My story

I know I needed to hear stories like this when I was trying to get off Adderall, so I wanted to share mine in case it helps someone else.

I was prescribed Adderall at 17 for ADD. I’m 24 now, and a few years ago it stopped working the way it used to—but I still felt like I couldn’t function without it. I was terrified of the withdrawal symptoms, but I was also miserable. I was constantly agitated, couldn’t sleep, and felt like I needed it just to wake up in the morning. When I say I was agitated- it wasn’t just slight annoyance. I started to constantly yell at my animals, I was ALWAYS angry at my roommate and was really distanced from my family. Everything little thing set me off. I’d try to go off of the meds for a few days, but I’d crash hard—exhausted, depressed—and I’d always go back.

Thankfully, I had a really supportive mom who encouraged me to try getting off completely. And honestly, about a two weeks, I started to feel better. It was about a month until I really felt 100%- but yeah. One to two weeks was enough to make me feel like me again.

One thing that really helped was limiting my screen time—especially social media. I realized I was using it as a distraction when I was off Adderall to avoid the stimulant cravings. Once I deleted my accounts, my creativity started to come back. I was one of the most freeing experiences of my life. I slowly began to get things done again, even without the motivation boost from the meds. It wasn’t easy, but I found new ways to focus. For example, I got a cute Bluetooth speaker and now use music to help me power through chores.

Unfortunately, after a while, I hit a slump and started taking my prescription again—just not every day. But before I knew it, I was back where I started. I couldn’t function without it. My schoolwork suffered, my grades tanked, and I couldn’t slow my brain down to enjoy the moment anymore. It felt awful.

So I went through the process of quitting again. It is hard… I don’t have the same motivation I had when I was on it but being off has given me something way more valuable and that’s willpower. I feel much more present when I am working on school or cleaning, Etc.. It’s still hard sometimes not to reach for my adderall—but it’s so worth it. I’m kinder now, more present with my family, and I don’t feel like my angry emotions are running the show anymore. I feel more creative, more grounded, and more ME.

Im not sure if this will end up helping anybody…. but I wanted to share just in case. Getting off adderall isn’t as bad as you’d think. If being on it is making you struggle- getting off has its challenges but it’s completely worth it in the end.