Adderall, the brand name for the prescription stimulant containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

It can stay in your system for about 3 days but may be detected on drug screens for up to 90 days. How long Adderall stays in your system depends on several factors, including metabolism, health, and frequency of use.

Adderall Drug Testing & Detection Times

Adderall has a half-life of 9-14 hours, which is the time it takes about half the drug to leave your system. After about five half-lives or 2-3 days, most of the drug is eliminated from the system.

Although half-life can help you determine how long a drug stays in your system, the liver creates metabolites that can be detected longer than the drug itself. Adderall and its metabolites can be detected in urine, sweat, blood, saliva, and hair follicles.

Urine Tests

Urine drug tests are common because they are cost-effective and easily accessible. A single dose of Adderall may only be detected for 24-72 hours in urine. However, it may be detectable for as long as 10 days after long-term, heavy use.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are one of the least invasive types of drug screens because they only require a sample from the inside of the cheek. However, oral fluid doesn’t allow for a large window of detection. Adderall can only be detected in saliva 12-24 hours after last use.

Blood Tests

A blood test is an expensive and invasive type of drug test but it can provide information about drugs currently in your system. Similar to saliva tests, Adderall is only detectable in blood for about 12-24 hours.

Sweat Test

A patch that absorbs sweat can be placed on the skin for about one week. Although sweat can be used to detect the past 7-14 days of drug use, it is not a convenient or cost-effective drug screen option.

Hair Tests

Hair follicle tests are beneficial for detecting long-term Adderall use. It takes about one week for Adderall metabolites to enter hair follicles and a 2-inch strand of hair can detect up to 90 days of drug use.

Factors That Affect Adderall Detection Times

Several factors can influence how quickly Adderall is metabolized, including your health, frequency of use, and how long you’ve taken it.

Type Of Adderall

Adderall is available as immediate-release (Adderall IR) tablets and extended-release (Adderall XR) capsules.

Extended release means the drug enters your system slowly, over the course of 12-24 hours. It lasts longer in your system than immediate-release tablets and may show up on drug screens for longer periods of time.

Body Composition

Your metabolism, body fat, and body weight can affect how long Adderall lasts in your system. If you are older or live a sedentary lifestyle, your body may take longer to process Adderall than someone young and active.

PH Levels

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pH levels have a significant impact on the elimination of amphetamine.

A high pH level can cause Adderall to stay detectable in your system for a longer length of time. Food, medications, and kidney function can influence your urine’s pH levels.

Adderall Abuse

Adderall misuse, which may include snorting, injecting, or taking more than you’re prescribed, will likely increase your tolerance. The higher your tolerance, the more Adderall you will need to feel its effects. Heavy drug abuse may cause you to test positive for longer periods of time.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

Stimulants increase activity in the central nervous system and may cause euphoria, increased focus, and energy. The side-effects of Adderall can be highly addictive and long-term abuse can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), also known as addiction.

Addiction may result in uncontrollable use, intense cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. If you or a loved one has experienced Adderall withdrawal, an inpatient detox can monitor your symptoms and provide a safe environment to recover.

If you have been struggling with substance abuse and think you have an Adderall addiction, Northeast Addictions Treatment Center offers a variety of outpatient drug rehab programs. Our services are tailored to fit your needs, including any co-occurring mental health disorders.

To learn more about our addiction treatment options, please reach out to us today.