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When people ask about methamphetamine detection time, it’s usually in the context of an upcoming drug test. Many businesses and government agencies require pre-employment drug screenings for persons working as drivers, operating machinery, handling firearms or caring for children or patients in a health care setting. Individuals who’ve participated in drug rehab programs may also be required to participate in periodic testing, and it’s typically a condition of parole for a person recently released from incarceration. Reasonable suspicion of drug use is another reason for mandatory testing; along similar lines, employers may use random drug testing to deter workers from using illicit drugs.
How Long Does Meth Stay in the System?
It takes longer for meth to clear the body than most drugs. People who’ve used methamphetamine and must take a drug test to get or retain a job may wonder how long meth stays in your system.
The short answer is that it depends on the way an individual takes meth. It may take 10 or more hours for the body to remove 50% of methamphetamine. When a person is addicted or uses the drug for extended periods, methamphetamine can remain in the body indefinitely.
How the drug enters a user’s body influences how long it remains there. People who use meth often take more of the drug before the first dose clears the body. Meth-addicted individuals frequently use the drug over many days, and during that time, they may forego other activities, including eating or sleeping.
This continuous use of meth is known as a run. With the half-life of meth being about 10 hours, it’s easy to understand how using more of the drug before the remaining half leaves the body can affect the user. This includes increasing the likelihood of the drug remaining in the body for extended periods and a positive drug test.
Methamphetamine Detection Times With Drug Tests
Depending on the type of test a lab uses to check for meth, evidence of the drug can show up hours to weeks after the last use. However, when a lab tests the hair, evidence of meth can be present up to 3 months after use. Blood and saliva tests are additional screening methods for meth.
Meth Detection in Urine
Urine testing is the most common way to check for drug use, including methamphetamine. A urine test is usually reliable in detecting the substance if an applicant has used it recently. If an employer refers an individual for a drug test, a person who’s used meth may ask how long meth stays in your urine.
The kidneys take meth out of the body. However, when a person has recently used meth, they should expect drug residues in the urine. Methamphetamine metabolites stay in the urine even after the user no longer feels influenced by the drug. Typically, these metabolites are present in a methamphetamine urinalysis with a duration of 3 to 5 days after the last use.
Meth Detection in Blood
A blood test is way of testing for meth. Although the urine test is standard for drug screening, a blood test may be the logical option in some situations. When an employer or investigator suspects meth contributed to an accident, they may order the persons involved to get a blood test. Individuals who exhibit signs of drug use, such as extreme euphoria or agitation, may be candidates for a blood test that could reveal a person is currently using meth.
Meth Detection in Oral Fluids or Saliva
Oral fluid or saliva tests involve swabbing the inner cheek to detect substance use. This testing method is primarily for immediate use, since drugs clear oral fluids faster than they leave urine. Like blood testing, oral fluid screening may work better as a test for a situation where a user has been involved in an accident or exhibits behaviors consistent with current or recent use.
Meth Detection in Hair
When the employer or organization needs to assess an individual’s drug use history, the hair test can detect drug activity during the last 90 days. Testing the hair won’t prove drug use based on current behaviors, but it can provide evidence of past use of meth. To test for meth using the hair detection method, the screener takes a sample of 90–120 strands of hair cut near the scalp.
Ways People Try to Alter Drug Test Results
The fear of being discovered as a meth user, violating parole or losing a job opportunity are some reasons people try to alter drug tests. However, attempting to change a drug test is a bad idea. Labs have ways to detect substances that individuals consume to mask drug use.
People may try substituting another person’s urine or synthetic urine for their own. They may use household chemicals or other substances to change urine and mask the drug. Drinking excessive amounts of water, diuretic drinks and other concoctions are some other ways people try to beat drug tests.
There are plenty of online businesses that scam people desperate to use any means to get a negative drug test result. Anyone considering this route should realize that lab technicians know about these deceptive practices. A few people may beat meth drug test detection periods by cheating. However, the best labs use common sense and science-based strategies to detect someone cheating during a drug test. Eventually, the reality of their meth use will catch up to them because an individual using meth can’t hide it forever.
How Does a Person Pass a Drug Test for Meth?
Time is the only way a person can ensure meth clears their system before taking a drug test. However, time without meth means not using, and for most meth users, that requires completing a rehab program.
Support for Meth Withdrawal
Rehab programs provide a medically supervised and supportive environment to get meth out of your system safely. While the symptoms of meth withdrawal aren’t directly life-threatening, they can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant — especially for people who’ve participated in heavy, long-term use.
Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal may include:
- Intense drug cravings
- Fever, headache and chills
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and depression
- Trouble with memory and focus
- Anger and physical aggression
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
With professional assistance, most symptoms of meth detox resolve within 14 days. For some people, the emotional symptoms of meth withdrawal may be longer-lasting. Their bodies and brains may need time and therapy to re-adapt. Ongoing treatment can help individuals develop improved coping and life skills and achieve more of their goals.
Don’t Try to Alter the Results; Seek Help
Testing for meth and other drugs helps keep workplaces and other organizations safe. Meth addiction puts not only the user in danger but also employees, customers, patients and others. Making the decision to get help now is the best choice to make.
FHE Health provides safe, supportive and confidential treatment programs for methamphetamine and all forms of addiction. Contact us today and learn how to start living a life free from worry about drug use and job security. We have a compassionate team of counselors standing by to take your call 24-7.
