How Long Does Methamphetamine Stay in the Body?

Methamphetamine (meth) can linger in the body longer than its immediate effects suggest, being detectable in various ways, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair. This variance depends on several factors, including the individual’s health, metabolism, and frequency of use. Here’s what you need to know about detection times and methamphetamine’s impact on the body.

Key Takeaways

• The initial methamphetamine rush lasts up to 30 minutes, while the high can extend to 16 hours.
• Meth can be detected in urine for up to 5 days.
• Hair samples can show methamphetamine use for as long as 90 days.

Detection Times by Test Type

Urine Testing
Urine tests are common due to their simplicity and speed. Meth can appear in urine for 1–5 days after use.

Blood Testing
Meth’s half-life in the bloodstream is approximately 5 hours, making it detectable in blood for about 25 hours post-use.

Saliva Testing
Saliva swabs can detect methamphetamine for up to 48 hours after the last dose.

Hair Testing
Hair tests can trace meth use for up to 90 days, based on a 1.5-inch sample of hair.

Breast Milk
Meth can remain in breast milk for 72 hours, so breastfeeding is discouraged during this time. Waiting at least 48–100 hours after the last dose is advised, depending on test results.

Fingernails
Methamphetamine traces can linger in fingernails for 3–6 months after use.

Factors Influencing Detection

Detection times depend on various factors:

• Frequency and Dosage: Frequent, high-dose use increases the drug’s retention in the body.
• Overall Health: A healthy liver and metabolism can clear substances more efficiently.

Stages of a Meth High

Methamphetamine use triggers several stages, each with its own duration and symptoms:

1. The Rush: A surge of dopamine causes heightened heart rate, dilated pupils, and increased metabolism. Lasts up to 30 minutes.
2. The High: Characterized by hyperactivity, rapid thought patterns, and aggressive behavior, lasting 4–16 hours.
3. The Binge: Users may continue dosing to avoid a crash. This phase can span 3–15 days and is often marked by sleep and food deprivation.
4. Tweaking: Following the high, users may experience paranoia, irritability, and psychosis. This unpredictable phase is considered highly dangerous.
5. The Crash: The body shuts down from overstimulation, leading to extreme fatigue. This stage lasts 1–3 days.
6. The Hangover: Physical and mental exhaustion sets in, lasting up to 14 days. Cravings for meth may lead to continued use.
7. Withdrawal: Symptoms like depression, fatigue, and cravings can persist for up to 90 days.

How Meth Leaves the Body

Methamphetamine begins breaking down shortly after ingestion, passing through the liver and kidneys before being excreted in urine. However, about one-third of meth can leave the body unmetabolized, maintaining its original potency.

Meth Half-Life
The average half-life of meth is 4–5 hours, meaning it takes roughly 25 hours to clear from the bloodstream completely. However, detection in urine and hair persists longer.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Stopping meth can trigger unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Irritability
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Muscle aches

While most symptoms subside within 1–2 weeks, psychological effects like cravings may last longer. A study by The Recovery Village found that 95% of meth users experience cravings for up to seven weeks.

Seeking Help

Struggling with meth use or worried about a drug test could indicate a deeper issue. At The Recovery Village Indianapolis, we provide personalized treatment programs to help you regain control. Contact us to explore effective recovery options.

By addressing methamphetamine use with professional support, you can begin the path toward long-term recovery and wellness.