Meth is recorded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a Schedule II substance. Despite this classification, 2021 research revealed that 2.5 million people 12 years and older have reportedly taken meth the year prior. This total reflects the U.S. alone.
Certain drug tests indicate that meth is detectable for three months after it was last consumed. As a powerful stimulant, the drug is highly addictive. Its potency is so strong that taking minuscule amounts can still lead to addiction quickly.
Due to how methamphetamine is retained in the body, its effects last for a significant amount of time. The amount consumed will also influence the duration of time it remains in the body. Keep reading for additional information on the answer to “how long does meth stay in your system?”
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Person-specific and drug-content factors influence the answer to “how long does meth stay in your system?”
The specific contents consumed impact how long the drug stays in one’s system. Some of these factors include:
- the amount taken
- when the drug was consumed
- how the drug was consumed
Individual factors like weight, drug usage, age, gender, and state of health also impact the answer to “how long does meth stay in your system?”
The half-life impacts its duration in the body.
The drug will stay active in effect until it reaches its half-life of 9-24 hours. A drug’s half-life refers to how long it takes half the dosage consumed to break down by 50%. In some cases, it can take four days before the drug leaves the body ultimately. Crystal meth maintains a half-life of 10 hours.
Individual metabolism influences the drug’s timeframe in the body.
Meth is incredibly water-soluble, allowing it to move through the blood-brain barrier. When it passes the blood-brain barrier, it hits the brain rapidly, leading to profound psychological and physical effects. Since everyone has their own metabolic rate, the answer to “how long does meth stay in your system?” varies on individual processing time.
After consumption, the drug is metabolized and processed through the liver and kidneys. The drug is converted into chemical compounds via the P450 2D6 enzyme in the liver. These compounds are filtered through the kidneys and are then excreted through urine.
Drug detection timeframes are estimates.
Drug detection timeframes are estimations that provide additional information toward the answer to “how long does meth stay in your system?” Meth can be detected in:
- urine samples for a max of five days (after last consumption)
- saliva tests for up to 2 days (after last consumption)
- blood tests for up to three days (after last consumption)
- hair for up to three months (after last consumption)
Get the help you need.
The amount of time that meth remains in the body depends on numerous factors specific to the drug’s contents and the individual. If you are struggling with meth addiction, do more than ask “how long does meth stay in your system?” Contact a drug detox facility and get the help you need.
