Methamphetamine (also referred to as crystal, ice, meth, and “Tina”) is a notoriously addictive stimulant drug. If you have a drug test for work or legal reasons, you might be wondering how long does meth stay in your system. Some tests can detect it for up to three months. However, the detection process depends on several factors.
Here we will discuss detection methods, variables affecting how meth is eliminated from the body, and the timeline of a meth “high.”
How is Meth Metabolized?
After a person uses meth, it quickly enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. Meth is water-soluble, so it passes easily through the blood-brain barrier. Meth also travels in the bloodstream to other vital organs. The liver and kidneys metabolize and clear meth from the body.
Meth has a half-life of ten hours. So, that means that it takes 10 hours for the body to eliminate half of it from your bloodstream. After an additional 10 hours, the 50 percent of the drug left in your system will decrease to 25 percent.
How Long Does Meth Stay Detectable?
It’s important to note that the duration of meth detectability in your system can be unpredictable, depending on the testing method and other factors. In some cases, meth may only be detectable for a few hours, while in others, it may remain detectable for months after your last use.
- Hair – Up to 90 days
- Urine – 36 to 48 hours
- Blood – 24 hours on average
- Saliva – 12 to 24 hours
Blood and saliva tests can accurately detect recent use, making them useful for immediate screening. On the other hand, urine tests, which can remain positive for a week in heavy chronic users, are more suitable for monitoring long-term use. Hair tests, while not commonly used for clinical or workplace testing, are often used in research studies because they can detect drug use over a longer period.
Factors Affecting How Long Meth Stays in Your System
While there is nothing you can do to make the liver metabolize meth more quickly, there are several things that can affect the overall speed at which it leaves the system:
- Method of use
- Presence of other drugs
- Frequency of use
- Whether it’s prescription (Desoxyn) or illicit meth or amphetamines
- Individual liver and kidney function
- Metabolism rate
Other factors include your activity level and age. You cannot speed up the metabolic process. All you can do is give it time and abstain from drug use.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
How Long Does a Meth High Last?
The effects of meth can last between 8 to 24 hours, while euphoria may last up to 12 hours. This time window depends on dosage, administration, the time of day, liver and kidney function and body chemistry. Meth may affect the brain more quickly if it is smoked in a glass pipe or injected. If it is ingested orally or snorted, it may produce a longer-lasting high and last up to half a day instead of the intense rush brought on by smoking or injection.
Stages of a Meth High
A meth high has several stages, from initial onset to withdrawal. Generally speaking, meth affects the user in the following ways:
- Meth Rush – This stage occurs during the initial phase of use and continues for up to thirty minutes. As meth enters the body, it affects the brain by releasing dopamine. This release creates an intensely pleasurable rush and extreme feelings of euphoria.
- The High – At this point, the person may feel more argumentative and smarter, interrupting other people during conversation. Delusional effects may set in, and they may become very focused on something insignificant, such as repeatedly cleaning the same object for many hours. This stage may last anywhere from 4 to 16 hours.
- The Binge – During this stage, the user tries to maintain their high by using more meth. A meth binge can last for several days, during which the user becomes very hyperactive. Each time they use more, they may experience a smaller rush until they can no longer maintain their high.
- Tweaking – This dangerous stage occurs as the high wears off and the person begins losing touch with reality. They cannot sleep, feel extremely itchy, and may see and hear things. Paranoia and disconnection from reality may cause them to become hostile and dangerous to themselves and others.
- The Crash – This stage may last several days (depending on the extent of meth use) as the body begins to slow down since it can no longer cope with the drug’s effects. The user may sleep for lengthy periods.
- Meth Hangover – After the crash, the person is hungry, dehydrated and in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. This “hangover” can last two weeks and may contribute to more meth use as an attempt to feel better.
- Withdrawal – Meth withdrawal can occur one to three months after the last use and is characterized by feelings of depression, lower energy and an inability to experience any pleasure. At this point, intense cravings can lead to relapse or suicidal ideation.
Detoxing From Meth
Meth withdrawal may occur for anyone who uses the drug, but especially for heavy, long-term users. Withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and also come with intense cravings. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleep difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability, anger and aggression
- Paranoia and delusions
- Psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
Although these symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they can be quite unpleasant and difficult to cope with. The psychological effects of withdrawal may lead a person to exhibit aggressive behavior towards themselves and others.
How Does Meth Addiction Treatment Work?
Like other drugs, quitting methamphetamine can be challenging. Enrolling in an addiction treatment program guided by professionals is the best way to get clean. During your stay, you can go through detox in a safe and secure environment and engage in therapies that will help address the underlying causes of your drug addiction. This professional support can provide you with the guidance and care you need on your journey to recovery.
If meth addiction is a concern for you or a loved one, Footprints to Recovery can help. Our rehab facilities in Chicago, Denver, and New Jersey offer a wide range of solutions, including detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programs. Give us a call today to schedule a free, private consultation with one of our admissions advisors. The freedom to live a life free from addiction is yours.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763422002949
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459239/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3071736/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535356/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5478906/
- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)61120-8/fulltext
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14586388/
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
