Jump to topic
Methamphetamine stays in your system for approximately:
| Urine: | 1-10 days |
| Blood: | 1-3 days |
| Saliva: | 1-4 days |
| Hair: | Up to 90 days |
The amount of time that meth stays in your system depends on the dose ingested, frequency of use, and your body’s ability to process it.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is the second most popular illicit drug in the world, after marijuana. It is commonly sold under the street names meth, crank, crystal, crystal meth, glass, ice, and speed.
In the United States, it is considered a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and a high risk for developing a severe mental or physical dependence (addiction).
It does have limited medical usage and can be prescribed under the brand name Desoxyn to treat ADHD or obesity. However, it is rarely prescribed as safer drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin are now available.
Effects of Meth
Methamphetamine increases the brain’s production of dopamine, a chemical that is involved in body movement, motivation, and rewarding behaviors. It is a central nervous system stimulant.
Users typically feel the effects of meth directly after taking it. The effects of meth typically happen in three stages:
The Rush
The initial "rush" happens as dopamine floods your brain. It typically lasts about 30 minutes. This is the most intense part of the experience.
The High
The user will be high for the next four to 16 hours. They will experience rapid speech, obsessive behavior, and rapid thinking patterns.
The Crash
Once the methamphetamine starts to wear off, the user may begin to "tweak." They may start to itch, grow paranoid, and experience insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms can now set in.
Adverse short-term side effects of meth use include:
- Agitation
- Inability to focus
- Poor balance and coordination
- Inability to follow directions
- Inattention
- Depressed reflexes
- Increased reaction time
- Motor excitation
- Restlessness
- Time distortion
Adverse long-term side effects of meth abuse include:
- Malnourishment
- Extreme weight loss
- Severe dental problems ("meth mouth")
- Itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
- Anxiety
- Changes in brain function
- Memory loss
- Sleeping problems
- Violent behavior
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
Mental Health Risks
Psychosis has been reported as an effect of long term use. Psychosis is a severe mental disorder that impairs your thoughts and emotions so much that you lose contact with external reality. Meth-induced psychosis can occur during intoxication or afterward during withdrawal.
Meth Addiction
Crystal meth is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Because it has such a powerful effect on the brain’s reward system, even first-time meth users have a very strong drive to use it again. After just a few uses, people can develop psychological or physical dependence, especially if the drug is smoked or injected.
Meth Withdrawal
Because the physical addiction to meth is very intense, withdrawal symptoms are also severe. Withdrawal symptoms can begin approximately 24 hours after the last dose. Generally, the heavier the drug use, the worse your symptoms will be.
Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Itchy eyes
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Clammy skin
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Psychosis
- Depression
Meth Overdose
There are two different types of methamphetamine overdose:
- An acute (sudden) methamphetamine overdose occurs when someone takes meth by accident or on purpose. Side effects can be deadly.
- A chronic (long-term) methamphetamine overdose refers to the health consequences of using meth on a regular basis.
If you overdose on methamphetamine, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Irritation
- Chest pain
- Coma or unresponsiveness (in extreme cases)
- Heart attack
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (Irregular or stopped heartbeat)
- Dyspnea (trouble breathing)
- Hyperthermia (high body temperature)
- Renal failure (kidney damage)
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Severe stomach pain
- Stroke
If you suspect a person is experiencing an overdose, you should call your local emergency number (911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
How Long Does Meth Last?
Users can inject, smoke, swallow, or snort methamphetamine. Injecting or smoking will cause the drug to reach the brain very quickly, causing a “rush” or “flash” of euphoria. The high will be more intense but wear off quicker. Swallowing or snorting the drug will cause the high to be spread out up to 12 hours, and aftereffects can last up to 24 hours.
Half-Life of Meth
The half-life of methamphetamine is approximately 10 hours. This means that after 10 hours, half of the ingested dose has been metabolized and removed from the bloodstream.
Drug Testing for Meth
After ingestion, meth enters your urine, sweat, blood, and hair. All hair and fluid samples can be tested for meth. However, urine tests are the most common and cost-effective way of detecting methamphetamine.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Urine?
Meth will show up in your urine within an hour of ingesting the drug. A urine test can detect meth one to three days after the last use for occasional users, and seven to ten days for very heavy users.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Blood?
Meth typically leaves your bloodstream completely after 48 hours. However, blood tests may be able to detect it after three to four days in chronic users who ingest large doses.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Saliva?
Meth remains in your saliva for one to four days after the last use. A cotton swab can collect oral fluid from your mouth for a saliva test.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Hair?
Meth reaches your hair follicles seven to ten days after use and remains in them for up to 90 days. However, a hair follicle test is typically more expensive than other methods of testing. Further, their results are more controversial as environmental contamination may cause false positives.
How Long Does Meth Stay In Your Body?
How long meth will stay on your system depends on dose of meth ingested, frequency of use, and how your body metabolizes methamphetamine. Meth typically stays in your urine for 1-10 days, blood for 1-3 days, saliva 1-4 days and hair up to 90 days.
Methamphetamine Statistics
1.6
Million
People reported methamphetamine use in 2016.
23
Years Old
The average age of new methamphetamine users is 23.3 years old.
61
Percent
Of people released from treatment for methamphetamine relapse within the first year.
Meth Rehab Options
Meth addiction is treated similarly to most substance use disorders. While there is no FDA-approved medication to treat methamphetamine use, there is a wide range of addiction treatment programs that help individuals recover through detox, behavioral therapy, and peer support.
- Inpatient Programs — Inpatient treatment takes place at a licensed residential treatment center. These programs provide 24/7 comprehensive, structured care. You'll live in safe, substance-free housing and have access to professional medical monitoring. The first step of an inpatient program is detoxification. Then behavioral therapy and other services are introduced. These programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days, sometimes longer. Most programs help set up your aftercare once you complete the inpatient portion of your treatment.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) — Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are sometimes referred to as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Compared to inpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs provide similar services. These include medical services, behavioral therapy, and support groups, along with other customized therapies. However, in a partial hospitalization program, you return home to sleep. Some services provide food and transportation, but services vary by program. PHPs accept new patients as well as people who have completed an inpatient program and still need intensive treatment.
- Outpatient Programs — Outpatient treatment is less intensive than inpatient or partial hospitalization programs. These programs organize your treatment session based on your schedule. The goal of outpatient treatment is to provide therapy, education, and support in a flexible environment. They are best for people who have a high motivation to recover and cannot leave their responsibilities at home, work, or school. Outpatient programs are often part of aftercare programs once you complete an inpatient or partial hospitalization program.
- Support Groups — Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are open to anyone with a substance abuse problem. They are peer-led organizations dedicated to helping each other remain sober. They can be the first step towards recovery or part of a long-term aftercare plan.
A comprehensive program at an inpatient treatment facility provides the best hope for meth recovery.
