How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Meth has a unique place in the medical history of the world. During World War 2, it was used as a stimulant to help soldiers remain alert while on duty. In the 1950s, it was believed to be a wonder drug that could cure obesity, fatigue, breathing problems, and mental health issues. And it wasn’t until 1970 that meth was labeled as an illicit drug and treatment was offered for meth addiction.

Methamphetamine is now labeled as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but can still be used for medical treatment. The brand-name medication of meth is called Desoxyn and is used to treat ADHD.

As one of the most popular illegal substances worldwide, meth abuse is unfortunately on the rise. In the past year, almost 2 million Americans have struggled with meth use.

If you or someone you love is battling meth addiction, it’s important to know how long it takes for meth to leave your body. This can help you avoid relapse and accidental overdose as you prepare to seek help. Read on to learn about how long meth stays in your system and how you can choose sobriety today.

Why Is Meth So Addictive?

Non-prescription meth goes by many names. Crystal meth has also been called speed, crank, ice, and glass. This form of meth comes in a powder or crystal form, and it can be taken orally or through injection, snorting, or smoking. Based on the ingredients used to make it, the color of meth can range from clear to pink to brown.

Part of why meth use is so widespread is because it’s rather inexpensive to make from everyday household items, plus it initially causes a long-lasting high. Meth directly impacts a person’s central nervous system, causing a rush of dopamine and therefore feelings of pleasure. On average, users will experience the euphoric high of meth for anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. In contrast, the high from cocaine usually only lasts around 15 minutes.

However, the length of a person’s high begins to decrease with every meth use. This is the main reason meth is highly addictive. A person will begin to take more and more of the drug to try to achieve the same results from their first time using meth. If you or your loved one cannot participate in your daily routine without regular meth use, it might be time to seek out treatment centers in your area.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

The length of time it takes for meth to leave your system depends on several factors. These include your metabolism speed, the health of your kidneys and liver, and how much of the drug you’ve taken. Even with these variables, meth can be detected in urine within 2 hours after the last dose.

Blood and saliva drug tests are the most effective for immediate meth detection times, as they can detect meth anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes after meth use. Urine tests are still the most common form of drug tests used for meth detection, as they are effective for up to 72 hours. Meth can also be detected in hair for up to 90 days after use.

The half-life of meth is especially tricky, as it metabolizes into amphetamine in the system over time. It can take up to 24 hours for this process to begin and for half of the original meth dose to fully leave a person’s body. As a result, meth drug tests will screen for both methamphetamine and amphetamine.

What Do Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Look Like?

Withdrawal symptoms from meth use can begin as soon as the drug begins to leave a person’s body. That means as soon as the high is over, a meth user can begin to experience cravings for meth again.

As time passes, these symptoms will increase, and they are even worse for individuals who have been using meth for a long time. Meth withdrawal symptoms can include an inability to concentrate or feel pleasure, increased appetite and anxiety, flu-like chills and fever, as well as hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms affect both a person’s brain and body because of how meth impacts the chemistry of a person’s entire system over time.

The impacts of long-term meth use can be seen in a person’s neural and physical systems, as is true with any other highly addictive drug. These side effects can include memory loss, aggression and an overall lack of emotional control, weight loss, tooth decay, and skin sores. At the same time, many of these long-term effects can be reversed within a year of abstinence and meth abuse treatment.

Meth withdrawal symptoms can be at their worst if you choose to stop using meth alone. While there are currently no FDA-approved medications to help with home meth detox and withdrawal, meth abuse specialists can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and avoid the worst of them. This is why it’s extremely important that you seek the help of substance abuse specialists before quitting meth cold turkey. In extreme cases, a person experiencing meth withdrawal outside of professional medical treatment can be a harm to both themselves and others.

Treatment for Meth Abuse

Not a lot of information has yet been found about how long it takes for a person to develop a substance abuse problem with meth. But we know for certain that the sooner you begin the work of drug rehabilitation, the sooner you can begin your fresh start. Skypoint Recovery in Ohio is committed to helping you take back your life from meth addiction today.

Even though every person’s struggle with addiction is unique, substance abuse treatment usually includes two main steps. First, you will begin a medically supervised detox, which helps your body break its dependence on any harmful substances in your system. Then you begin the hard work of mental health treatment. Through individual and group therapy, you will come to better understand the cause of your meth abuse and how you can make more balanced life decisions in the future.

No one is beyond help. If you or your loved one is struggling with meth substance abuse, all it takes is one phone call. Then our addiction treatment specialists will walk you through every step before and after treatment, from questions about insurance coverage to aftercare support groups.

You never have to face your meth abuse alone with the help of Skypoint Recovery.

The Skypoint Recovery Difference

At Skypoint Recovery Ohio, we will help you escape the noise and chaos of your daily life so you can focus on your individual mental and physical needs. Our main goal of Skypoint Recovery substance abuse treatment is to help you experience all the benefits of sobriety and develop daily practices to help you choose a drug-free life. We guarantee you get the individualized treatment you need to reclaim your desired healthy life.

Contact Skypoint Recovery today to learn how we can best help support you on your journey toward rehabilitation.