Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, ice, or crystal, is an extremely addictive synthetic stimulant. Meth is considered one of the most addictive substances by many addiction specialists. Thus, meth is classified as a schedule II substance in the United States.
Some amphetamines are pharmaceutical formulations, such as Aderall. But methamphetamine is illicitly produced and recreational use and manufacturing is illegal. According to reports, in 2018 about 1.9 million Americans 12 and older had used meth in the past year.
The effects of methamphetamine can last 8 to 24 hours. In a urine drug test, meth can be detected for up to 72 hours. In a hair follicle test meth can be detected for 90 days. In this article The Healing Center will answer how long does meth last in your system and explain what to do if you are struggling with a meth addiction.
What Are The Effects Of Meth?
Methamphetamine is a central nervous stimulant. Meth causes an intense rush for individuals who are using it. It also causes other side effects including:
- Euphoria
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Extreme increase in physical activities
- Increased body core temperatures
- Increased wakefulness
- Decreased appetite
Meth can be used in a number of different ways. It can be smoked, snorted, and injected. Some people may wonder how long does meth last in your system when it comes to the effects of meth. This can vary based on a number of different things including substance abuse history, other drugs being used, and weight. On average, the effects of meth can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Meth is unlike other stimulant drugs due to the prolonged effects.
What Is The Half Life of Meth?
Methamphetamine has a relatively long half life. Meth’s half life is about 9-24 hours. Meaning, it takes approximately 9 to 24 hours for the amount of methamphetamine in an individual’s blood to be reduced by half. Thus, the effects of meth are felt for quite some time for users.
How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?
Drug testing for meth can be done in a number of different ways. This makes answering the question of how long does meth stay in your system dependent on the type of test being taken. A common way of being tested is through a urine analysis. Urine tests can normally detect meth for up to three days after the last use.
Meth metabolizes into amphetamine. Thus a drug screen will commonly show a positive result for both substances. Normally, the detection interval in a urine drug screening for methamphetamines is 3 to 5 days following the last dose. If someone is a chronic and heavy user then meth may be detected for a longer amount of time.
There are other ways of drug testing a person as well. Determining how long does meth stay in your system can vary based on these other ways of testing. Blood tests and oral tests can be more accurate than urine testing for determining the most recent ingestion. However, urine testing normally has a longer detection period compared to oral and blood tests.
Hair follicle testing is another way of drug testing individuals. This type of testing has the longest detection period. In hair follicle testing meth can be detected for up to 90 days of the last use. It is important to note that the time period can vary based on the type of hair follicle testing that is being used.
How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted To Meth?
Currently, there isn’t enough research to accurately determine how long it takes to develop an addiction to meth. Substance abuse disorders are complex. They are diagnosed due to compulsive drug seeking behaviors, thoughts, and actions where someone will continue to use despite negative consequences.
Furthermore, there is also not enough evidence to say whether it is possible to become physically dependent on meth after just one use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that meth withdrawal normally happens when individuals chronically use meth or they suddenly stop or decrease their meth intake.
Regardless, meth is a very dangerous substance to experiment with. There is a high risk of physical, social, legal, and psychological consequences when it comes to meth abuse. Methamphetamine addiction is a serious issue that requires immediate medical intervention. Drug rehabs are often recommended in order to help individuals recover from meth addiction.
Getting Help For Meth Addiction
If you or a loved one is addicted to methamphetamine, then it is time to get professional help immediately. Thankfully, The Healing Center in Cherry Hill, NJ can help you recover. If you are struggling with a meth addiction in New Jersey, then reach out to us today. We provide individualized treatment plans and utilize evidence based therapies in order to help you build the foundation for long term recovery. Don’t wait to get help. The sooner the better. Call our admissions team today in order to get the help you need to find freedom from addiction.
