Adderall is a powerful prescription drug commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This medication helps people with ADHD stay focused and alert but it can also be abused.
If you’ve taken Adderall recently, you may wonder how long the drug stays in your system. Luckily for those seeking answers about Adderall’s effects on the body, this blog post is here to help!
We’ll discuss how long Adderall remains in your system and the potential risks of taking the medication. Keep reading if you want to know why it’s essential to understand these details.
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System or Body?
Adderall is a strong medication that is clinically proven to treat the signs and symptoms of ADHD. The drug increases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels, three neurotransmitters that help improve focus.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
70 to 80 percent of adults who have taken Adderall report that their symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder improve. This medication can be a lifesaver for those who struggle with the disorder.
But how long does Adderall stay in your system? The answer depends on several factors, including age, body weight, adderall metabolism, and the time since last ingested. Generally, Adderall is flushed from the body through urine; however, it can also be found in saliva, hair follicles, and blood.
Adderall can stay in your system for 46 to 72 hours after it was last taken, but it depends on the drug test.
Lab Drug Tests That Can Detect Adderall in Your System
Several different types of drug testing can detect Adderall in your system. The most common drug tests used to detect Adderrall include the following.
Urine Tests
A urine test one of the most commonly used methods for screening drugs, including Adderall. These tests evaluate urine samples to detect the presence of amphetamines like Adderall, which they can detect for up to two days after use.
This test is often used in workplaces and other security-sensitive environments to effectively check employees and visitors for drug use. A person may likely test positive for Adderall 72 to 96 hours after taking it.
Blood Tests
Blood drug tests for detecting Adderall are becoming increasingly popular, as they are more accurate than urine tests. After the drug has been taken, blood tests can accurately measure the concentration of Adderall in your body for up to 24 to 36 hours. This is especially helpful for medical professionals who need to know if a patient is taking their prescribed medication properly or to identify any substance or drug abuse.
Hair Tests
Adderall can be detected in a person’s hair follicles for up to 90 days after it was last taken. While not a common method for determining Adderall use, hair tests can provide a more accurate look into a person’s drug history.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests have emerged as a reliable and easy way to detect the presence of drugs in a person’s system. One such drug for which a saliva test is very effective is Adderall.
Due to its unique properties, this stimulant medication can be detectable in a person’s saliva for up to 50 hours after their last dose. This makes it one of the best ways to test for drug use in individuals who may be reluctant or forgetful when giving answers.
Factors That Alter How Long Adderall Stays in Your System
A few factors can affect how long Adderall stays in your system. These include:
- Age: Young people tend to metabolize drugs faster than adults, so Adderall may be eliminated more quickly
- Weight: An individual’s body weight can greatly affect how fast they process the drug
- Metabolism: Individuals with slower metabolisms tend to retain drugs longer than those with faster metabolisms
- Time Since Last Dose: The amount of time since the last dose may also affect how long Adderall stays in your system or body
Ultimately, only a lab drug test can accurately determine if Adderall is in your system. Depending on the type of test used, Adderall may be detectable for up to 90 days after the last use.
Is Adderall Abused?
Adderall has become an increasingly controversial drug in recent years due to stories of teenagers and young adults using it for non-medically related reasons. While Adderall can be a lifesaver for those dealing with ADHD symptoms, some individuals without the disorder have been known to abuse the potent effects of this medication and other prescription stimulants.
It has been said that Adderall can provide a sense of focus and energy, giving users increased productivity. Unfortunately, this has led to people using it to get ahead rather than sticking to healthier methods like exercise or natural supplements.
Since this medication increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, it can be habit-forming.
While there are some cases in which Adderall is not being misused, its popularity should be monitored carefully due to the heightened potential for abuse.
What Are the Signs of Adderall Misuse?
Adderall misuse and addiction can come on quickly and subtly, making it difficult to detect. While there is no one-size-fits-all checklist for signs of Adderall misuse, here are a few to look out for:
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Anxiety or irritability
- Decrease in appetite
- Changes in behavior or mood swings
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Increased risk-taking
Long-term Adderall abuse can also have severe consequences and side effects, including:
- Mania
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Hallucinations
- Cardiac issues
If you or someone you know is abusing Adderall and needs help, resources are available to get the necessary assistance. It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible to mitigate any long-term effects of Adderall abuse.
What Happens When You Stop Using Adderall?
When someone stops using Adderall, their body needs to adjust to functioning without the drug’s presence in their system. It is common for users to experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from difficulty sleeping, depression, and headaches to a lack of motivation and fatigue.
As the body adjusts and neurotransmitter levels balance back out, it may take some time for users to feel like themselves again as their natural energy level returns. Many also experience a newfound appreciation for life without relying on stimulants or nootropics to maintain focus.
Stopping medication requires proper preparation with doctors and mental health professionals who understand how the body works and interacts with certain drugs like Adderall, so proper consultation is highly recommended before ceasing its use.
Help at La Hacienda Treatment Center
Whether an individual is addicted to taking Adderall XR or Adderall IR or some other substance use disorder, treatment is available to help them recover.
La Hacienda’s addiction treatment options address the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of addiction. We offer a variety of therapies to teach patients how to manage their cravings for Adderall and find recovery.
The following are offered at La Hacienda:
- Medically supervised detoxification: For those who need it, doctors and nurses oversee detoxification of patients in our Special Care Unit where can monitor withdrawal symptoms around the clock.
- Behavioral therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy, therapeutic activities, and family counseling can help individuals manage their Adderall use or abstain altogether.
- Mental Health: Patients can meet with on-staff psychiatrists during their treatment stays.
- Group therapy and support groups: Sharing experiences with others is often a powerful form of therapy that can help individuals process their emotions and gain motivation to stick to their treatment plan.
Adderall is an incredibly powerful medication that can be beneficial when used correctly, but it also has the potential for misuse and abuse. Be aware of these dangers and communicate openly with a doctor or mental health professional if you suspect someone may be misusing Adderall.
Adderall Addiction
La Hacienda offers comprehensive solutions for anyone struggling with an Adderall addiction.
We believe in creating a safe environment free of stigma, judgment, or shame. We want patients to know they’re not alone while fighting their addiction and assure them they have all the resources necessary to beat it successfully.
Our program offers:
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Detoxification under medical supervision
- Residential inpatient care
- Psychological assessments
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Large alumni base statewide
Individuals can start their recovery process and overcome the challenges of Adderall addiction.
Conclusion
Adderall is a powerful stimulant that can lead to dependence and addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with Adderall abuse or misuse of another prescription stimulant, it is important to seek help.
La Hacienda addiction treatment center can provide the comprehensive care you need to start living a healthy, sober life. Reach out to us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one start down the road to recovery.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/adderall-addiction
https://drugabuse.com/stimulants/adderall/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-adderall-stay-in-your-system
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/stimulant-use-disorder/how-to-help-someone-addicted-to-adderall
