When you’ve been asked to take a drug test after taking Adderall without a prescription, you’re likely asking yourself, “How long does Adderall stay in your system?” If you are at this point, it could be a sign that Adderall abuse is getting out of control and that you may need the help of Adderall addiction treatment in order to recover.
At Promises, our comprehensive addiction treatment programs offer the best evidence-based treatment options for people looking to overcome a substance use disorder. Call our team at 844.875.5609 to learn more about your treatment options today.
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
How long Adderall stays in your system depends on a few key factors. First, after your body absorbs Adderall, it starts being broken down in the liver. The rate at which your body metabolizes the drug is known as a drug’s “half-life,” or the time it takes for your body to eliminate 50% of the drug from your system.
In the case of Adderall, the half-life is roughly 10–13 hours. This means Adderall is almost entirely eliminated in two to three days, though different types of drug tests can detect Adderall for shorter or longer periods.
Urine
Urine drug tests are by far the most common method of Adderall detection. After your body has metabolized Adderall, it eliminates it through the urinary tract. A urine test checks the urine for the presence of Adderall and can typically detect the substance for 72–96 hours after your last use.
Blood
Blood tests are a less common method of drug screening, but they can provide detailed information about the levels of Adderall that someone has taken. However, they typically have a shorter detection time than urine—just 46 hours after last use.
Hair
Drugs and their metabolites can remain in hair follicles as they grow. As such, testing hair for drug use has one of the longest detection times overall, with Adderall being detectable for up to three months with a hair follicle test.
Saliva
Saliva tests are quick, cheap methods of testing for recent drug and alcohol use. For Adderall specifically, a saliva test can detect use for between 20 and 50 hours.
The Dangers of Adderall Abuse
If you are constantly finding yourself worrying about Adderall drug tests, there’s a high likelihood that your substance use has become problematic. Adderall is a highly addictive stimulant and can lead to risks such as:
- Increased cardiovascular issues
- Development of a substance use disorder
- Accidental overdose
- Unintentional weight loss
- Worsening physical or mental health
Breaking free from an Adderall addiction isn’t easy, but it’s possible. There are a number of evidence-based treatment options to help people overcome cravings, break free from withdrawal symptoms, and learn to live a more enjoyable and healthy life in recovery.
If you think you’ve developed a problematic pattern of Adderall use, it might be time to reach out to addiction professionals to learn more about the treatment options available to you.
Get the Help You Need for Adderall Addiction at Promises
Promises is a comprehensive addiction treatment program that can help you with every aspect of overcoming a substance use problem. From individual therapy and medication management to peer-to-peer support and co-occurring mental health treatment, you will find the tools to not only get sober but thrive in recovery.
Now is the time to start your Adderall treatment journey. Reach out to the addiction experts at Promises by calling 844.875.5609 or using our online contact form. Overcoming a substance use disorder is never easy. However, with the compassionate support provided by our team of professionals, you can break free from Adderall addiction.