Adderall is the brand name medication for a central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 1996. Adderall is also classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is defined as a drug “with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” The way Adderall works is by affecting neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and altering the chemicals in one’s brain. When used exactly as directed, Adderall can effectively help teenagers manage symptoms of ADHD. However, as is true when taking any type of medication, Adderall comes with its own set of risks. Even teens who are under the direct supervision of a medical professional and take the medication properly may be at risk for substance abuse, due to the nature of the medication.
The half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of Adderall is approximately 10 hours. When a young person has habitually abused Adderall and abruptly stops using the substance, he or she will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. The duration of one’s withdrawal symptoms will differ, as they will depend on a variety of contributing factors. Broadly, Adderall withdrawal symptoms can last from 48 – 72 hours after one’s last dose, and for some teens it could last 30 – 60 days, in some cases longer. While there is no specific timeline, there are common withdrawal symptoms that teenagers may experience when detoxing from Adderall. Examples could include but are not limited to the following, provided by Medical News Today:
Adderall affects the way a teenager’s brain works and removing the substance from a teen’s body when it has become accustomed to functioning with it present will result in withdrawal symptoms. Teens that have built up a high tolerance to Adderall will have a greater risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.
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PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
