With over 5 million Americans abusing stimulant drugs, such as Adderall, it's a clear indication that there is a serious problem happening at present. We're here to give you the lowdown on the facts you must know about this drug.
This blog from Transcend Recovery Community will also answer questions like how long Adderall lasts in your body and what makes Adderall addictive. Continue reading to find out more!
How Long Does Adderall Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
Adderall stays in your system compared to other drugs in varying durations, as they are processed uniquely by the different areas of our body. Here are some instances that you must pay attention to.
Adderall in Urine Tests
When undergoing drug tests in the form of a urine test, you must remember that Adderall stays in the person's urine for at least 72 to 96 hours or around 3 to 4 days in total.
Adderall in Hair Follicle Tests
As a rarer form of drug testing, hair testing helps detect Adderall in your hair strand since Adderall metabolites stay in your body for up to 3 months, giving it a longer window period of detection.
Adderall in Saliva Tests
Spit tests are rarely used as a form of drug test. It's the quickest as you can detect Adderall within 20 minutes after drug use.
Adderall Detection in Blood Tests
Blood testing is the most common way to detect how long Adderall stays in your body. Sports organizations commonly test their athletes using this method. It helps clear an athlete from doping, by knowing whether they test positive or negative from the blood test.
What is Adderall (Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine)?
Adderall is a controlled substance prescribed to patients with central nervous system problems, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD. The drug works by altering the amounts of particular natural substances inside your brain. It is classified as a "stimulant."
It helps people with attention span issues to increase their focus while taking the drug. People use it to organize tasks and even improve their listening skills effectively--an essential skill to have when facing high-pressure tasks, or duties that entail utmost precision.
Adderall may also be used for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, helping an individual stay awake. However, it is important to note that it is not used for fatigue or to hold off sleep as is being suggested--especially for someone who doesn't have a sleep disorder.
There are many types of Adderall you can find in the market. Some of them include the following:
- Extended-release Adderall
- Immediate release Adderall
- Adderall XR
The Adderall half-life lasts at least 9 to 14 hours. It means only half is present in your body. However, it may be influenced by many factors, such as genetics, race, weight, and age to name a few.
Determining Factors on How Long Adderall Stays in Your System
Adderall is a stimulant medication that is absorbed by the body through various organs--from the gastrointestinal tract which passes down and deactivated by the liver or unchanged in the urine. An estimate of at least 20% to 25% is converted to metabolites.
There are many deciding factors where Adderall can be detected in your body. Some of these factors include the following:
- Dosage taken by an individual - If a person is practicing Adderall abuse and has taken large amounts, it makes sense that the body will take more time to digest the chemical. Therefore, the drug remains longer in the body.
- Frequency of Adderall taken - If someone engages in regular Adderall use, the drug stays in your system for longer, especially when not given enough time to break it down.
- The last drug intake - Adderall will stay in your system longer compared to other drugs depending on the window period. Always remember that it may stay for up to 2 to 3 days in your saliva and blood and up to 4 days in your urine. So if you take a drug test within a short period with Adderall in your system, it will most likely be easily detected.
- Weight - People's body weight may also determine when detecting Adderall in your system. If you have higher body weight, you can metabolize the drug quickly as a smaller portion of the chemical is in your bloodstream.
- Impaired liver or kidney - Both the liver and kidney are important in eliminating substances in your body. Having poorly-functioning organs may significantly affect how your body metabolizes these chemicals.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Adderall?
As your body undergoes several changes when you use Adderall regularly, going "cold turkey" or stopping Adderall addiction may pose different risks and present withdrawal symptoms that can either be painful or extremely uncomfortable for a person.
As with any addictive drugs (especially taken in higher doses) like Gabapentin upon quitting, you may experience a decrease in dopamine levels in your brain and body. This may not pose an issue for someone who follows the doctor's prescription faithfully. But if these prescription stimulants are taken regularly or misuse Adderall for recreational reasons, drug rehab may prove to be a tougher challenge.
Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that people may experience when they stop abusing Adderall and undergo addiction treatment.
- Mood changes - The person undergoing a hard time weaning themselves from the prescription medication may become irritable or have a sudden shift of mood as they yearn to have another "fix."
- Sleeping problems - The prescription drug makes it harder for people to fall asleep or stay awake (in some cases). They may experience insomnia (inability to sleep).
- Gastrointestinal issues - When you abuse Adderall or experience Adderall addiction, you may feel stomach aches or cramping and even vomiting.
- Development of additional mental health problems - Individuals may experience severe anxiety or panic attacks as a result of their withdrawal. When this happens, there's a possibility that they may develop dual diagnosis disorders.
It's always important to communicate any sign of withdrawal symptoms you feel with your healthcare provider. That way, the mental health practitioner may give you the appropriate course of action to help alleviate your withdrawal symptoms.
Substance abuse may also take a huge toll on someone especially if they have been engaging in drug abuse or substance abuse for a long time. Working with a sober escort may help you withstand the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, especially during the first crucial days of sobriety.
About Adderall Misuse and Addiction
There are many reasons for an individual to engage in Adderall abuse. Individuals in a high-pressure environment or profession may potentially have Adderall addiction to cope with the rigors of their career.
Students struggling with their academics may also be seen "hacking" themselves by getting that boost. Professional athletes, meanwhile, potentially resort to potent stimulants to ensure that they are on tiptop shape by remaining sharp at all times. And in occasions when they may not feel their best, "doping" is a way for them to function properly.
What these individuals consider as occasional use may develop into a full-blown dependence on the drug. When someone experiences severe Adderall addiction due to this, they must be properly diagnosed so that the attending physician may recommend a viable medication management program to help them get better and achieve a sober living way of life.
How To Get Help from Adderall Addiction?
Taking the first step to a cleaner, drug-free life may seem like a stretch for most people. But in fact, there are many ways for you to get help. Transcend Recovery Community makes it easier for people who are scared to seek help as we provide a private and safe space through recovery homes for you to seek addiction treatment.
Our outpatient program helps people to recover effectively at home while in the company of their loved ones and family. Don't hesitate to contact our addiction recovery specialist. We are ready to take the call and help you achieve permanent sobriety.
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