Although it is an effective treatment option for these conditions, many people abuse Adderall recreationally. People abuse Adderall and develop a substance use disorder because the prescription drug produces feelings of euphoria, increased concentration and focus, feelings of confidence, and decreased hunger.
Adderall abuse can be harmful to your mental and physical health. It can also lead to physical dependence and Adderall addiction.
So, how long does Adderall stay in your system? The results of different drug tests all depend on body composition and many other factors.
Mixed amphetamine salts. How long it stays in your system depends on several factors (pic)
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
- 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 around four to six hours. Extended-release formulations, or Adderall XR, also start working within 30-60 minutes but can last 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
Does Adderall stay in the bloodstream as long as it stays in urine? How long Adderall can be detected in the body depends on the type of drug test used. Each drug test method has its own window of time to detect Adderall, which can be influenced by factors such as dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual body composition.
Understanding these detection times is crucial for anyone undergoing drug testing or managing their Adderall use.
Urine Test
A urine drug screen is the most commonly used method for detecting Adderall, especially in workplace settings. Adderall can typically be detected in urine for one to three days after the last use. However, for chronic users or individuals with slower drug metabolism, the detection window may extend to up to a week.
Urine tests are favored because they are non-invasive, relatively easy to administer, and provide a reasonable detection window for recent drug use.
Blood Test
Adderall remains detectable in blood for a shorter period compared to other testing methods. Typically, it can be found in the bloodstream for about 12 to 24 hours after the last dose.
Due to this short detection window, blood tests are the rarer form of drug testing methods, usually reserved for medical settings where it is necessary to determine current intoxication levels, such as in emergency situations or to confirm a diagnosis of substance use.
Saliva Test
Saliva tests offer a moderate detection window for Adderall, typically ranging from 20 to 50 hours after ingestion. This method is less common but is occasionally used in roadside testing or scenarios where non-invasive, quick results are needed.
Detection times can vary based on factors such as the individual’s oral hygiene, saliva production, and the amount of drug used.
Hair
Hair follicle tests provide the longest window of time to detect Adderall, with the drug potentially remaining detectable for up to 90 days after use. Hair tests are often used in situations where long-term drug use needs to be assessed, as they can provide a historical record of drug intake.
However, the accuracy of hair tests can be influenced by factors like hair color, texture, and the potential for external contamination, making them less commonly used compared to other methods.
Factors That Affect How Long Adderall Stays in Your System
Several variables influence how long Adderall remains in the body and how quickly it is eliminated. Understanding these factors can provide insight into why detection times may vary between individuals.
Dosage
Higher doses of Adderall, as seen with substance abuse, take longer to metabolize and eliminate from the body compared to lower doses. This is because a larger amount of the drug must be processed by the liver and kidneys, which can extend the time it takes for the body to clear it.
Additionally, higher doses may lead to more pronounced effects, which could linger even as the drug begins to metabolize.
Frequency of Use
Regular and prolonged use of Adderall can cause the drug to accumulate in the body, leading to longer detection times. Chronic use can result in the drug being stored in fatty tissues, which slows down its elimination process.
This accumulation can also contribute to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, further complicating the detoxification timeline.
Individual Metabolism
Each person’s metabolism is unique, so Adderall may be processed at different rates in different individuals. Factors such as age, weight, liver function, and genetics play significant roles in determining how quickly the body metabolizes and eliminates the drug.
For instance, younger individuals with a faster metabolism may clear the drug more quickly, while those with liver impairments may experience delayed elimination.
Hydration and Urine pH Levels
Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced pH level in the urine can help speed up the excretion of Adderall from the body. Acidic urine tends to increase the rate at which Adderall is excreted, whereas alkaline urine can slow it down.
Individuals who stay hydrated and consume a diet that helps maintain an acidic urine pH may eliminate the drug faster than those who do not. Additionally, dehydration can slow down kidney function, prolonging the presence of the drug in the system.
How Do You Detox from Adderall?
While many over-the-counter detox kits promise a quick and effective way to cleanse your system of Adderall, these solutions are often unreliable and lack scientific backing.
The most effective method to detox from Adderall is simply to stop taking the drug and allow your body to naturally metabolize and eliminate it over time. This process can vary in length depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
If you have developed a dependency on Adderall or have been taking it daily for an extended period, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug. These symptoms can include fatigue, depression, irritability, and intense cravings, making the detox process challenging.
It is important to approach detoxification under medical supervision, especially if you have been using Adderall heavily or for a long period. Medical professionals can help manage withdrawal symptoms, provide support, and ensure a safer, more comfortable detox experience.
Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
- 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 asking, “how long does Adderall stay in your system?” you may be struggling with Adderall addiction. Please contact us today to 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/
