Methamphetamine (meth) is a dangerous drug that produces intense euphoria and is very addictive. How long does meth stay in your system? That’s a complex question to ask, and the answer depends on several factors. It comes down to how you take meth, the frequency of use, and your metabolism. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, there are treatment programs available that can help you break the addiction safely.
The Ranch PA is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes those who are struggling with abusing meth, heroin, cocaine, or other deadly drugs. When you first arrive at our discreet location, we’ll evaluate you to determine if you need medical detox, residential treatment, or an outpatient treatment program to begin your recovery. Our meth addiction treatment program includes group and private therapy sessions where you’ll learn valuable skills to manage your symptoms and triggers more effectively.
Understanding meth addiction
Methamphetamine is a dangerous narcotic with limited medicinal use and a high rate of dependence, addiction, and overdose. Drug overdose rates, especially from meth, have increased steadily since 2015 and have claimed over 34,000 lives in 2022.1 It was originally used to treat narcolepsy, asthma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and as a weight-loss drug. Once the ease of addiction to the medication became clear, it was promptly removed from the market. Today, meth is listed as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Side effects of using meth
When you take meth, it’ll increase your focus and concentration, increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and decrease your appetite. Other side effects include:
- An intense euphoric rush
- Dilated pupils
- Increased body temperature
- Insomnia
- Rapid breathing
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Meth is highly addictive due to the intense, euphoric rush it produces. This overwhelming sensation often drives people to seek more, particularly while still under its influence. However, without caution, repeated use can quickly lead to dangerous levels of consumption, increasing the risk of overdose. Continued meth use can result in dependence, increased tolerance, and addiction. Over time, attempting to quit may trigger intense cravings and a range of withdrawal symptoms, making the process challenging.
Meth withdrawal symptoms
Those who try to stop taking meth after using for a long period will go through painful withdrawals and intense cravings for more meth. If you’re not cautious, using the same or a higher amount can lead to a relapse and potentially result in an overdose.
Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue and low energy
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Strong mood swings
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Intense cravings for meth
Generally, withdrawal symptoms peak at around 48–72 hours and can be very dangerous to your health unless you enroll in a medical detox program. Healthcare professionals can help ease withdrawals and cravings with medication and put you on a plan to ease withdrawal symptoms so you can continue with your recovery.
How long does meth stay in your system?
Meth is a central nervous system stimulant that can be detected by drug tests for several days and much longer, depending on the type of test you take. Several factors affect how long meth stays in your system, such as:
- Frequency of use and amount taken
- Metabolism rate
- Body mass and hydration
- Liver and kidney health
- Whether other substances were used
Meth has a half-life of 10–12 hours. This means that it can take up to 12 hours for half of the drug to clear from your body. It can take up to five half-lives for the drug to leave your system entirely, or about 40–60 hours for most people. To test for meth and other drugs, they use multiple methods to detect the drug.
Urine test
This is the most common method for detecting meth in your system and can generally test positive for meth for up to 72 hours. For those struggling with long-term meth abuse, it can take up to a week for meth to be detected in urine.
Blood and saliva
Testing your blood or saliva for meth can be more accurate than a urine test, but they can sometimes make a mistake. In general, they can detect meth for 1–3 days through this method.
Hair follicle
They can also test for meth in your hair, and it can be detected for up to 90 days, depending on the type of hair. They’ll take a sample of your hair from your head or anywhere on your body, but the head is the most ideal place to test for meth.
Connect with The Ranch PA and enroll in a meth addiction treatment program
How long does meth stay in your system, and is there a program that can help? At Recovery Ranch PA, we welcome individuals who are struggling with methamphetamine abuse and want to stop before causing serious harm. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction through our residential and outpatient treatment programs. Each program is tailored to your unique symptoms and will include behavioral and holistic therapy and medical support to ease meth withdrawals and cravings.
Healing from meth addiction is possible through our meth addiction treatment program. Call 717.969.9126 today or fill out our online form, and we’ll call you back ASAP.
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