People who take sufficient amounts of Adderall for a long time without having breaks are in danger of running into addiction to the drug. Tolerance to the medicine increases and makes it necessary to take larger doses and do it more frequently to reach the same effect.
People who build up tolerance to Adderall often think it doesn’t work as well as it used to, and they can not concentrate properly or be as energetic as before. If they quit taking the drug, however, their physical and cognitive abilities deteriorate.
This is what withdrawal looks like. It basically influences those who took large doses frequently and for a long period.
When the body starts learning to function without the drug, a person experiences Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Though this state is not directly dangerous, some people may experience unpleasant symptoms, including suicidal thoughts.
Adderall Detox
In process of detoxification the drug gradually leaves the body and the system starts functioning normally. In the initial stages of detox a person experiences withdrawal symptoms, which sometimes so seriously affect everyday life, that it might require professional help.
A common Adderall detox strategy is to gradually reduce a person’s dose over a certain period to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
If a person chooses to stop taking Adderall at once, it is advisable to do so with some professional assistance or in rehab to minimize the possibility of relapse.
Overcoming an Adderall Addiction
Though overcoming Adderall addiction is not dangerous, many people find it difficult to go through the experience alone. Withdrawal symptoms might be hard to bear and cause relapse in the attempt to stop the suffering.
To ensure full recovery in a reasonable time period a person should not hesitate to reach out for professional help.
The final purpose of a detox program is to help cleanse the body of the stimulant by steadily decreasing the dose, so that a person could overcome the addiction with minimal risk of relapse. Recovery process isn’t the same for different people, though, and its length and the severity of withdrawal symptoms won’t be the same.
Natural Adderall Alternatives
ADHD is not easily managed. Those who experience it of being impulsive and inattentive, unable to concentrate properly and entirely inefficient. Learning something new and socializing also becomes a challenge. Those who refuse to address to prescription drugs may find several safe and natural Adderall substitutes.
1. Alpha GPC
One of the most popular choices is Alpha GPC (choline alfoscerate). Alpha GPC affects the brain and increases the level of acetylcholine, which is vitally important for concentration and learning.
A 2011 study at Örebro University in Sweden shows that children with ADHD have nearly 50% less of acetylcholine. Reinforcing the amount of this neurotransmitter improves cognitive abilities.
Thus, Alpha GPC can be used as a safe аnd effective Adderall alternative for improving focus and concentration.
2. Citicoline
Citicoline is a chemical product similar in its performance to phospholipids.
Phospholipid phosphatidylcholine prevents and cures brain malfunction and damage. Japan started using citicoline as a medicine which boosts regenerative processes after strokes. In some other countries it is also sold only on prescription. In the United States, however, it is a supplement.
A research held in 2014 to study neuroprotective properties of citicoline noted that certain types of dementia and various nervous system disorders can be improved by taking citicoline. Read more
Citicoline is not toxic and generally well tolerated. No side effects are registered, still more research is underway to prove it’s effectiveness for ADHD as an Adderall substitute.
3. Huperzine A
Huperzine A is widely used in Chinese medicine as a supplement boosting cognitive abilities in adults and children. It acts similar to Alpha GPC, enhancing acetylcholine level.
Huperzine A is a herbal supplement, which can be used as an Adderall alternative. It is safe to use, moreover it demonstrates even better results in boosting cognitive function combined with Alpha GPC. See more
4. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid which helps to soothe anxiety and stress. It boosts the levels of glycine and GABA, neurotransmitters inhibiting cerebral activity. People taking L-Theanine report feeling calm and more relaxed. This helps L-Theanine effectively reduce ADHD symptoms.
Studies have proven that L-Theanine is one of the best substitutes for Adderall sold over the counter. Those having ADHD, demonstrate sufficient decrement in cognitive damage while taking L-Theanine as a supplement. See more
5. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine braces cell membranes and keeps the brain healthy, helps supporting vital memory functions. According to recent research phosphatidylserine sufficiently boosts general cognitive abilities and effectively fights anxiety and stress.
This supplement is considered a safe and effective alternative to Adderall. Research phosphatidylserine supplemented to children with ADHD showed increased ability to self-control and improvements in memory. Learn more
Other studies suggested phosphatidylserine is responsible for improvements in mental processing.
Learn more
8. Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant, and according to some scientific research it enhances concentration and focus, thus, it can be used as a substitute to Adderall. Caffeine increases dophamine production in the brain and aslo helps to constrict blood vessels in the overstimulated brain regions, same as Adderall. A study exploring the correlation between amounts of caffeine use and severity of ADHD symptom gave optimistic results. To avoid insomnia, though, it is advisable to take caffeine at least six hours before going to bed. More detail
9. Vitamin B-6 and magnesium
Vitamin B-6 is vital for natural serotonine production. Serotonine is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood and feeling calm. In combination with magnesium Vitamin B-6 helps to keep vital neurotransmitters in balance.
A 2006 research examined 40 children with ADHD supplemented with vitamin B-6 and magnesium.
As a result all the children demonstrated fewer symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment: considerable improvement of concentration and less hyperactivity and aggressiveness.
The study also reported the ADHD symptoms were back a few weeks after quitting B-6 and magnesium supplements. Read more
10. Substances boosting focus and concentration
Those not having ADHD may all the same face difficulties in concentration and might easily get distracted. Certain natural supplements may help improve your daily performance.
They are:
Cocoa seed – a powerful antioxidant and brain protector.
Flax seed nurtures the body with omega-3 fatty acids.
Sesame seeds – a storage of the amino acid tyrosine and a source of vitamin B-6, zinc and magnesium.
Mint and rosemary are good for the memory and alertness.
Saffron enhances cerebral function.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and protects the brain. More
Vitamin B-12 guards and supports brain nerves.
References
1. Pawel Grieb. Neuroprotective Properties of Citicoline: Facts, Doubts and Unresolved Issues. Published online 2014 Feb 7.
2. James Ahn, Hyung Seok Ahn, Jae Hoon Cheong, and Ike dela Peña. Natural Product-Derived Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Safety, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Potential of Combination Therapy. Neural Plasticity. Published online 2016 Feb 4.
3. Yoshitake Baba, Shun Inagaki, Sae Nakagawa, Toshiyuki Kaneko, Makoto Kobayashi, and Takanobu Takihara. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Medicinal Food. Published online 2021 Apr 16.
4. S Hirayama, K Terasawa, R Rabeler, T Hirayama, T Inoue, Y Tatsumi, M Purpura, R Jäger. The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Human Nutrition And Dietetics. 2014 Apr 27.
5. Hee-Yong Kim, Bill X. Huang, and Arthur A. Spector. Phosphatidylserine in the Brain: Metabolism and Function. Progress in Lipid Research Volume 56, October 2014, Pages 1-18
6. James Ahn, Hyung Seok Ahn, Jae Hoon Cheong, and Ike dela Peña. Natural Product-Derived Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Safety, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Potential of Combination Therapy. Neural Plasticity. Published online 2016 Feb 4.
7. Giada Cipollone, Philip Gehrman, Corrado Manni, Alessandro Pallucchini and others. Exploring the Role of Caffeine Use in Adult-ADHD Symptom Severity of US Army Soldiers. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020 Nov; 9(11)
8. M Mousain-Bosc 1, M Roche, A Polge, D Pradal-Prat, J Rapin, J P Bali. Improvement of neurobehavioral disorders in children supplemented with magnesium-vitamin B6. I. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Magnesium Research. 2006 Mar;19(1):46-52.
9. Anja Königs and Amanda J Kiliaan. Critical appraisal of omega-3 fatty acids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2016; 12: 1869–1882. Published online 2016 Jul 26.