How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

In recent years, Adderall has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug among college students and adolescents due to the way it affects the central nervous system.

If you suspect that a friend or loved one may be battling an Adderall addiction, there are several ways to detect the drug through lab testing in the days or weeks after their last use.

What Is The Detection Window For Adderall In The System?

The half-life of Adderall (dextroamphetamine) is 10 hours. This means that every 10 hours, half of the Adderall in the body will be eliminated.

Currently, there are four common tests that can detect Adderall in the system. Some tests are more accurate than others, depending on the length of time since last use.

Blood Tests

When a blood test is conducted, Adderall can be detected up to 24 to 46 hours after the last use of the drug. This test is done by drawing a blood sample with a syringe and testing it in a lab.

Urine Tests

Urinalysis is the most common way to test for Adderall substance use in the body. This is accomplished by urinating in a sterile cup and testing the sample in a lab.

With current technology, a urine test can reveal Adderall in the body for 48 to 72 hours from the last time the medication was ingested.

Saliva Tests

Some people may be tested for Adderall use through an oral fluid or saliva test. Dextroamphetamine can be detected 20 to 50 hours after the last use of the drug through saliva.

Hair Tests

A hair follicle drug test can determine if a person has used Adderall in the past three months.

While this method may be useful for finding out whether a person has abused Adderall long after the substance has left the body, Adderall is typically only detectable in the hair after a week or two.

Factors That Influence Adderall Detection Times

How long Adderall stays in the body is dependent on several variables that will differ from person to person.

Factors may include:

• body weight
• other types of drugs used with Adderall
• body fat
• kidney function
• frequency of use
• metabolism
• the health of the person’s gastrointestinal tract
• sex
• dose of Adderall taken
• body composition
• age of the person misusing Adderall
• overall health
• taking higher doses of Adderall over a long period of time
• the formulation of Adderall abused i.e. immediate-release (Adderall IR) tablets or extended-release (Adderall XR)
• pills

What Are The Dangers Of Adderall Addiction?

When taken as directed, Adderall is a relatively safe medication. People battling Adderall misuse, however, may experience uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects.

Risks of Adderall addiction include:

• heart attack
• depression
• psychosis
• high blood pressure
• memory loss
• withdrawal symptoms
• overdose death

Addiction Treatment Options For Adderall Abuse

People addicted to Adderall or other substances can receive evidence-based or holistic treatment services at a drug treatment center.

Treatment services may include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• inpatient treatment
• medical detox
• individual counseling
• outpatient treatment
• 12-step programs
• group therapy
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
• support groups for people addicted to prescription drugs

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services At Bedrock Recovery Center

Call our helpline today for more information on substance abuse treatment programs at Bedrock Recovery Center. Our team can assist you in achieving lasting addiction recovery.