How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Methamphetamine is an illicit stimulant drug. This potent, highly addictive substance puts users at risk of serious health complications, including overdose and addiction. In addition to these risks, meth abuse can also cause other short and long-term consequences.

This article will explore how long meth remains in your system after you stop using it.

If you or someone you love struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Schedule an intake appointment or learn more about our programs by contacting our treatment specialists today.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine (meth) is an illicit, synthetic stimulant. People create meth by combining chemicals and medications in illegal laboratories. There are several forms of meth, including a whitish powder and a solid, crystal-like form.

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant that increases central nervous system (CNS) activity. Users can experience a range of side effects, including:

• Elevated heart rate
• Anxiety
• Faster breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• Elevated body temperature
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Paranoia

Meth users may also face increased risk of serious or life-threatening effects, including:

• Heart attack
• Seizures
• Stroke

Combining meth with other substances or using high doses increases the risk of serious health complications.

People may do dangerous things while using meth. They may exhibit impaired judgment, get into fights, or injure themselves or others. Meth abuse can also lead to severe, long-term effects on a person’s mental and physical health.

If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, seek treatment right away. Find treatment, resources, and support at Alamo Behavioral Health.

Understanding the Long-Term Effects and Risks of Meth Abuse

People who abuse meth may become addicted to it. People with meth addiction may use high doses of this dangerous drug or use it often.

Frequent meth abuse can lead to long-term risks, including:

• Aggression
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Severe dental decay (meth mouth)
• Increased risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
• Brain damage and cognitive effects
• Cardiovascular issues
• Physical effects, including severe weight loss, thinning hair, and skin sores

It can be very challenging to overcome meth addiction. Most people require treatment from medical professionals to stop using meth safely. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about meth addiction treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

The body begins to metabolize (break down and elimimate) meth as soon as it hits the bloodstream. The liver produces enzymes that make methamphetamine water-soluble. This allows the body to eliminate it through urine.

Methamphetamine has a long half-life (the amount of time it takes for the body to eliminate half of a drug from the body). The half-life of meth is approximately 10 to 12 hours. This means that meth may remain in the body for a long time.

The effects of meth may last for many hours or even days. Many factors can affect how long it takes for the body to remove meth, including:

• Dose and frequency of use
• General health
• Weight and body composition
• Liver health
• Metabolism
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Other substances a person uses at the same time

It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of meth abuse or addiction. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore your treatment options.

How Long Does Meth Show Up on a Drug Test?

The short-term effects of methamphetamine may last between 8 and 24 hours, depending on how people use it. However, drug testing may detect meth throughout the body’s systems for longer periods.

Here are some guidelines for how long meth stays in urine and other your systems..

Urine

Urine tests can typically detect meth for up to 72 hours after you last use it. However, this type of test may be able to detect meth in urine for longer in those who use it heavily or those who have a long history of meth abuse.

Blood

Blood testing is generally more sensitive than urine screening tests.  A blood test may detect methamphetamine for up to four days after a person’s last use. However, several factors can impact the detection window for blood testing.

Saliva

Saliva tests have a similar sensitivity rate to blood tests. This type of testing can usually detect meth for up to four days after a person last uses it.

Hair

Hair tests can typically detect meth use for long periods. However, it is a relatively uncommon form of drug testing. Hair follicle testing may detect meth for up to 90 days after a persons last dose.

Several factors can affect the length of time meth is detectable in urine and other bodily systems. These include:

• A person’s age
• Gender
• Weight, body composition, and metabolism
• The amount of meth they used
• Other substances a person used at the same time

Testing positive for meth is a sign you or a loved one needs help to regain control over your substance use. Seek an evidence-based treatment program as you recognize substance abuse. Find comprehensive care at Alamo Behavioral Health.

Find Meth Abuse Treatment

Meth abuse treatment may include medically-supported detox programs, behavioral therapies, education, counseling, and other evidence-based therapies. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialsits to learn more about treating meth addiction. Reach out for more information about our facility or treatment team, or schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Methamphetamine
2. NIH: Trends in U.S. methamphetamine use and associated deaths
3. JAMA Network: Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Analyte Concentrations in Urine Drug Testing Specimens
4. Wiley Online Library: A review of the clinical pharmacology of methamphetamine
5. Journal of Addiction Medicine: The Cyclical and Evolving Nature of Methamphetamine Use: An Evaluation of Near Real-time Urine Drug Test Results