How Long Does A Meth High Last?

The effects of meth can be felt for up to 24 hours after it is taken. That said, people take meth because of the intense euphoric “rush” they get, commonly known as a meth high. This rush only lasts up to 30 minutes.

After the initial euphoric rush, the stimulant effects of meth can be felt for several hours. The actual amount of time that effects are felt after meth use varies and depends on a number of different factors.

Because of the powerful and long-lasting high received to the brain, a meth addiction is extremely easy to begin having.

Factors That Influence How Long A Meth High Lasts

The following factors play a big role in how long the effects of crystal meth will last.

Method Of Ingestion

Meth is usually smoked or injected. These methods of meth use are popular because the drug enters the bloodstream almost instantly, leading to an intense and euphoric rush.

Other methods of meth abuse include snorting and swallowing the drug. With these methods, it could take longer for the effects to begin and they might not be as intense initially.

Potency Of The Meth

Since meth is mostly made in clandestine labs, its potency can vary dramatically. Stronger meth may lead to more intense effects.

Frequency Of Use

Some people who engage in heavy meth drug use become addicted to the drug. Strong cravings for more meth can start within hours after the last use.

When someone engages in frequent methamphetamine use, the substance can build up in their system and the effects may last longer.

That said, the amount of meth needed to feel the same effects of the drug will also increase when someone has a meth drug addiction.

What A Meth High Feels Like

A meth high is characterized by an initial “rush”, followed by a much longer period of other sensations and effects.

Feelings Of Euphoria

When meth enters the bloodstream and gets into the brain, it affects the brain’s “pleasure center”, resulting in large releases of chemicals like dopamine, which help us feel good.

This process is what leads to meth’s euphoric rush, which it is known for. It is also what makes this stimulant drug so addictive.

Stimulant Effects

After the initial rush, the effects of meth can last for several hours. This portion of a meth high is characterized by rapid thinking, hyperactivity, and increased alertness and energy.

When a person uses meth for days on end to stay high, it can lead to meth tweaking. This can occur when someone goes for days without sleep.

Tweaking may include paranoia, psychosis, violent behavior, and more.

How Long Do The Side Effects Of Meth Last?

Meth has many negative side effects. When someone abuses meth, they are exposed to several short- and long-term risks.

These effects can last for hours and may subside as the high subsides. Other effects may last for months or years, or be permanent health issues if meth addiction goes on for too long.

Short-term side effects of meth abuse include:

• increases in blood pressure and body temperature
• fast breathing
• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• rapid or irregular heart rate
• unpredictable and violent behavior

Long-term side effects of meth addiction include:

• permanent heart and brain damage
• liver, lung, and kidney damage
• psychosis
• intense itching and skin sores from scratching
• “meth mouth” — rapid decay of teeth from smoking meth

How Long Do Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Meth withdrawal is likely to occur in people who are addicted to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from meth usually begin within 24 hours after the last use of the drug.

Meth withdrawal may include symptoms like fatigue, depression, and extreme cravings for meth. Symptoms typically last between 14 to 20 days, but they peak around a week after the last use.

Testing How Long Meth Stays In The System

Drug tests can detect meth in the body long after the last use. The detection time will vary based on the type of test used, how heavy the person’s substance use was, and other factors.

Urine tests can detect meth for up to a week after the last use. Hair tests, which are far less common, can detect the drug for up to 90 days.

Blood tests and saliva tests may be used in place of urine tests because they are more accurate, but these tests have a shorter detection window than urine.

Treatment Options For Meth Addiction

Meth addiction treatment programs can help people who are struggling with abuse of the drug.

Visiting a treatment center is the first step toward recovering from meth addiction.

Detox and treatment centers combine healthcare services with behavioral health interventions to help people with addiction recovery.

Since meth is such an addictive drug, visiting a controlled environment like a treatment center is a good way to separate yourself from your normal environment and get a fresh start.

Find Drug Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center is one of the east coast’s top addiction treatment facilities. We offer specialized detox and inpatient rehab programs to clients with alcohol and/or drug addictions.

If you or a loved one have a meth addiction, we can help. Bedrock uses evidence-based treatments to give our clients the best chance at a lasting recovery.

Call our helpline today to learn more about our treatment programs.