Those who suffer from meth addiction should seek treatment as soon as possible after realizing their addiction. Meth is a powerful drug that can have both short and long-term effects on one’s life that increase in severity the longer the drug is used. It’s important to know how long meth stays in your system, especially if you’re trying to get sober. Knowing when to expect withdrawal symptoms can help addicts prepare for them beforehand. Many addicts don’t often realize how long the substance stays in your body, resulting in overuse and increased side effects.
To learn more about methamphetamines and how long they stay in your system after use, keep reading. If you’re ready to seek treatment for meth addiction, we’re ready to help you.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
Meth remains in the body, unlike cocaine which is quickly metabolized. The high from meth lasts anywhere from 8-24 hours depending on the person, how much is taken, and how it was administered.
Meth can be smoked, injected, or snorted. While smoking and injection are the quickest ways to get high, snorting meth results in a longer-lasting high. Overall, meth causes a rush of euphoria, engaging the dopamine receptors to create intense pleasure for the user. Users often feel an increase in physical activity as well as increased happiness and pleasure.
The Half-Life of Meth
The term half-life refers to how long it takes for a substance to be reduced to half. With meth, it takes between 9 and 24 hours for the amount in one’s body to be reduced to half. That means that within that time frame, the amount of meth is cut in half. Every 9 to 24 hours, the amount is reduced by half again, until it’s no longer present.
For example, let’s say the half-life is a solid 24 hours. That means in one day, the amount will be reduced to ½. In two days, it’ll be reduced to ¼. In three days it will be reduced to ⅛ and so on until it’s no longer in the body. However, that means that meth can stick around for a few days before it’s fully out of the body.
How Long Does Meth Stay In Your System?
Urine tests can usually detect meth for 72 hours after consumption. If you’re a frequent meth user, urine tests will likely be able to detect meth in your body for longer than that. While blood and oral fluid testing are often more accurate in detecting meth, the window is shorter. For hair tests, meth can be detected up to 90 days after use.
Experiencing Meth Withdrawal
Meth withdrawal begins within 9 and 24 hours of the last dose, or after one half-life of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms associated with meth use are often unpleasant, causing people to keep using even when they don’t want to in order to keep the cravings at bay. This is why we encourage patients to go through detoxification. Detoxification decreases the chance of relapse and anxiety surrounding relapse, as patients are monitored by medical staff at all times.
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased cravings
- Increased appetite
- Anhedonia
- Anger and aggression
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Inability to concentrate
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
- Sweating
Treatment for Meth Addiction
If you or someone you love is suffering from meth addiction, it’s time to reach out to Asheville Recovery Center for help. We offer many different programs, including a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, and more. To learn more about our programs and how we can help you, call today to speak with a treatment specialist.
