Adderall is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The drug is made of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which are central nervous system stimulants. Many people take Adderall, and they do so because they are afflicted by the conditions that the medication is designed to treat.

However, there are some people who may use Adderall for purposes other than what is intended, and they may wonder how long Adderall stays in the system. The misuse is particularly true in the United Kingdom, where Adderall is not legal, as some amphetamines are classified as Class B drugs.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall has a half-life of about 9 to 14 hours. This means that around 9 to 14 hours after ingestion, half of the medication is already gone, and only about half remains in the system. However, it can stay in the system in the sense that Adderall remains detectable for weeks or months, depending on the type of drug test administered.

Does Adderall Use Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, drug tests are capable of detecting Adderall. However, given that it is used as a legitimate treatment for ADHD or narcolepsy and is a perfectly legal substance, it’s not something that a person needs to worry about unless they’re using it without a prescription.

The length of time Adderall can be detected will be determined by the test used. For example, in a urine test, Adderall can be detected 1 to 2 days after it is ingested. In a blood test, Adderall may be detected 2 to 3 days after last use. A saliva test can detect it for around 24 to 48 hours after the last dose of Adderall.

A hair test can provide the longest detection window for drug use. The medication can be detected for up to 3 months after a person stops using Adderall.

What Can Affect How Long Adderall Stays in the System?

While the above detection windows are generally accurate, several factors can influence how long Adderall can stay in a person’s system. Some of these factors can include:

Body composition

A person’s body composition can significantly influence how Adderall can remain in the system. Adderall is fat soluble, so those with higher body fat percentages may retain Adderall longer than those with lower body fat compositions.

Metabolism

A person’s metabolism can have a major effect on the time Adderall remains in the system. Those with slower metabolisms will eliminate Adderall slower, leading to it remaining longer in a person’s system.

Because metabolism can slow down as a person ages, older people can find that Adderall stays longer in their systems.

Diet

On a note related to the above, a person with a healthy diet who exercises regularly and hydrates adequately will generally have a faster metabolism. This can greatly influence the time it takes to purge Adderall from the system.

Dosage and Frequency of Use

How much and how often a person takes Adderall will have a major influence on how long the medication stays in a person’s system. People who frequently misuse Adderall or those who regularly take high doses of Adderall can find that the drug remains in the system longer.

Organ Function

The liver and the kidneys both play major roles in processing medication. If these organs are functioning well, Adderall will be processed faster, which means that it will be eliminated from the system faster.

Polysubstance Use

Other substances may interact with either Adderall or the body. This can make it so that a person may metabolise Adderall slower, leading to it remaining longer in a person’s system. These interactions can be unpredictable, so it’s best not to mix Adderall misuse with other forms of substance use.

How Long Do the Effects of Adderall Last?

Adderall can begin to take effect around half an hour after it is ingested. How long Adderall’s effects remain depends on the type of medication taken. The effects of immediate-release Adderall typically last about 5 to 8 hours per dose. Adderall XR, on the other hand, typically lasts between 10 to 12 hours.

How to Get Adderall Out of Your System

There are several options that a person has if they need to purge their systems of Adderall quickly. One way to help get Adderall out of the system quicker is to drink lots of water. Drugs can be excreted from the urine, and adequate hydration can help keep the kidneys functioning well.

Exercising can also boost a person’s metabolism, which can greatly help decrease the time that Adderall stays in a person’s system. This exercise does not need to be strenuous. It can be something as simple as going for regular walks.

In general, being healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep can help optimise a person’s metabolism, which can eliminate substances such as prescription medications faster.

Treating Adderall Addiction

While Adderall has legitimate uses in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, some people become addicted to it. This is because Adderall can increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can produce a pleasurable effect.

Prescription drug addiction is a treatable condition. A treatment plan will generally involve a mix of individual and group therapy sessions, various therapeutic modalities, detoxification, and aftercare options. Some may go into residential treatment and sober living.

Getting Help for Adderall Abuse

Adderall addiction is not a condition that has to be permanent. Some people begin using the medication, either with a prescription or without, and they may find themselves at a point where they are dependent on using the medication to function properly.

However, this dependence can be overcome. With proper treatment and willpower, a person can stop using the medication and find other ways to manage the underlying condition that requires it in the first place. Liberty Home is a world-class treatment centre in South Africa that helps people overcome such struggles. Contact us to learn more.