How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?

Adderall is an amphetamine. It stimulates the central nervous system and improves ADHD symptoms in children by 70 to 80 percent. But how long does Adderall stay in your system?

In this article, we answer the question, “How long does Adderall stay in your system?”. We will also discuss what you can do if you get addicted to it.

What Is Adderall? 

Adderall is considered a stimulant that can be used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. 

The drug contains a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Various formulations feature combinations of the said stimulants. These include Adderall IR with immediate release and Adderall XR with extended release.

Other immediate-release forms of Adderall can be purchased in tablet form. Meanwhile, extended-release forms of the drug can be purchased as capsules. 

Can You Get Addicted to Adderall? 

Adderall features an addictive stimulant. The effects of the drug are similar to meth. Therefore,  the drug’s potency and accessibility put people at risk of getting addicted to it. 

Not everyone who uses Adderall develops an addiction. However, those who regularly take Adderall at unprescribed doses are at a higher risk of becoming addicted than those who don’t. 

In particular, Adderall increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Norepinephrine affects brain response. This affects how the brain responds to events.

Norepinephrine can also affect how the brain pays attention. It also affects the speed of the brain’s reaction to outside stimuli. 

On the other hand, the body’s “feel-good” chemical called dopamine creates a rewarding effect. Dopamine naturally occurs in the body. However, Adderall can produce unnaturally high levels of dopamine, prompting Adderall users to come back for more.

A person who’s addicted to Adderall may be dependent on it for alertness and productivity. Oftentimes, addicted people feel tired and mentally foggy without Adderall. 

How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System? 

So how long does Adderall stay in your system? The answer depends on which part of the body the substance is. 

Here’s how long does Adderall stay in your system depending on its location: 

Blood 

Adderall can be detected by a blood test. The substance can be detected in the blood for up to 46 hours after last use. Adderall can be most quickly detected through blood tests after it’s been used.

Urine 

Adderall can also be detected in the urine. It can stay for about 48 to 72 hours after the last use. Usually, a urine test will show a higher concentration of Adderall compared to any other drug test. It’s because Adderall can be eliminated from the body via urine.

Saliva 

Adderall can be detected in one’s saliva 20 to 50 hours after the last use. 

Hair 

It’s not a common method for a drug test to be done using hair. However, this drug test method can detect Adderall for up to 3 months after the last use.

Factors Affecting How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System 

The answer to “How long does Adderall stay in your system?” also depends on the following factors: 

Metabolism 

The liver contains enzymes that naturally metabolize. These enzymes help break down drugs like Adderall. The rate of metabolism can be affected by your activity level, gender, or medications taken.

Additionally, your metabolism affects how long the drug stays in your body. The faster something can be metabolized in the body, the faster it will be excreted.

Dosage 

Adderall features a variety of strengths. It can range from 5 mg to 30 mg tablets or capsules. The higher the Adderall’s dosage, the longer your body can completely metabolize it. Therefore, higher doses of the drug will stay longer in your body.

Moreover, Adderall features immediate- and extended-release versions. These versions dissolve in your body at different speeds. 

Effects typically wear off sooner with immediate-release Adderall than with its extended-release version. 

Age 

The older you become, the longer medications take to leave your system. This happens due to several reasons.

For one, the size of the liver decreases as you age. This means your liver takes longer to fully break down Adderall. 

In addition, your metabolism and urine output decrease as you age. As a result, medications can stay longer in your body.

Recovering from Adderall Addiction 

Withdrawal from Adderall is not frequently dangerous. However, for a lot of people, it’s not easy to accomplish alone. During the withdrawal period, some experience relapse.

Bearable withdrawal symptoms and successful recovery can be ensured through therapy and an excellent support structure.

Plus, you can withdraw from Adderall at home. However, it’s best to deal with your addiction in an environment with the support of a professional. Being in a facility can also help eliminate the danger of relapse, as the detox period can cause intense drug cravings.

Detox can’t be considered a standalone treatment for addiction. Rather, it’s the first step to stabilize the body and mind. This way, the recovery can earnestly begin.

Moreover, treatment for Adderall addiction can be done through behavioral therapies. These therapies can be similar to those used for addiction to other stimulants.

Conclusion 

So how long does Adderall stay in your system? The answer depends on several factors including dosage, age, and metabolism. Adderall also tends to stay the longest in your hair than in your blood.

If you or your loved one is struggling with Adderall use, ask for help. With the right treatment plan, sobriety app, and healthy lifestyle changes, you can overcome Adderall addiction.