You built your business from the ground up, starting out with just yourself and your best friend. There were tough times – times when you didn’t know if food would be on the table, and times when the power would go out in the middle of a big shipment. You often look back on those days and smile at the hard work and dedication that got you to where you are now.
But you also look back at what got you through those long nights and crazy orders – meth. Your friend suggested it to help you both keep up with demand as the company grew. Neither of you ever took it on a regular basis, but it did help when you had a lot to get done. To this day, you still use it here and there for those extra busy days overseeing the now 500-employee operation you grew. It’s not a big deal, until you get hurt at work. Being the head of the company, you don’t have to worry about drug tests or anything like that. But your friend insists on an investigation. What can you do? Does he know you still use meth? Can he prove it? How long does meth stay in the system anyway?
In 2020, 214 deaths occurred due to meth in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Of these deaths, 157 were in people aged 35 and older. Here at Tranquil Shores, we understand that addiction does not have a specific age, it can affect anyone at any time. Our holistic program has options for business owners, medical professionals, athletes, and artists. Our blog is a free resource to the public to provide education on all subjects surrounding substance use. Today, we are discussing how long meth stays in your system.
How the Body Metabolizes Meth and Its Half-Life
Methamphetamines have a longer half-life than most substances, even though the effects wear off quickly. The half-life of meth is 10-12 hours, meaning half of the drug will be out of the system in that time. This is specific to methamphetamines derived illicitly, prescription amphetamines have different half-lives. Meth can stay in the body for up to four days after the last use.
When meth enters the body, it affects the brain first by releasing dopamine. This creates a rush of pleasure that makes the person want to keep using meth. The central nervous system becomes affected as well, causing increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Once meth enters the liver for detoxifying, it is broken down and released from the body through urine and sweat. Meth takes longer to break down than most other stimulants due to the chemicals used to produce it. The liver has a difficult time metabolizing so many toxins at once, and the chemicals used to make meth are often carcinogenic.
Getting Methamphetamines Out of Your System
There is no way to “speed up” the body’s detoxifying process. Hydration, eating healthy foods, and practicing exercise and breathing techniques can help you feel better while meth is leaving the system. However, there is no way to make the liver work faster to break down the drug.
As meth leaves the body, withdrawal symptoms can begin. Meth withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, but the mental side effects can cause intense distress. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Paranoia
- Intense cravings
- Fatigue
- Psychosis
Besides withdrawal, meth side effects can take their toll on the body and mind during use. Meth is an intense substance, and it can cause many psychological problems. Even after stopping meth use, hallucinations and delusions can continue to occur. This is due to alterations in the dopamine system, and it can take the brain months or even years to fully heal from the damaging effects of meth.
Another danger of meth is returning to use after completely detoxing. A meth overdose occurs when the body becomes overwhelmed with the amount of the substance within the body. Unlike opioids, there is no medication to reverse a meth overdose. Heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ damage can occur during a meth overdose. If ever an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
How Long Will Meth Show Up on a Drug Test?
Depending on the type of test, meth can show up at different time intervals. If someone you love is showing signs of meth addiction, there could be many reasons for drug testing. New jobs, legal troubles, and concerned parents or loved ones are all possibilities for administering a meth test.
Saliva & Sweat Tests
When it comes to saliva tests, they are typically accurate and non-invasive. Meth can be detected in saliva 12-24 hours after use. However, the concentration level can be misleading. Saliva will show high concentration levels that may not be reflected in the blood.
Sweat tests are non-invasive and can detect meth up to 1 to 2 weeks after the last use. They work by placing a patch on the skin for a week. While this test is preferred to blood tests, it does not show an exact concentration of meth levels. The patch only detects metabolites for meth in the sweat, not how much meth is in the system.
Hair Follicle Tests
Hair follicle tests are expensive but can indicate long-term use. Meth can be detected in hair follicles for up to 3 months after the last use.
Blood Tests
Blood tests for meth are not done very often, as they are invasive and require a trained professional to administer. Meth can be detected in the blood for 12 to 24 hours after the last use. Unlike saliva and sweat tests, blood tests show a concentration level of meth within the system, making them the most accurate type of test.
Urine Tests
Because of the chemicals used to make meth, it stays in the endocrine system longer than most substances. Meth can be detected in urine 2 to 3 days after the last use, and can even take a week to be fully flushed from the body.
Getting Treatment for Meth Addiction
Facing a methamphetamine use disorder is no small task, and finding the right place to help is key. Meth changes the way the brain functions, and having the right support surrounding you needs to be a lifelong commitment. With therapy and skill-building, leaving meth behind will become second nature, and rediscovering yourself and your passions will give you more joy than meth ever could. Recovery from meth addiction is possible, all you have to do is take the first step.
If you or someone you love is ready to take on meth addiction, help is not far away. Located directly on the beach, Tranquil Shores has a dedicated staff ready to help you heal in a holistic environment. We offer many different types of therapy and tailor our program to fit your specific needs. Our therapists have a low patient ratio of 3:1, so our clients always get the individual attention they need. Call us today at 727-391-7001 to learn more about our program options.
FAQs
How long does it take to get addicted to meth?
Meth changes the chemical reward system in the brain, meaning addiction can happen at any time. Some people may become dependent in just a couple of uses, while others may take longer. There is no set timeline for addiction, and it can happen to anyone.
What are the most dangerous side effects brought on by meth?
Meth is a stimulant, meaning it speeds up the central nervous system. High blood pressure and increased heart rate can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and seizures. Meth can also cause severe organ damage.
