Understanding Meth: Here’s How Long It Stays in the Body

Methamphetamines, also known as meth, activate parts of the brain related to pleasure. This synthetic drug jump-starts the release of neurotransmitters.

The duration of effect for meth depends on how much of the drug was administered. It must be noted that a certain degree of tolerance is developed as a mechanism for the body to control the presence of the drug, thus affecting the duration of effect. The route of administration is another factor.

Types of Administration

There are several ways of administering the drug. The fastest way of getting it into the bloodstream and brain is via injection. The effect is almost instantaneously felt. Smoking is another way of ingestion. This is generally done by individuals who ceaselessly use the drug. Snorting, on the other hand, yields a euphoric state where users feel a strong sense of well-being. The effects are noticeable within 3 to 5 minutes after introduction. Oral administration is another mechanism after which peak concentrations are noticed in the bloodstream around three hours after dosing. Finally, there is the transdermal route where the substance has the possibility of being absorbed via intact skin with an elevated surface concentration.

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Phases of Meth High

Here is a look at the phases of a meth high or experience and what happens during each period:

The Rush

This is the first reaction that a person addicted to meth feels after administration. It lasts for about two to five minutes and causes the pupils to dilate as well as an increase in metabolism, heartbeat, pulse and blood pressure.

The Shoulder

This is also called “The High.” At this phase, people using meth becomes aggressively argumentative and develops an intense focus on things of no value. This can last between four to sixteen hours.

The Binge

This is where uncontrolled use of drugs and alcohol takes place. Users feel the need to get more meth. This lasts for one to five days.

Tweaking

This is possibly the most dangerous phase as users generally feel they lose their sense of identity. With their inability to sleep for several days, they go through a completely psychotic state. They also get hallucinations and pose a real danger to themselves or others.

The Crash

This is when the body shuts down as it is unable to cope with the effects of meth. It can happen for one to three days.

Meth Hangover

This occurs for two to fourteen days where the users go into a deteriorated state. To get over the feeling, they have the urge to take more meth.

Length of Stay in the System

So, just how does methamphetamine stay in the body including its detection?

For plasma life, which happens between 12 to 34 hours, the meth in the bloodstream is reduced into half. Between 2 to 10 days, the substance leaves the body but this will be dependent upon the kind of user. Heavier users would take more time to get the substance out. The immediate effect of using meth happens between 8 to 24 hours while it may be detected through urine tests up to 72 hours.

Factors Affecting Period of Stay in the Body

Here is a list of factors that affect the period within which the meth stays in the body:

  • the general state of health
  • metabolism rate
  • amount of meth taken
  • body mass of user
  • the frequency of drug usage
  • level of hydration
  • urine pH levels

There are also factors that affect the amount of time during which the substance is detectable in the body. These are the kind of test used, the frequency of using meth, the dose of last usage as well as the kidneys and liver functionality.

Digesting Methamphetamine

The body almost instantaneously starts to digest meth after use. This results in the drug circulating in the bloodstream. Initially, some of the substance is converted into amphetamine. The body then starts to process the circulation of methamphetamine and amphetamine a few hours after the ingestion.

The substances then pass through the liver and kidneys where they are partially cleared. Shortly after this, there is a urinary excretion of metabolites. Accordingly, at least 50 percent of the meth ingested goes out of the body exactly how it came in. This means said percentage is not metabolized, digested or processed so the user does not feel any effect from that particular number.

Long-Term Risks of Meth Abuse

Using methamphetamine for a long period of time increases the risks of:

  • Communicable diseases
  • Early deaths
  • Probable neurotoxicity
  • Heart diseases
  • Cognitive deficits such as the effect on information processing, memory, motor skills and language
  • Abstinence syndrome which includes insomnia, anhedonia, irritability, poor concentration and psychomotor retardation
  • Meth-induced psychosis

Getting Into Meth Rehab

Meth addiction is a class of its own when it comes to substance use disorder. Those who use it on a regular basis can stay away from it for weeks or months at a certain period but they will eventually relapse. This is the reason why there is a need for an active treatment program to be in place. The main goal is to get into a meth rehab to make sure there is a long-term sobriety.

The goal of a comprehensive treatment program is to assist individuals addicted to the substance to form a strong recovery foundation before the cravings come back. A combination of procedures is employed to guarantee the success. The program includes:

  • Period of detoxification
  • Treatment of mental health
  • Psychotherapy
  • Group support
  • Techniques to prevent relapse

For the comfort of those seeking help to address their addiction, luxury, and executive meth rehab centers are available to provide a posh treatment. These centers have rooms with the finest linens, amenities similar to a hotel and sumptuous meals served by a professionally trained culinary team. It even tailor fits its structure to cater to the needs of business professionals seeking help but needs to be still on top of their business dealings. Of course, traditional rehab programs are also available. They basically offer the same treatment and come at a price many can easily afford.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.

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Medical disclaimer:

Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance use disorder, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.

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