How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System? Meth Detection Time

What Is Meth?

Meth, which goes by the street names of crystal or ice, is a highly addictive CNS stimulant that speeds up the brain’s processes. The drug is classified as a Schedule II substance because of its high potential for addiction. Though there are extremely limited medical uses, most meth is illicitly manufactured and used recreationally.

Regular meth use can have serious consequences, including memory loss, aggression, malnutrition, psychotic behavior, dental problems, and damage to the cardiovascular system and brain.[1]

How Long Do the Effects of Meth Last?

Meth is typically used by smoking in a glass pipe or injecting it into the vein. These methods deliver the drug to the brain quickly, leading to an intense high. It can also be ingested or snorted, leading to a less intense, longer-lasting high.

Though meth is often compared to cocaine, another intense stimulant, it stays in the body much longer. Depending on how it’s used and other factors, meth’s effects can last from 8 to 24 hours. The drug may be detectable for longer periods.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

The time meth stays in the body can vary by many factors, including the type of drug test. The drug is metabolized into amphetamine so that it can show positive for either or both drugs on many drug tests.

Urine tests can detect meth for up to 72 hours after the last dose. Roughly 37% to 54% of meth in the body will be eliminated in the urine without a chemical change.[2] Urine test detection periods can range from one to three days, but they could be detectable longer if you use the drug regularly.[3]

Blood and saliva tests are believed to be more accurate for meth detection, but both have lower detection intervals than urine tests. Meth is detectable in blood tests for up to 24 hours and as long as 2 days after the last use for saliva testing.[4]

Hair tests can pick up drug use based on the cells found in the hair follicles. Hair follicle tests can detect meth and metabolites for about 90 days after the last use.[5] If you use meth regularly, it may be detectable for up to 120 days. However, these tests aren’t commonly used for pre-employment or hospital screening.

Factors That Affect How Long Meth Lasts

How long meth stays in your system can vary by several factors, including:

• The dosage of meth
• The potency of meth
• The method of use (injection, snorting, smoking)
• The use of other substances with meth
• Any existing health conditions
• How effectively your body metabolizes drugs
• Organ function

What Are the Effects of Meth?

The euphoria from meth begins and ends quickly, but the other effects of meth can last longer. Meth’s short-term effects include:[6]

• Increased energy
• Attentiveness
• Wakefulness
• Euphoria
• Decreased appetite
• Rapid breathing
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• High body temperature (hyperthermia)

Meth Withdrawal

Meth withdrawal symptoms can occur for anyone who uses meth regularly, but it’s more likely with heavy, long-term use. Withdrawal symptoms from meth are intense and unpleasant, especially without support, and can lead to relapse.

If you’re concerned about a drug test while using meth, it’s important not to quit “cold turkey” without help. Doing so can cause symptoms like headache, fever, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, increased appetite, sweating, muscle weakness, delusions, paranoia, and suicidal ideation.[7]

Meth Abuse and Addiction

Using meth regularly doesn’t necessarily mean you’re addicted, but this drug has a high potential for a substance use disorder – the technical term for addiction. Meth addiction is a stimulant use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The criteria for stimulant use disorder include:[8]

• Taking meth in higher doses or over longer periods than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back meth use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from meth
• Experiencing intense cravings for meth
• Failing to fulfill important obligations at work, home, or school because of meth use
• Continuing to use meth despite persistent or recurrent social problems caused by meth
• Giving up activities or hobbies once enjoyed because of meth use
• Using meth in physically dangerous situations

Treating Meth Addiction

Though meth withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, it can be difficult to overcome on your own. You’re at risk for relapse and possible fatal overdose. The psychological effects, such as paranoia and suicidal ideation, can also make you a risk to yourself or others.

If you’re struggling with meth abuse or addiction, it’s best to enter an addiction treatment program for support and care. This often starts with medical detox, which provides medical support to manage symptoms and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.

Once detox is complete, it’s important to start a comprehensive program in an inpatient or outpatient setting to address the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of addiction. This may include talk therapy, group counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapies based on your needs.

Don’t Quit Meth Cold Turkey

Meth can stay in the body for long periods, especially with regular use. If you’re struggling with meth abuse and concerned about a drug test, it’s important to seek treatment instead of trying to quit on your own.