Adderall abuse can be harmful to your mental and physical health. It can also lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Adderall can stay detectable in your system between 20 and 96 hours after your last dose depending on the type of test used and other factors such as dosage, duration of use, and metabolism.
HOW LONG DO THE EFFECTS OF ADDERALL LAST?
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that increases focus, concentration, and mental clarity. In people who don’t have ADHD, it can also cause increased energy, heart rate, and body temperature.
Common side effects of Adderall include:
- Increased focus and concentration
- Improved alertness and wakefulness
- Enhanced energy levels
- Heightened productivity
- Decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Improved academic or work performance
- Appetite suppression
- Euphoria or sense of well-being
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
How long the effects last can vary based on the individual and their dosage. Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Immediate-release Adderall usually starts working 30-60 minutes after oral ingestion and lasts for around four to six hours. Extended-release formulations, or Adderall XR, also start working within 30-60 minutes but can last for up to 12 hours.
UNDERSTANDING HOW THE BODY METABOLIZES ADDERALL
After taking Adderall, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. It then enters the liver where it is metabolized by enzymes. These enzymes break down Adderall into various metabolites, including amphetamine and p-hydroxyamphetamine, which are eliminated from the body via urine. Amphetamine and p-hydroxyamphetamine can be detected in your body for several days using various types of drug tests.
How quickly Adderall and its metabolites leave your body depends heavily on the drug’s half-life. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to decrease by half. Adderall has a relatively short half-life, which can influence how long it stays in the system.
The half-life of Adderall is typically around 9 to 14 hours. It takes between four and five half-lives for a drug to leave your system completely, so it can take anywhere from 36 to 70 hours for Adderall to leave your system.
ADDERALL DETECTION TIMES VIA URINE, BLOOD, SALIVA, AND HAIR
How long Adderall can be detected in the body depends on the type of drug test used. Approximate detection times are as follows:
- Urine – The most popular type of drug test is a urine test. Adderall can usually be detected in urine for one to three days after the last use. However, chronic users or those with slow drug metabolism may have a longer detection window of up to a week.
- Blood – Adderall is detectable in blood for a shorter period compared to urine. It typically remains detectable for about 12 to 24 hours after the last dose. Blood tests are generally only used in medical settings to confirm or deny intoxication due to the short detection window.
- Saliva – Adderall can be detected in saliva for approximately 20 to 50 hours after ingestion. However, detection times can vary depending on individual factors.
- Hair – Adderall has a longer detection window in hair follicles. It can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after use, although the accuracy of hair tests may vary.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT HOW LONG ADDERALL STAYS IN YOUR SYSTEM
Several variables may influence Adderall’s elimination timeline and how long it stays in the system:
- Dosage – Higher doses of Adderall may take longer to metabolize and eliminate from the body compared to lower doses.
- Frequency of Use – Regular and prolonged use of Adderall can lead to the drug accumulating in the body, resulting in longer detection times.
- Individual Metabolism – Each person’s metabolism is unique, which means that Adderall may be processed differently in different individuals. Factors such as age, weight, liver function, and genetics can affect how quickly the body eliminates the drug.
- Hydration and urine pH Levels – Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced pH level in the urine may help speed up the excretion of Adderall from the body.
HOW DO YOU DETOX FROM ADDERALL?
While many over-the-counter detoxes may promise a quick and effective drug detox, these aren’t always effective and are not backed by science. The only real way to get Adderall out of your system is to stop taking it and let your body metabolize and eliminate the drug.
If you are addicted to Adderall or have been taking it daily for an extended period of time, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking it. Common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of motivation
- Cravings for Adderall
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Headaches
- Tremors or shaking
- Muscle aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
Adderall detox should always be done under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional or drug rehab center. Prescription medications and holistic care can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensure patient safety.
GET HELP FOR ADDERALL ABUSE AND ADDICTION TODAY
At Elevate Recovery Center, our mission is to enable each and every patient to heal fully with an individualized addiction treatment program tailored to meet their specific needs. We know there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction treatment, which is why every patient gets specialized and undivided attention while in our care. We even go the extra mile by staying connected with our patients after they leave our rehab facility.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall addiction, please contact us today and learn about your treatment options.
References:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall Label, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall XR Label, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021303s026lbl.pdf
- National Library of Medicine: Amphetamine, past and present – a pharmacological and clinical perspective, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666194/
- National Library of Medicine: Amphetamine Positive Urine Toxicology Screen Secondary to Atomoxetine, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570929/
