Amphetamine Detox: Tapering And Withdrawal Timeline

Amphetamine is a type of stimulant that can be addictive and cause physical dependence. Becoming physically dependent on a drug can result in what’s known as withdrawal.

Withdrawal from amphetamines, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD, can be uncomfortable and may require treatment in a detox or inpatient rehab program.

Amphetamine withdrawal may be a sign of substance use disorder, addiction, or occur as a result of taking an amphetamine drug chronically for a health condition.

Learn more about alcohol and drug detox programs

Common Prescription Stimulants That May Require Detox

Amphetamine detoxification refers to a natural process and a type of treatment program recommended for people who are physically dependent on a prescription stimulant.

Prescription stimulants that may require detox include:

• Adderall detox
• Vyvanse detox
• Dexedrine
• Concerta
• Ritalin detox
• Focalin

Stimulants like these are sometimes misused by individuals to get high, enhance their work or school performance, or for other personal reasons.

People obtaining stimulant medications outside of a pharmacy should be aware that counterfeit pills sold as Adderall or other amphetamines frequently contain methamphetamine or illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

These pills are visually identical to legitimate prescriptions but carry dramatically higher risks. Any pill not dispensed directly by a licensed pharmacy should be considered potentially dangerous.

Amphetamine Detox Symptoms And Side Effects

Stopping amphetamines very suddenly, or all at once, can cause what’s known as withdrawal in people who’ve developed drug dependence.

Withdrawal can cause physical and psychological side effects that can occur as the body’s response to the lack of a drug in your system.

Amphetamine withdrawal symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• depressed mood
• anxiety
• irritability
• insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• mood swings
• trouble concentrating
• body aches
• increased appetite
• drug cravings

In severe cases, withdrawal may include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there). This symptom warrants immediate medical attention.

Using multiple drugs, also known as polydrug use, may cause additional symptoms to develop. These symptoms of stimulant withdrawal can be mild to severe in nature.

Additionally, depressed mood during stimulant withdrawal can range from mild to severe. In some cases, people experience significant depression or suicidal thoughts during the withdrawal period. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide should seek emergency care immediately or call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.

How Long Does Amphetamine Withdrawal Last?

Amphetamine withdrawal can begin in a few hours or a couple of days and can last for anywhere from five days to several weeks. This might begin with an initial “crash” period.

Factors that can affect the duration of withdrawal include:

• drug formulation (i.e. immediate-release vs. extended-release)
• method of drug use
• use of multiple drugs
• amount of drug taken
• duration of drug use
• overall health status

How long withdrawal from prescription stimulant drugs lasts can vary from person to person depending on these and other personal factors.

Amphetamine Detox Timeline

Early signs of stimulant withdrawal can begin within the first six to 12 hours after your last use of a stimulant drug.

Days 1-3: Physical symptoms of a drug “crash” such as fatigue, foggy thinking, and depressed mood often begin within the first 24 hours, and may grow worse over the next couple days.

Days 3-7: Amphetamine withdrawal symptoms may come in waves and intensify over the course of the first week, reaching their peak around the three- to five-day mark.

After this, most withdrawal symptoms will begin to start fading. Some side effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, or other cognitive or psychological effects of withdrawal may linger.

Protracted Withdrawal From Amphetamine

Long-lasting symptoms of withdrawal may be a sign of what’s known as protracted withdrawal or post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Signs of protracted withdrawal may include:

• depression
• anxiety
• difficulty concentrating
• insomnia

PAWS can be particularly discouraging because symptoms arise after the acute withdrawal phase has passed, when people may expect to feel better. It’s important to understand that these lingering symptoms are a normal part of neurological recovery, rather than a sign that recovery isn’t working. Therapy, regular exercise, consistent sleep, and peer support all support recovery during PAWS.

This condition is transient but can last several weeks to several months. This is most common in people with a long history of substance use disorder.

What Factors Can Affect Amphetamine Detox?

The length and intensity of withdrawal can vary depending on the level of support a person has, the treatment they receive, and other environmental factors.

The safest and most effective way to get off amphetamines is to begin a medical detox program, which can offer medical supervision and treatment to reduce discomfort during withdrawal.

Detox programs can also help by:

• reducing the risk of relapse
• monitoring medical complications
• providing treatment for symptoms
• connecting people with additional treatment

Detox programs can be found in inpatient detox facilities, some outpatient treatment centers, and inpatient rehab centers that offer detox services.

After completing detox, ongoing behavioral treatment significantly improves long-term outcomes. Contingency management provides structured incentives for treatment participation and negative drug tests, and it has the strongest evidence base for stimulant use disorder.

Since no FDA-approved medication exists specifically for amphetamine use disorder, behavioral therapies are the primary treatment option following detox.

Who Needs Amphetamine Detox?

Amphetamine detox is often the first step on the road to recovery from substance abuse and addiction. Specifically, for people with drug dependence.

Signs of amphetamine dependence can include:

• taking higher doses of amphetamine over time due to developing an amphetamine tolerance
• unable to cut down on or stop taking amphetamines
• constantly thinking about using or getting amphetamines
• snorting or injecting amphetamines for stronger effects
• feeling physically sick if you try to stop taking amphetamines

If this describes you or a loved one, you’re not alone. Finding a detox program can help you or your loved one access the support they need to begin the journey toward recovery.

Finding Amphetamine Detox Near You

Detoxing from a prescription stimulant like Adderall after a period of misuse is the first step toward building a healthier and happier future in recovery

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff