Adderall Detection Time

Have you ever drank a cup of coffee, or another caffeinated beverage, and felt a burst of energy shortly after? Maybe this high carries you for a few hours before you notice yourself feeling sluggish again, almost exhausted. This is because the caffeine, which is a stimulant, had worked its way through your body and was now being processed out.

This might make you think that the caffeine must be fully out of your system if you’re no longer feeling the effects of it, right?

Wrong.

In 2023 over 9 million controlled substances were prescribed across Arizona. How many of these people could explain how their medications work? Do you know what a half-life is? If side effects don’t determine when a substance is no longer in your system, then what does?

Our team here at Pinnacle Peak Recovery has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to how the body processes substances. As a facility dedicated to our community, we want to provide educational information discussing prescription medications and how they impact your body so you can make informed decisions about your health. Today we’re going to look at Adderall and answer the question: how long does Adderall stay in your system? 

How is Adderall Processed and Metabolized Through the Body?

Adderall is a prescription medication utilized to help with ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s a form of stimulant, which means it interacts with the central nervous system and makes the body feel like it has more energy or is moving faster. For those with ADHD or narcolepsy, who are lacking in certain forms of stimulation, finding the right dosage can bring them to a state of normalcy instead of over-activity.

When you take any substance, it’s primarily processed through the digestive system, with the liver and kidneys working together, playing a large role in distributing the substance through your body. When Adderall is processed, it’s broken down into the two main substances that make up the drug – dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Both drugs take a different amount of time to be fully processed through your system, but on average the half-life of Adderall as a whole is 10-13 hours.

What Is a “Half-Life” When Talking About Adderall?

The time in which it takes a substance to pass through your body is measured in half-lives. What exactly is a half-life, though?

The “half-life” of a substance refers to how long it takes for half of the substance to leave the body. So, if you take a 5mg dose, and the half-life of a substance is 3 hours, after 3 hours you’d still have 2.5mg in your system.

For Adderall, dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine) and levoamphetamine (l-amphetamine) are processed at different rates. On average, for adults, the half-life of d-amphetamine is 10 hours, and the half-life of l-amphetamine is 13 hours. 

How Long Do the Effects of Adderall Last?

The exact time frame in which someone will feel the effects of Adderall can vary depending on how long you’ve been taking the medication, as well as your specific dosage and type of Adderall.

Substances like Adderall come in two different forms – IR, which stands for immediate release, and ER, which stands for extended-release. IR forms are taken once or twice a day, depending on a person’s needs, whereas ER forms are only taken once a day. This substance works best when consistently in your system, but the exact time frames recommended for taking your next dose will change depending on what Adderall is helping you treat. For example, someone taking it to help with narcolepsy may take it at a different frequency than someone using it to manage ADHD symptoms. 

On average, Adderall IR will last for 4 to 6 hours, and ER versions will last up to 12 hours. 

What Factors Affect How Long Adderall Is In Your System?

There are many different things that can influence the exact timeline of Adderall in your system. At the end of the day, it won’t be drastically different from the half-life measurement, but it’s still important to understand everything that’s at play.

Here are some of the most common factors that can influence the window in which you feel the effects of Adderall.

• Weight and metabolism

• Age

• Other medications in your system

• Other substances in your system

• Diet

• Dosage

• Hydration

Does Adderall Show Up on Drug Tests and If So For How Long?

To give the short answer, yes, Adderall can show up on a drug test. What’s important to note, however, is that if you’re taking Adderall as a prescribed medication, you don’t need to worry.

Adderall can make a drug test show positive results for amphetamines in your system. This is because Adderall contains amphetamines. While other illicit substances, like meth, also contain amphetamines, that’s not the only thing that will show as positive if meth is in someone’s system.

Drug tests and those who conduct them understand that prescription medications can interact with drug tests. Just be open and honest about what medications you take should you be asked to take a drug test.

With that being said, though, what kind of drug tests does Adderall show up on? How long will it show up on these tests? Let’s take a look at the most common forms of drug tests to find out. 

Adderall and Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are not very common, as the results can vary depending on many factors. When used, however, the average time frame that Adderall can be detected is 20 to 50 hours after your last dosage. 

Adderall and Urine Tests

Urine tests are one of the most common types of drug tests. They’re non-invasive and easily accessible, however, they’re sometimes avoided due to how they can be faked. 

In the case of Adderall, urine is one of the places that shows the highest concentration of the dosage you had, because Adderall is mostly eliminated through the urine. On average, Adderall can be detected in urine 72 to 96 hours after your last dosage.

Adderall and Blood Tests

Blood tests are good for detecting drug usage quickly, due to how it disperses within your bloodstream. It’s not as common of a test due to its invasiveness, but they do happen. Adderall can be detected in blood up to 46 hours after your last dose. 

Adderall and Hair Tests

Hair holds information the longest of any form of drug test. Hair tests happen most commonly in legal cases as a means of tracking substance use, but overall they’re not a common form of drug test. Adderall can be detected in hair up to 3 months after your last dose. 

Is There Any Way to Get Adderall Out of Your System Faster?

There are many different stories and theories that float around on the internet about how to “sober up” or how to “rapidly detox” the body. The truth of the matter is that there’s no way to speed up the natural progression of your digestive system and how it processes substances like Adderall.

The only way to get Adderall out of your system is to stop taking it. To help the process along, it’s important to stay hydrated and put adequate sustenance into your body to help it all work properly. 

Are There Recovery Center Options in Arizona for Adderall Use?

No matter what your history of Adderall use is, or your reasoning for seeking recovery, there are options for you here in Arizona. Finding treatment for Adderall addiction is not only possible but accessible. 

While in treatment, the medical staff on hand will help you through withdrawals, setting you up for success in your recovery program. From there, both inpatient and outpatient options are available for you. Some people start in one and transition to the other. Some may go back and forth between the two depending on their needs. Recovery isn’t linear, but a change in support needs never means you failed.

You deserve support wherever you’re at in your journey.

There’s no wrong time to step onto a path of healing. Our team here at Pinnacle Peak is ready and happy to be here to help you. We treat our clients and alumni alike with the respect and care they deserve. We want to work with you to make a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. If you have any questions or want to get started, just give us a call at 866-377-4413.

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