Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system. Many people use these types of drugs to make themselves feel awake and alert. Doctors may also prescribe amphetamines to address disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Even if amphetamines can be prescribed for medical use, it still has a high potential for abuse. This is why it’s important never to take them without a doctor’s prescription. Misuse can lead to serious psychological and physical consequences.
How Long Do Amphetamines Stay in Your System?
Amphetamines can stay in your system anywhere from 12 hours to 90 days. The time the drug is detectable will depend on the type of drug test used and other factors.
Learning about the different drug tests and factors can provide more insight into how long amphetamines stay in your system.
Drug Tests That Detect Amphetamine Use
Different types of drug tests can be used to detect any trace of amphetamine use. Here’s an overview of these tests, how they’re administered, and when they’re typically done.
Urine
The urine test is the most common drug testing method for amphetamine abuse. It can detect amphetamines for 1 to 3 days after last use.
This type of test is administered by taking a urine sample and sending it for lab testing. Urine tests are non-invasive and relatively inexpensive, so they’re typically conducted in workplaces or during medical evaluations.
Blood
Blood tests involve drawing a small amount of blood for amphetamine detection. This testing method is typically less common but can detect the drug in blood for up to 12 hours after the last dose.
Despite its short detection window, blood tests provide a more accurate indication of current use. This is why they’re used in situations that require precise and immediate results.
Saliva
Saliva tests are administered by taking a saliva sample, typically from the inside of the cheek. They can detect amphetamines in the body 1 to 2 days after use. This type of test is typically used during roadside testing or other settings that require rapid results.
Hair
Hair tests use a hair sample that includes the hair follicle. This type of test has the longest detection window and can show drug use for up to 90 days after use.
Due to the test’s long-term detection time, it’s typically used in forensic drug investigations or long-term drug monitoring scenarios.
Factors That Affect How Long Amphetamines Stay in Your System
Various factors can affect how long amphetamines can be detected in your system. They all influence how quickly your body processes the drug.
Dosage and Frequency of Use
Those who use amphetamines in large doses may have detectable levels of the drug for longer periods. Frequent use of the drug will also cause accumulation of amphetamines in the body.
Metabolism
People with slower metabolisms will process amphetamines slower than others. This results in a longer detection period. Age, genetics, and certain medical conditions can all make a person’s metabolism slower.
Age
Age is another factor that influences how long it takes to eliminate amphetamines from the body. Since older adults typically have slower metabolisms, they will excrete the drug more slowly. As a result, drug tests can detect amphetamines for a longer time compared to younger adults.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions also affect how long it takes to process amphetamines in the body. People with liver or kidney problems may have a difficult time breaking down amphetamines, leading to prolonged detection times.
Type of Amphetamine Used
The type of amphetamine used will also affect how long it remains detectable. Prescription amphetamines will typically have a set detection time since they’re regulated and taken under a doctor’s supervision. For instance, Adderall can be detected anywhere from 1 to 5 days, depending on the formulation.
Illicit amphetamines, such as methamphetamines and MDMA, will have varying detection times. This is because the purity and presence of adulterants can influence how long the drug is processed.
How Are Amphetamines Metabolised in the Body?
Amphetamines are metabolised through different enzymatic processes. The liver is the main organ that metabolises and breaks down amphetamines. Special liver enzymes help change amphetamines into a form that the body can easily remove.
After being processed by the liver, amphetamines are then excreted through the kidneys. Genetic differences and urine pH may also influence excretion. If amphetamines are taken at the same time as other harmful substances, the combination can induce the enzymes responsible for metabolising the drug.
What Happens if an Amphetamine Test Comes Back Positive?
Different outcomes can happen when an amphetamine drug test comes back positive. If it’s detected that the amphetamine use is for a legitimate medical prescription, the positive result is fine. Sometimes, a prescription must be provided to a healthcare provider or testing centre for confirmation.
On the other hand, if the test shows that amphetamine is used without a prescription or due to illicit drugs, there can be various negative consequences. For instance, testing positive on a drug test for the workplace can lead to disciplinary action or termination of contract.
Positive tests can result in legal penalties and probation violations in legal proceedings. Testing positive in the athletic setting can lead to suspensions and disqualifications from competing.
How to Get Amphetamines Out of Your System
Getting amphetamines out of your system will depend on how your body processes the drug. Amphetamines will go through the liver, which will be metabolised and then excreted through urine.
However, it’s important to remember that there is no “faster” way to eliminate amphetamines from the body. The process will entirely depend on how your body metabolises the drug. As such, it’s best to be wary about “detox kits” that claim to eliminate and flush out harmful drugs from your body.
The best way to get amphetamines out of your system is to live a healthy lifestyle. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can keep your organs working properly to metabolise and eliminate drugs effectively. It’s also important to avoid further amphetamine use that can slow down elimination.
Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction at Sierra Recovery
Amphetamine addiction can cause serious consequences for the person suffering the addiction as well as the people around them. Proper treatment is necessary to overcome addiction and build healthy habits that lead to a substance-free life.
At Sierra Recovery, we provide comprehensive treatment for clients looking to overcome substance use disorder. Our team has years of experience providing addiction treatment and is happy to help you achieve sobriety. Contact us today to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are drugs that stimulate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for increasing alertness and focus. While they have some medical uses, inappropriate use of amphetamines can be dangerous.
What Are the Side Effects of Amphetamine Use?
Some of the common side effects of amphetamine use include insomnia, increased heart rate, anxiety, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. Those who take amphetamines in large and frequent doses are at risk of severe side effects such as high blood pressure, dependency, and overdose.
What Happens During Treatment for Amphetamine Addiction?
During treatment for amphetamine addiction, clients will go through different therapies to address the root of the addiction. In some cases, a medical detox may be required to manage the symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal.
Can I Get a False Positive on an Amphetamine Drug Test?
Yes, it’s possible to have a false positive on an amphetamine drug test. This can occur due to other medications, supplements, or user error. When this happens, additional confirmatory tests are conducted to determine accuracy.
