Meth, or crystal meth, is an extremely addictive substance that is often abused, illegally sold, or distributed. In this guide, we’ll cover what meth is, how long meth stays in your system, how to detox safely from meth, and connect you to supportive care for substance use disorders.

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal, ice, or tina, is a potent synthetic stimulant that affects the CNS (central nervous system). This drug carries a high risk of addiction and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependency.

The only legal use for meth is through a doctor’s prescription, treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, or treatment-resistant obesity. Reports show that meth is primarily used illegally for recreational use.

According to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey, nearly 7% of high school seniors in the United States have used the drug at least once in their lifetime, and nearly 2% have used it in the past month. Meth drug abuse is an epidemic in the U.S., “with an estimated 9.6 million individuals ages 12 and up using methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime” [3].

How Does the Body Process Meth?

Methamphetamine (Meth) is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, especially when smoked or injected, allowing it to reach the brain and produce intense euphoric effects. Once in the body, meth is distributed to various tissues, including the brain, where it stimulates the release of dopamine, creating euphoria and heightened energy for a brief period of time.

The liver metabolizes meth into amphetamine and other byproducts, which are excreted primarily through urine. The drug’s half life, ranges from 6-15 hours, with its peak concentration about 2-4 hours after snorting, smoking, or injecting [2]. The effects of meth can last for a duration of 8 to 24 hours, depending on various factors such as dosage and individual metabolism.

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If you’re struggling with meth addiction [1], it’s important that you reach out for help, as meth can have life-threatening side effects. Seek help from an accredited addiction treatment program or medical detox facility.

What are the Side Effects of Meth?

According to the American Addiction Centers, common side effects of methamphetamine addiction include skin sores and infections from picking, tooth decay known as “meth mouth,” severe and unhealthy weight loss, and a higher risk of contracting infectious or sexually transmitted diseases. Long term meth users may also experience:

• Aggressive behaviors
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Difficulties sleeping
• Mood disturbances
• Hallucinations and delusions

These psychological and behavioral side effects, coupled with the drug’s prolonged presence in the body, highlight the dangers of methamphetamine use.

How Long Can Methamphetamine Stay in Your System?

How long does meth stay in your system? Unlike cocaine, which is quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body, methamphetamine remains in the body for a longer duration, maintaining its stimulant effects. The duration of meth effects can range from 8 to 24 hours, depending on various factors such as dosage, administration method, kidney and liver function, and individual physiology.

Methamphetamine is commonly smoked or injected, allowing it to rapidly reach the brain and produce an intense feeling of euphoria. Alternatively, oral ingestion or nasal snorting can result in a prolonged high lasting up to 12 hours, characterized by increased physical activity.

If you have used meth, it can be detected in a urine test for one week after use. To ensure negative drug tests for employment and legal purposes, it is advisable to refrain from using meth during that time, as there are no guaranteed methods to expedite its complete elimination from the system prior to testing.

Using meth from unknown or illegal sources is extremely dangerous, as it may be highly potent or contain toxic impurities that can cause severe harm or even death. Methamphetamine should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and used strictly according to their instructions to avoid serious health risks.

How Long Does Crystal Meth Stay in Your System?

Drug tests commonly use urine, hair, or blood samples to detect the presence of methamphetamine in the body. How long meth or crystal meth remains detectable in the system will vary depending on the type of drug test used.

• Urine Tests: When crystal meth enters the bloodstream, it is broken down into metabolites. While the body absorbs some of these metabolites, a significant portion is eliminated through the kidneys and excreted in urine [8]. For occasional meth use, a urine test can typically detect meth or its metabolites for a few days. That said, with regular use, meth may continue to circulate in the body, and it can take up to a week after last use to obtain a negative urine test result. The exact duration can vary based on factors such as frequency of use and individual metabolism.
• Hair Tests: When ingested, crystal meth is carried by the bloodstream to all parts of the body, including the cells in hair follicles. As hair grows, these cells are pushed out of the follicles and form the visible part of the hair. However, the cells retain traces of methamphetamine, acting as a time capsule. A hair follicle test is capable of detecting meth and its metabolites for approximately 90 days after the last drug use. For those who use meth regularly, research shows that detectable amounts of meth can still be found in hair samples even after 120 days [7]. This means that it may take several months to test negative for meth on a hair test, depending on the individual’s drug use pattern.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests provide a more precise measure of methamphetamine levels in the body but are less commonly used due to their invasive nature and shorter detection window. Meth can be detected in blood within minutes of use and only remain traceable for about 48 hours. Blood tests are often utilized in medical or legal settings to confirm recent meth use or intoxication levels.

Note: these timeframes are estimates and can vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, drug purity, the quality of the drug test, and frequency of use.

How to Detox From Meth

Methamphetamine withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, particularly for individuals who have engaged in heavy and long-term meth use. The withdrawal symptoms associated with meth are highly unpleasant and often accompanied by intense cravings, which can drive individuals to continue using the drug in higher quantities. The duration of withdrawal can be prolonged, especially for individuals with a history of extensive meth use.

While physical meth withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening like those observed during withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines, the psychological effects can be severe and may lead individuals to exhibit aggressive behaviors or self-harm tendencies. Due to these risks, it is highly recommended that methamphetamine withdrawal be under the supervision of medical professionals.

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Meth withdrawal can pose dangers to individuals due to its impact on the brain. Meth withdrawal management programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to undergo detoxification from methamphetamine. These programs involve the assistance of medical professionals who offer support and guidance as patients eliminate drugs and other substances from their systems. Throughout the detox process, healthcare providers may assist patients in managing the symptoms associated with meth withdrawal.

Meth withdrawal management, also known as detoxification, is frequently the first step in a comprehensive substance use disorder treatment program. By addressing the issue of physical dependence on methamphetamine, individuals can pave the way for further treatment interventions to address the underlying psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Get Treatment for Meth Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

If you are wondering how long meth or other drugs stay in your system, you may be dealing with a substance abuse problem [6]. Gratitude Lodge’s California rehab for drugs and alcohol is here to guide you toward a brighter future. Located in the serene haven of Southern California, we specialize in comprehensive programs designed to combat addiction and support recovery.

Begin your transformative journey with our carefully curated meth detoxification process in Newport Beach [5], overseen by our expert team to ensure your safety and comfort. Through the administration of medications, we aim to alleviate withdrawal symptoms that can hinder progress in early recovery. Detox provides a solid foundation for your transition into one of our specialized treatment programs.

At Gratitude Lodge, we offer a range of personalized options to suit your needs and preferences:

• Detox: Supportive care as you detox from dangerous toxins at our 24/7 medically supervised drug and alcohol detox centers.
• Inpatient programs: Immerse yourself in our residential rehab, where round-the-clock care and a supportive environment foster healing and growth.
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs: If you’re battling meth addiction with a co-occurring mental health disorder, our specialized program offers comprehensive support to address both challenges simultaneously.

All of our addiction treatment programs embrace a holistic approach to recovery. Alongside evidence-based interventions, we provide a range of therapeutic modalities to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, including MAT (medication-assisted treatment)[4], psychotherapy, counseling, and holistic therapies.

Complete your program at Gratitude Lodge with a tailored aftercare plan, including relapse prevention and ongoing support, to ensure long-term success in overcoming meth addiction.

Get help today by calling Gratitude Lodge at 800-692-9850

Sources

[1] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/meth-addiction/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430895/

[3] https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3981/index.htm

[4]https://www.gratitudelodge.com/treatment-programs/medication-assisted-treatment/

[5]https://www.gratitudelodge.com/meth-addiction/

[6] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/drug-addiction/how-long-in-system/

[7]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26197350/

[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164186/

[9] https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/meth-statistics