Methamphetamine, also known as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant drug. People who use meth often do so for its euphoric and energizing effects. However, meth also has several harmful side effects, and it can be difficult to quit using the drug once someone has started.
So, how long does meth stay in your system? That depends on a number of factors, including how much of the drug you’ve used, how often you’ve used it, and your individual physiology. In general, though, meth can be detectable in your system for up to 72 hours after your last use.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that is used medically to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Methamphetamine is also used recreationally as a party drug. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States.
Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine is usually taken orally, snorted, or injected.
Methamphetamine can also be smoked. Methamphetamine increases alertness, concentration, and energy. Methamphetamine also decreases appetite. Methamphetamine can also cause a feeling of euphoria.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Short-Term Effects
- Increased alertness
- Increased energy
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
Long-Term Effects
- Addiction
- Psychotic symptoms (paranoia, delusions, hallucinations)
- Violence
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay
- Skin sores
- Kidney damage
Factors That Affect How Long Meth Stays in Your System
There are a number of factors that can affect how long meth stays in your system and how long it will be detectable on a drug test. These include:
1. The Amount of Meth You’ve Used
How much methamphetamine you’ve used is one of the biggest factors affecting how long the drug stays in your system. In general, the more meth you use, the longer it will take for the drug to clear your system.
2. How Often You’ve Used Meth
How often you’ve used methamphetamine is also a major factor in how long the drug stays in your system. People who use meth regularly may find that the drug stays in their system for a longer period than those who only use it occasionally.
3. Your Individual Physiology
Your individual physiology can also affect how long meth stays in your system. Things like your age, weight, and metabolism can all play a role in how quickly your body breaks down and eliminates the drug.
4. The Method of Use
How you use methamphetamine can also affect how long it stays in your system. People who smoke or inject meth tend to have the drug in their system for a shorter period than those who snort or swallow the drug.
5. Whether You Have Any Other Health Conditions
If you have any other health conditions, that can also affect how long meth stays in your system. Conditions like liver or kidney disease can cause meth to stay in your system for a longer period.
How Long Meth Stays in Different Body Fluids
The amount of time meth remains in your bloodstream is determined by the dose consumed, frequency of usage, and your body’s capacity to digest it.
Methamphetamine remains in your bloodstream for about:
- Urine: 1-10 days
- Blood: 1-3 days
- Saliva: 1-4 days
- Hair: Up to 90 days
How Meth Drug Tests are Performed for Different Body Fluids
Methamphetamine can be tested for using urine, hair, saliva, or blood.
Urine Tests
The most common method of testing for meth is through the urine. This can be done in a lab or at home, and is the most accurate test.
There are two types of urine tests: immunoassay tests and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
Immunoassay tests are the most common, and are usually used to screen for drugs. These tests are faster and cheaper to perform than GC/MS tests.
However, immunoassay tests are not as accurate as GC/MS tests. They can produce false positives if you have taken other drugs that contain similar chemicals to meth.
GC/MS tests are more accurate and can confirm the presence of meth in your system.
Hair Tests
Hair tests can detect meth use up to 90 days after last use. This is the longest detection time of any test.
To perform a hair test, a small sample of hair is taken from your head. The hair is then analyzed in a lab.
Hair tests are not as common as urine tests, but they are more accurate. This is because hair grows at a set rate, so the time of last use can be more accurately determined.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are less common than urine or hair tests. They can detect meth use up to 4 days after last use.
To perform a saliva test, a swab is used to collect saliva from your mouth. The saliva is then analyzed in a lab.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are the least common type of meth drug test. They can detect meth use up to 3 days after last use.
To perform a blood test, a small sample of blood is taken from your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab.
Safe and Effective Methods to Get Meth Out of Your System
Here are six ways you can remove meth from your system and improve your chances of passing a drug test.
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Water is the best fluid to drink when trying to flush methamphetamine out of your system. Drinking plenty of water will help to dilute the drug and make it easier for your body to excrete it. Other fluids such as fruit juice and sports drinks can also be helpful.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to help your body flush out methamphetamine. Exercise helps to increase your metabolism, which will help your body to break down and excrete the drug more quickly.
3. Eat Healthy Foods
Eating healthy foods will also help to increase your metabolism and help your body to flush out methamphetamine. Foods that are high in fiber are particularly helpful in this process.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is important when trying to get methamphetamine out of your system. When you are rested, your body is able to function at its best and will be better able to excrete the drug.
5. Avoid Stress
Stress can impede the body’s ability to flush out methamphetamine. Try to avoid stress as much as possible during this time.
6. Drink Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is a natural diuretic, which means it will help your body to flush out methamphetamine through your urine. Drinking cranberry juice will also help to increase your water intake, which is beneficial for overall health.
Meth Withdrawal Timeline: First 48 Hours to 1 Month After
Here are different phases to expect during a meth withdrawal:
First 48 Hours
The first 48 hours after quitting methamphetamine are often the hardest. Many people report feeling tired and depressed. Some people also report feeling anxious and irritable.
Days 3-10
Days three to ten are often called the “crash” phase. During this phase, people often feel tired and depressed. They may also have trouble sleeping and may have nightmares.
Days 14-20
Days fourteen to twenty are often called the “recovery” phase. During this phase, people often start to feel better. They may have more energy, and their mood may improve.
1 Month
One month after quitting methamphetamine, most people feel better. They may have more energy, and their mood may be better.
Conclusion
Methamphetamine stays in your system for a long time. The half-life of meth is about 12-24 hours, so it can take up to a week for the drug to be completely out of your system. If you’re trying to detox from meth, there are a few things you can do to help your body flush the drug out of your system. Drinking lots of water and taking certain supplements can help speed up the detox process. There are also a few home remedies that can help, like getting plenty of rest and adequate exercise. If you’re struggling to detox on your own, there are detox programs available that can help you through the process.
Source:https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
