and goals. Treatment plans include proven addiction treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), intensive one-on-one therapy, and 12-step group sessions. These unique plans help residents reach their rehab goals and teach them substantial ways to cope, helping them stay in recovery for life.

NATC’s empathetic, experienced, and licensed team is dedicated to giving you authentic support that genuinely helps you through your recovery journey. The team at NATC puts their whole hearts into your health and healing. They are dedicated to helping you achieve a lasting and meaningful recovery. Reach out to one of our compassionate treatment specialists today. They are eager to help get a life based in recovery.