How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System? | Coming Off Methamphetamine Safely

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that impacts both the body and brain. If you’re considering detox or worried about drug testing, one of the most common questions is: how long does meth stay in your system?

The answer depends on a variety of factors — and coming off meth isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about safely detoxing and building a long-term recovery plan. In this guide, we’ll break down how meth is processed, how long it stays in your body, and what withdrawal looks like.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Body?

Meth is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to the brain and other organs. Its half-life — the time it takes for half of the drug to leave your body — is about 10–12 hours according to the National Library of Medicine.

However, traces of meth and its metabolites can be detected in your system for much longer depending on the type of drug test.

Detection Times for Methamphetamine:

Urine: 1–4 days after use (can be longer for heavy users)
Blood: Up to 1–3 days
Saliva: 1–4 days
Hair follicle: Up to 90 days

Individual factors such as metabolism, hydration, liver function, and frequency of use will all impact detection times.

What Affects How Long Meth Stays in Your System?

The following factors influence how long meth remains in your body:

Frequency and amount of meth used
Method of use (smoked, injected, snorted, or oral)
Body weight and metabolism
Liver and kidney health
Polysubstance use (using meth with other drugs)

For heavy or long-term users, meth may linger in fatty tissues and take longer to fully clear the system.

What Happens When You Stop Using Meth?

Quitting meth can lead to a variety of withdrawal symptoms as your body tries to restore balance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that withdrawal is mostly psychological but can be intense and distressing.

Common Meth Withdrawal Symptoms:

Severe fatigue and sleepiness
Depression and mood swings
Anxiety and irritability
Cravings and restlessness
Slowed thinking or physical activity (known as “crash”)

Symptoms usually start within 24 hours of last use, peak at 2–3 days, and last up to 2 weeks. For chronic users, some symptoms — especially depression and anxiety — may linger for a month or more.

Why Medical Detox Is Recommended

Although meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, it can cause significant psychological distress. Professional support is strongly recommended to prevent relapse and address co-occurring mental health symptoms.

At Costa Mesa Detox, our meth detox program includes:

24/7 clinical monitoring
Emotional support and relapse prevention planning
Comfort measures for sleep, anxiety, and fatigue
Referrals to therapy and inpatient or outpatient rehab

Start Detox the Right Way

If you’re struggling with meth use, you don’t have to go through withdrawal alone. Our team at Costa Mesa Detox is here to help you come off meth safely and start a long-term recovery plan.

Recovery starts with one step — we’ll help you take it.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Costa Mesa Detox