[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and addictive stimulant drug. In the U.S., it is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating that pharmaceutical versions do exist, but there is a significant potential for misuse and dependence.
In surveys from SAMHSA, an estimated 2.5 million people used meth in 2021. Researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also found that meth use increased by 43% from 2015 to 2019.
The length of time that meth stays in your system varies. It depends on several factors, such as how long youโve been using meth and your metabolic health.ย
In this article, weโll explore how long meth stays in your system. You will learn:
- How long the effects of meth last
- How meth is metabolized
- How long meth stays in the body
- How long it shows up on drug tests
- What happens as your body detoxes from meth
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How Long Does a High From Meth Last?
Meth is a stimulant drug that is usually smoked using a small glass pipe, however, it is sometimes injected or snorted. Common side effects of meth include:
- Increased energy and wakefulness
- Alertness
- Increased confidence
- Euphoria
- Talkativenessย
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Reduced appetite
- Increased blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The high from meth lasts anywhere from 8-24 hours. This is dependent on the dose taken, the strength of the meth, and how it was administered (injecting vs smoking).ย
As the high wears off, users often experience a โcrash,โ marked by exhaustion, depression, and intense cravings. This can lead to binge use, where people take repeated doses to prolong the effects and avoid withdrawal symptoms.
How is Meth Metabolized in the Body?
Once meth enters the body, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain, where it triggers a flood of dopamine, leading to intense euphoria.
Meth is primarily broken down in the liver by enzymes, but it is metabolized more slowly than many other drugs. This allows it to stay in the body for a long time, contributing to its prolonged effects. Some of the drug is converted into amphetamine, another stimulant that also affects the brain and body.
Meth has a half-life of about 10 to 12 hours, meaning it takes that long for half of the drug to leave the system. However, traces of meth can still be detected in urine for up to 3 to 7 days and in hair for several months. The body eliminates meth mainly through urine, with some of it leaving unchanged.
Factors that Influence the Metabolism and Elimination of Methamphetamine
Meth can stay in some peopleโs bodies longer than others because its rate of metabolism and elimination is influenced by several variables. These include:
- Dosage and Frequency of Use โ Higher doses and frequent use can slow down elimination, as meth accumulates in the body and stays in the system longer.
- Method of Use โ Smoking or injecting meth produces a faster, more intense high, but the body processes it quickly. Snorting or swallowing meth may result in a slower metabolism of the drug.
- Individual Metabolism โ People with faster metabolisms break down meth more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms retain it longer.
- Liver Function โ Since meth is primarily broken down in the liver, people with liver disease or impaired liver function will metabolize and eliminate meth more slowly.
- Hydration and pH Levels โ Meth is excreted through urine, so staying hydrated can help the body eliminate it faster. Urine pH also affects how long meth stays in the systemโacidic urine speeds up excretion, while alkaline urine slows it down.
- Body Fat Percentage โ Meth is not highly fat-soluble, but individuals with higher body fat may retain some metabolites in their bodies longer.
- Age โ Older individuals generally have slower metabolisms, which may increase the amount of time meth shows up on a drug test.
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How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System? Drug Test Detection Times for Meth in Urine, Blood, Saliva, and Hair Samples
Even though the effects of meth wear off within 12-24 hours, it can still be detected in your body for longer periods depending on the testing method. Although there is no way to say exactly how long it will show up on a drug test, below are estimated detection windows for methamphetamine.
Urine
Urine tests are the most common method for detecting meth. These tests are often used for pre-employment purposes. Meth can be detected in urine for 3 to 7 days after use, though chronic users may test positive for longer.
Blood
Meth stays in the bloodstream for a shorter period. Blood tests can detect meth for up to 48 hours after last use. Blood tests are generally only performed in medical settings.
Saliva
Saliva tests can detect meth for 1 to 4 days after use. These tests are less common but may be used in roadside drug screenings.
Hair
Hair follicle tests have the longest detection window. Meth can be detected in hair samples for up to 90 days or more, as drug metabolites become trapped in hair strands as they grow.
Getting Meth Out of Your System: What to Expect While Detoxing
There is no way to quickly flush meth out of your system. Instead, you must abstain from meth use, and let your body detox.
Unfortunately, anyone who has been using meth for an extended period will experience withdrawal symptoms as they detox. Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Increased appetite
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Poor concentration
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anger or aggression
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Meth withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours of the last dose, peak within a few days, and gradually subside over one to two weeks. However, cravings and psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may persist for weeks or even months.
Detoxing from meth can be challenging, but professional support can make the process safer and more comfortable. Medical detox programs can provide supervision, hydration, nutrition, and medications to ease symptoms. Therapy and support groups can also help with long-term recovery by addressing the mental and emotional effects of meth withdrawal.
Treatment for Meth Addiction: Get the Help You Deserve
If youโre struggling with meth addiction or know someone who is, there are effective treatment programs and dedicated medical professionals here to help you at Moving Mountains Recovery.
We believe that it is vital for treatment providers to assist clients in finding a passion for life. Our goal is to do just that; to guide our clients toward discovering something that gives them purpose. We take great pride in having a team of world-class providers who are dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care.
To learn about our meth addiction treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”References:” tab_id=”1740333026571-63b7c26e-576c”][vc_column_text css=””]
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Trends in U.S. methamphetamine use and associated deaths
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine
- Wiley Online Library: A review of the clinical pharmacology of methamphetamine
- National Institute of Health (NIH):
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