Adderall is a brand name medication for a strong central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall for use in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 1996. Adderall is classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is defined as a substance “with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” The way Adderall works is by affecting neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and altering the chemicals in one’s brain.
When used exactly as directed, Adderall can effectively help individuals manage symptoms of ADHD. There is a common misconception that because a doctor prescribes Adderall it is void of all risk. However, Adderall is a potent stimulant and when abused can lead to severe consequences.
There are certain factors that contribute to the length of time medications stay in one’s system, including one’s age, organ function, rate of metabolism, dosage, etc. The half-life, meaning the length of time the substance will remain in one’s system until the concentration in one’s blood has been reduced by half, of Adderall is approximately 10 hours. According to Healthline, “Adderall can be detected in your system for up to 72 hours—or 3 days—after you last use it, depending on what type of detection test is used.” The following indicate the average length of time Adderall can be detected in one’s system when using various drug detection testing methods:
Withdrawal symptoms, however, can last from 48-72 hours after one’s last dose, and for some individuals it could last as long as 30-60 days, in some cases longer.
Adderall affects the way a young person’s brain works and removing the substance from a teen’s body when it has become accustomed to functioning with it present can result in unpleasant side effects. These are known as withdrawal symptoms. Some of the withdrawal symptoms an individual may experience when detoxing from Adderall could include the following, provided by Medical News Today:
Each person is different therefore the withdrawal symptom combination and severity of symptoms will vary. Teens that have built up a high tolerance to Adderall have a greater risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms.
The duration of one’s withdrawal symptoms will vary. Some teenagers may experience the majority of their withdrawal symptoms within five days after one’s last dose, and some may experience them lasting three weeks, or longer.
Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769. You can also contact us via email at info@pacificrtc.com.
PTT provides treatment for the contemporary issues facing teenagers in today’s world utilizing a family focused and collaborative approach providing individualized care for teens and their families. Licensed by the State of California, Community Care Licensing Division #198209636
At a time when most residential programs are affiliated with large healthcare corporations or backed by private equity, Pacific Teen Treatment is proudly a private, family-owned operation.
