How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant drug. Doctors prescribe Adderall and other stimulant medications to help people manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions.

Adderall’s stimulant effects can reduce many of the symptoms associated with attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and other conditions. However, stimulants like Adderall can be addictive. People may misuse Adderall and become physically dependent on it.

This article will explore Adderall abuse and addiction. You’ll learn how long Adderall can be detected on drug tests and how to find treatment for substance abuse.

Reach out to the Archstone Recovery specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment plans. You may also ask questions or schedule an intake assessment.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication. It contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Medical professionals often prescribe stimulants, including Adderall, to treat attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms.

The stimulants in Adderall increase activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Adderall also affects parts of the brain involved in hyperactivity and impulse control. People typically experience fewer ADHD symptoms when they take Adderall.

The Effects of Adderall

People who take Adderall to manage ADHD or another medical condition may feel better when taking it. They may notice that they can pay attention for longer periods or complete tasks more easily.

Like all medications, Adderall can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Adderall include:

• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Mood changes
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Insomnia
• DIzziness
• Dry mouth
• Elevated heart rate

People who misuse Adderall have a higher risk of experiencing unwanted or dangerous side effects.

Adderall Abuse

Most medical professionals believe that Adderall is safe when people take it exactly as prescribed. However, people may enjoy the way Adderall makes them feel. Some take Adderall without a prescription because it gives them more energy. People may also misuse it to stay focused on studying or other tasks.

Misusing Adderall can cause medical complications, including physical dependence. Adderall abuse includes:

• Taking higher doses of Adderall than prescribed
• Taking Adderall differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
• Taking Adderall more frequently than prescribed
• Taking Adderall for longer periods than prescribed
• Using Adderall without a prescription

People who misuse Adderall may develop a tolerance for it. Tolerance means that a person’s body has adjusted to the presence of a substance. People with tolerance to Adderall must take larger doses to get the desired effects.

Misusing Adderall increases the risk of dangerous or unwanted side effects. Some of these include:

• Slowed speech
• Numbness in the limbs
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Pounding heart
• Blisters or other skin problems
• Verbal or physical tics
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Addiction

People who abuse Adderall must get help to stop using this drug. Most people with a substance use disorder require treatment and continuing support.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

People usually take Adderall by mouth. The medication enters the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. When people urinate, some of the drug leaves the body. But how long does Adderall stay in urine?

Different drug tests can detect Adderall for various lengths of time. Between 20% and 25% of Adderall breaks down into compounds called hippuric acid and benzoic acid. Blood tests, urine tests, hair tests, and saliva tests can detect these compounds.

Here is an overview of how long different drug tests can detect Adderall and its byproducts.

Urine

Urine tests can typically detect Adderall for 72 to 96 hours after you last take it.

Blood tests

Adderall and its byproducts may show up in blood testing for up to 46 hours after your last dose.

Saliva testing

Adderall may show up on a saliva test for up to 50 hours after your last dose.

Hair testing

While hair tests are uncommon, they can detect Adderall for the longest of all standard drug screenings. People may test positive for Adderall use for up to 90 days after your last dose.

What Can Affect How Long Adderall Stays in Your System?

Many factors can affect how long Adderall remains in your system. These factors include:

• The type of Adderall you used (Adderall or Adderall XR)
• The dose of Adderall you took
• Your weight and body composition
• Age
• Gender
• Other substances you used at the same time
• Your kidney and liver health
• Your general health
• Metabolism
• How often you have used Adderall
• How long you have been using Adderall

Adderall addiction is a complex condition that can affect every aspect of your life. If you or someone you love struggles with Adderall misuse or addiction, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible.

Don’t wait for another day to go by without getting the help you need. Contact the caring professionals at Archstone Recovery to learn about our supportive treatment programs. You may also schedule an intake assessment.