How Long Does Methamphetamine (Meth) Stay in Your System? & know more about Meth

Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that is highly addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methamphetamine is derived from amphetamine and has similar effects on the body; however, methamphetamine is far more potent than amphetamine.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Urine?

Meth will first appear in urine 2-5 hours after using it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the body excretes up to 54 percent of the methamphetamine unchanged when it is taken orally, and it can show up in a urine test up to four days later. With heavy use, a urinalysis test may appear positive as much as one week after the last dose.

A variety of factors affect how long an individual might test positive for meth. These include frequency of use, size of dose, metabolic rate, age, overall health, body mass, extent of physical activity, drug tolerance, and urine pH. According to The New York Times, there has been an increase in the demand for urine testing in recent years, but that is not the only way to test for meth.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that meth will show up in a blood test within two hours after taking the drug, and such a test will typically provide positive results up to three days later. A saliva test can identify meth within 10 minutes after use, and it will produce positive results up to four days later. Meth can be detected in hair up to 90 days after use in most cases or, in some instances, even longer.

The Alcohol, Drug, Addiction & Mental Health Services reports that these meth side effects can last for anywhere from eight to 24 hours, and the body typically eliminates 50 percent of the drug from its system within 12 hours.Have you lost control of your meth use?We remain open and committed to supporting your recovery journey. Oxford is taking every precaution to ensure patient and staff safety.

Determining exactly how long methamphetamine is detectable in the body depends on many variables, including the type of test used, the method of use, and a person’s unique physical characteristics. Methamphetamine can be detected for a shorter period of time with some tests but can be visible for up to three months in others.

What to Know About Methamphetamine Use

How Long Does It Take to Feel Effects?

The effects of methamphetamine begin rapidly after intravenous use or when it is smoked. The primary effects last from four to eight hours, with residual effects lasting up to 12 hours. Amphetamine (a methamphetamine metabolite) is detectable in drug tests long after the person feels back to normal.

The effects of methamphetamine vary widely between prescribed therapeutic doses compared to dosages usually used by people who misuse meth. Prescription doses of 10mg to 30mg can improve reaction time, relieve fatigue, improve cognitive function testing, increase subjective feelings of alertness, increase time estimation, and increase euphoria.

However, a larger dose of meth can cause the following effects:

• Agitation
• Depressed reflexes
• Inability to focus attention on divided attention tasks
• Inability to follow directions
• Inattention
• Increased reaction time
• Motor excitation
• Poor balance and coordination
• Restlessness
• Time distortion

Side Effects of Meth Use

There are three main types of methamphetamine, and each affects the central nervous system in its own way. Levomethamphetamine, or l-methamphetamine, increases heart rate and blood pressure, but it does not affect attentiveness to a noticeable degree. L-methamphetamine is the active ingredient in some over-the-counter nasal decongestants.

Dextromethamphetamine, or d-methamphetamine, affects both the central nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. It is the most common form of meth and it is produced during the ephedrine reduction process, which creates the substance more commonly known as crystal meth. Because it floods the brain with dopamine, d-methamphetamine is more addictive than L-methamphetamine.

Dextro-levomethamphetamine is made up of both d-methamphetamine and l-methamphetamine. It has similar effects on the body as d-methamphetamine but to a lesser degree, since it is diluted with l-methamphetamine.

According to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, short-term side effects of meth use include:

• Loss of appetite
• Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
• Nausea
• Erratic and sometimes violent behavior
• Panic
• Psychosis
• Irritability
• Convulsions
• Seizures

Long-term side effects of meth abuse include:

• Liver, kidney, and lung damage
• Malnutrition
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Brain damage that is similar to the effects of Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Tooth decay

Family and friends who suspect loved ones are using meth should step in and offer their support and encouragement as soon as possible. Ultimately, it is this unwavering love and support that will guide those suffering from addiction on the path to recovery.

How to Get Methamphetamine Out of Your System

There are plenty of false claims and myths when it comes to how to pass a drug test.

For example, there are false that “baking soda bombs,” which is a mixture of water, bleach, and baking soda, mask the presence of methamphetamine in urine. There is no proven research that this works, and further, you take an enormous health risk when you ingest any amount of bleach.

The only way to get meth out of your system is to stop using the drug and allowing your body time to metabolize and eliminate it. Staying healthy by getting regular exercise and drinking plenty of water may also help you metabolize the substance more quickly.

Getting Help

If you’re concerned about having too much meth in your system or testing positive for the drug, it’s likely time to seek help or consult your doctor. If you use meth heavily and/or regularly, it’s best to detox from the drug under the guidance of a medical professional who can guide you safely through the withdrawal and treatment process.

Twenty four hours after you stop using meth, you can expect to experience symptoms of withdrawal, which can range from mild to severe, depending on the frequency of use and dependency. Some common signs and symptoms of meth withdrawal include:

• Anxiety
• Cravings
• Depression
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Increased appetite