How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Millions of people take stimulant medications to manage symptoms of ADHD and other conditions. Adderall is one of the most common prescription stimulant drugs.

People who take Adderall may become addicted to it. Adderall misuse increases the risk of physical dependence and addiction.

This article will explore how Adderall addiction develops. It will provide an overview of how long Adderall stays in your system once you stop taking it. You’ll also learn how long different drug tests can detect Adderall and how to find substance abuse treatment.

Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn about our treatment programs. You may also contact us to verify your insurance or schedule an intake assessment.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication. Doctors may prescribe Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), other attention disorders, narcolepsy, and other medical conditions.

Adderall is a stimulant drug, meaning it increases activity in the central nervous system (CNS). People who take Adderall to manage ADHD typically notice fewer disruptive symptoms, including:

• Agitation
• Poor attention and concentration
• Difficulty maintaining focus
• Avoiding detailed tasks

People who take Adderall to manage medical conditions may be able to function better in their daily lives.

However, some people misuse Adderall. Some take it without a prescription because they like how it makes them feel. People may experience:

• More focus
• Better attention
• More energy

Adderall and other stimulants are popular among teens and young adults. These groups may take Adderall to study longer or to enhance performance in different ways.

The Side Effects of Adderall

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

• Stomach pain
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Slowed speech
• Numbness in the arms and legs
• Breathing problems
• Fainting
• Seizures

People who take Adderall as prescribed are less likely to experience unwanted side effects. Side effects are more likely to occur when people misuse this drug.

Still, it is essential to talk to your doctor if you experience side effects while taking Adderall.

Adderall Abuse and Addiction

Medical experts believe that Adderall is safe if people use it as prescribed. People may experience unwanted side effects and develop physical dependence if they misuse it.

Adderall misuse includes:

• Taking larger doses of Adderall than prescribed
• Taking Adderall more often than prescribed
• Taking Adderall for longer than your doctor told you to
• Ingesting Adderall differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting your pills
• Using Adderall without a prescription

People may misuse Adderall because they like its effects. They may use Adderall to maintain focus longer or have more energy.

Prescription medications, including Adderall, can be dangerous if you abuse them. Adderall has the potential to be addictive. This means if you abuse it, you may develop a physical dependence on it.

Adderall abuse can change the way your brain and body function. These changes can make it very hard to stop taking it, even when you want to.

Many people require professional treatment to quit using Adderall and avoid relapse safely.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Once you take Adderall, your digestive system absorbs it. The drug enters the bloodstream and travels throughout the body. Urinating eliminates some of the drug, but it can remain in different systems for longer periods.

So, how long does Adderall stay in your system? There are several methods of testing for Adderall. Here is an overview of how long Adderall can be detected.

Urine tests

Urine tests can usually detect Adderall in urine for up to 96 hours after your last use. Urine tests are the most common type of drug screening for employment and medical settings.

Blood tests

After you ingest Adderall, your body begins to metabolize it. This creates several byproducts. Blood tests can detect Adderall and its byproducts for up to 46 hours after your last dose.

Saliva testing

Saliva testing has a similar sensitivity as blood tests. Adderall may show up on a saliva test for up to 50 hours after your last use.

Hair testing is uncommon, but it can detect Adderall for up to 90 days after your last dose.

What Factors Affect How Long Adderall Can Be Detected?

Several factors affect the length of time Adderall may show up on a drug test. Some of the things that change how long Adderall remains in your system include:

• Your body weight and composition
• Gender
• Age
• General health
• If you used a regular or extended-release version of Adderall
• Other substances you used at the same time
• How much Adderall you use
• How often you used Adderall
• How long you’ve been taking Adderall

Find Help for Adderall Addiction Today

If you are concerned about Adderall abuse or you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists now to learn about our programs.

Our specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Don’t wait for another day without getting the help you deserve. Contact us today to start working toward a healthier future.