How Long Does Meth Stay In Your System?

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a schedule II drug that can stay in your body’s system for various amounts of time due to the type of meth abuse as well as how long it’s been since your last dose.

For example, a simple urine test can detect meth for up to one week after last use, especially in the case of heavy use.

How long meth stays in your system depends on the length of time you used the drug and the type of test performed, as well as other factors.

Detection Times For Meth Use

Meth detection times depend on a variety of factors such as the frequency of use, the amount used, and how the drug is introduced to your body (snorting, smoking, injection).

Drug test results can vary depending on the amount of meth used as well as the amount of time one has participated in this form of drug abuse.

Urine Tests

Drug use in the form of meth will likely be detected in a urine test for up to one week after last use. In cases of mild meth abuse, a urine test could produce a positive result between one to four days later.

Blood Tests

For a blood test, a positive result for meth could show up one to three days after the last time you’ve used the drug. False positives can occur but are rare.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests or oral fluid tests involve a swab of the mouth that can show positive results for meth if the drug was used within one to four days prior to testing.

Hair Tests

As for hair tests, meth can stay in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

When Meth Is Introduced To Your System

The half-life of meth can be around 10 hours. Meth is a synthetic central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The effects of meth are highly addictive due to how methamphetamine is metabolized into amphetamine when introduced to your body.

Those who use meth and suffer from this type of drug addiction will likely experience a “rush” of euphoria from the effects of use because of the sudden rush of dopamine to the brain. The use of meth can also cause an increase in energy and alertness.

Dangerous Symptoms Of Meth Use

Abusing an addictive drug such as meth can affect your overall health. Your mental health may decline and you can suffer from:

• psychosis
• paranoia
• hallucinations
• anxiety
• aggression

In addition to these symptoms, meth can affect your physical health as well due to the fact that the drug speeds up the body’s heart, respiratory, and blood pressure rates. Other dangerous symptoms may include:

• liver damage
• dental problems
• heart attack
• stroke
• lung damage
• skin sores

The Effects Of Meth On Your Body

Because the “rush” or high of meth can come and go quickly, many who abuse meth may develop intense cravings. This causes the person using the drug to take more and more within a shorter time frame which can lead to a meth overdose.

In addition to this, serious meth withdrawal symptoms can occur. Those struggling with a meth addiction should seek out healthcare treatment facilities in order to safely detox from the drug.

If you or your loved one suffers from a substance use disorder, there are multiple meth addiction treatment options, including both inpatient and outpatient programs.

To learn about the outpatient programs available at Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, please contact our helpline today.