Made out of oxycodone and acetaminophen, Percocet is designed to relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever, so it affects the way the body responds to pain. Unfortunately, this means that some people use Percocet for recreational purposes. Over time, recreational use can lead to an opioid addiction and drug dependence.

How long does Percocet stay in your system? If you have been using Percocet recreationally, you may be concerned about it showing up on a drug test. The drug’s elimination time can vary based on how long you have been using the drug, your physical chemistry, and the amount you used. The only way to completely avoid having Percocet appear on a drug test is to quit taking it. Because withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, it is important to quit using drugs under the guidance of a trained medical professional.

Percocet: Half-Life and Elimination

The half-life of a medication is the amount of time it takes for half of the initial dose to leave your body. There are many things that can affect how fast your body metabolizes a drug, so this figure is just a general estimate. For the drug to completely leave your body, it will take multiple half-lives.

For the typical person, Percocet has a half-life of 3.5 hours in the bloodstream. Because of this, it would take around 19 hours for your body to get rid of all of this medication. If your liver is not functioning properly, it could take even longer to eliminate this medication completely.

Urine tests can pick up the presence of Percocet for an even longer period of time. In general, Percocet can be detected in your urine for 24 to 48 hours after you took your last dose. Because your body has to process the drug before it appears in your urine, you generally cannot detect Percocet in your urine until two hours after you took it.

If you are using immediate-release oxycodone, you can expect a half-life of 3.2 hours. When oxycodone metabolizes in the liver, it becomes a metabolite known as oxymorphone. Then, it metabolizes into noroxymorphone. Afterward, the metabolites will finally leave your body through your urine.

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

Each person has a different physical chemistry, so Percocet can stay in your body for a different amount of time. For the majority of people, Percocet can be found in the bloodstream for 24 to 48 hours after they take their first dose. It can be found in your hair for up to 90 days after your last dose. Meanwhile, Percocet can be discovered in your saliva for two days after your final dose.

How Long Does Percocet Appear in a Urine Test?

Many employers and drug rehabs use urine tests to detect addictive drugs. Because of this, most people primarily care about whether Percocet can be detected in their urine. While each person has a different metabolism, your urine test should be clean within four days after you take your last dose of Percocet.

What Affects Your Metabolism Rate?

Your metabolic rate is impacted by a variety of factors. Physical activity, age, and hydration can speed up or slow down how fast your body excretes different medications. If you are over the age of 40, your body will clear Percocet at a slower rate.

Your addiction history can also impact how quickly Percocet leaves the body. If you have been using Percocet to treat pain for an extended period of time, it will be stored in your body for longer. Because of this, you will need to spend more time detoxing before you take a drug test.

Finally, your kidney and liver health can impact your drug metabolism. Drugs are processed out of the body using the kidneys and liver. If these organs do not function properly, it will be difficult for your body to metabolize any type of drug. This can be a major issue for some people because Percocet can cause long-term harm to your liver function if it is not taken according to the prescription.

The Withdrawal Process From Percocet

How long does Percocet stay in your system after you begin detox? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of things you can do to speed up your body’s metabolism rate. Drinking extra fluid can dilute your urine and slightly boost your metabolism, but it will not make a major difference. The same thing is true for exercise. Despite providing a moderate boost to your metabolism, exercise is not enough to impact whether you pass a drug test or not.

The best way to deal with a drug test is to stop taking Percocet. You should always talk to your doctor first because the withdrawal process can be extremely unpleasant. Over time, your body will develop a physical dependence on Percocet and other opioids. If you suddenly quit using the drug, you may develop some of the following withdrawal symptoms.

• Irritability.
• Yawning.
• Runny nose.
• High blood pressure.
• Restlessness.
• Tremors and shaking.
• Watery eyes.
• Depression.
• Muscle aches.
• Anxiety.
• Diarrhea.
• Rapid heart rate.

If you are addicted to Percocet, you should talk to a medical professional before you quit. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, and cravings are often difficult to manage. Once you are in a treatment center, medical professionals can safely wean you off of opioids. They can also use medications to alleviate some of the major side effects of withdrawal.

What Are the Symptoms of an Overdose?

Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Unfortunately, both of these drugs can lead to an overdose. You should avoid taking any drugs that contain acetaminophen while you are using Percocet. Because many medications use acetaminophen as an ingredient, it is very easy to overdose.

You should never take more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen during a 24-hour period. If your pain medication no longer seems to be working for you, you should talk to your doctor. When someone overdoses on acetaminophen, it can cause long-term damage to their liver and death.

Oxycodone can also cause a drug overdose. If you suspect that someone has overdosed on Percocet, you should call 911 right away. A medication known as naloxone can alleviate the overdose if it is given soon enough. The following symptoms are indications that an overdose may have happened.

• Fainting and dizziness.
• Depressed breathing.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Weak muscles.
• Clammy skin.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• Blue lips, skin, or fingernails.
• Coma or loss of consciousness.

How Long Do Pain Pills Stay in Your System?

How long does Percocet stay in your system? Is this time period longer than it is for other drugs? Ultimately, each pain pill stays in your system for a different amount of time. Your physical chemistry, addiction history, and other factors can affect how long a drug remains in your body.

• Hydrocodone: Hydrocodone can stay in your urine for two to four days. It remains in your bloodstream for up to a day after you take it.
• Heroin: Heroin remains in your urine for two to seven days and in your blood for six hours.
• Fentanyl: While fentanyl remains in the blood for just 12 hours, it can be found in your urine for up to a day after you take it.
• Codeine: This drug can be found in the urine for a day or two after you take it. Meanwhile, it can be found in your bloodstream up to a day later.
• Morphine: Morphine can be found in the urine for up to two to three days after your last dose. It can be discovered in your blood up to 12 hours later.

Get Help Overcoming an Opioid Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with an opioid addiction, you do not have to go through the withdrawal process alone. At Long Island Interventions, we have experience helping clients overcome substance abuse disorders. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your recovery.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-08-31
Updated on: 2024-03-08

In the Adderall vs Dexedrine debate, people wonder which one is better. Adderall and Dexedrine are similar, and they cause similar side effects, but they are not exactly the same. One thing that both medications have in common is that they can be addictive, and it can be extremely difficult for people to stop using Adderall or Dexedrine in their adult years. If you or a loved one are having difficulties with Adderall or Dexedrine, you can get help for your dependence on these substances.

Adderall vs Dexedrine: The Similarities and Differences

Adderall and Dexedrine are medications prescribed to relieve the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and narcolepsy.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that stimulates the central nervous system. It is classified under Schedule IIN of the Controlled Substances Act by the Drug Enforcement Administration because it has a strong potential to be abused. It may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence.

Adderall is a medication that consists of amphetamine salts. The active ingredient found in Dexedrine is also part of the formula used for Adderall, but Adderall has two other amphetamines. It works similarly to Dexedrine, but physicians have the ability to prescribe Adderall in additional doses. It can also be prescribed as an immediate-release or an extended-release tablet.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine has several things in common with Adderall. It is also a medication that stimulates the central nervous system that doctors prescribe for the treatment of ADHD. Like Adderall, Dexedrine is a Schedule IIN controlled substance. It also treats narcolepsy.

Dexedrine is a type of amphetamine, and amphetamines stimulate the release of norepinephrine. This mostly takes part in the cerebral cortex of the brain. When the central nervous system or CNS is stimulated, the person experiences less fatigue, enjoys a better mood and feels more alert. The amount of motor activity also increases.

What Is the Dosage of Adderall?

Adderall is a tablet, and it may be taken two or three times per day. The patient must take the first dose upon waking. The second and the third doses are to be taken four to six hours apart. It doesn’t need to be taken with food.

According to the FDA, children from the age of three until the age of five may receive a prescription for 2.5 milligrams each day. If an additional dose is needed, the physician may increase the dose by 2.5 milligrams each week as needed.

A physician initially prescribes 5 milligrams of Adderall for children six years of age and above. This dose is to be taken one or two times per day. The doctor may increase the dose by 5 milligrams as needed.

What Is the Dosage of Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is a capsule, and the person only needs to take it once in the morning. Because Dexedrine is an extended-release capsule, only one dose is required for the day.

Children from age three until age five also receive 2.5 milligrams of Dexedrine per day. This will be increased by 2.5 milligrams each week if it is needed.

Children six years of age and above receive an initial dose of 5 milligrams to be taken once or twice daily. The physician may increase the dose by 5 milligrams every week as needed. The most that children receive for a daily dose is 40 milligrams.

What Are the Side Effects?

The side effects of Adderall include the following:

• Weight loss, loss of appetite, or hair loss
• Fever
• Vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea
• An unpleasant taste in the mouth or dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Agitation, irritability, or restlessness
• Blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, or headache
• Difficulties having an orgasm, loss of interest in sex or impotence

Adderall may also cause serious side effects that require people to stop taking the medication and inform their doctors. These include the following:

• Extremely high blood pressure along with seizures, uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, anxiety, ringing in the ears, and severe headache
• Twitching muscles, unusual behavior, hallucinations or tremors
• Extreme sadness or extreme happiness or being more talkative than usual
• A burning sensation while urinating
• A pounding with heart uneven beats

Adderall also causes an allergic reaction with the following side effects:

• Swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, or face
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives

Dexedrine may cause the following serious side effects:

• Prolonged or frequent erections
• A large, unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness
• Swelling of the feet or ankles
• Verbal outbursts
• Muscle shaking or twitching
• Uncontrollable movements
• Suicidal ideation, abnormal thoughts or behavior, hallucinations, depression, mood swings, aggression or agitation
• Sensitivity to temperature, pain, numbness, or a change in color of the toes or fingers

What Are the Risks?

Both Adderall and Dexedrine come with several risks, and before a physician prescribes Adderall or Dexedrine for you or a loved one, he or she must take your family history. For example, there is a risk that Adderall or Dexedrine increases the risk of sudden death, myocardial infarction, and strokes in adults and children. If the patient has a pre-existing heart condition, the drugs increase this risk even further.

Drugs that stimulate the CNS are associated with hypertension and increases in the heart rate. If patients have pre-existing psychiatric disorders, Adderall and Dexedrine may exacerbate the behavioral disturbances in these people. For example, a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder may experience mania or both mania and depression while taking stimulants.

Studies have shown that prolonged use of stimulants suppresses growth in adolescents and children.

What Are the Warnings Associated with Adderall vs Dexedrine?

Patients must inform their physicians if they are experiencing blood circulation issues, mental or mood conditions, personal or family history of heart problems, a personal history of seizures, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, hypertension or stroke. If they have a personal or a family history of substance use disorder or uncontrolled muscle movements, they must remember to inform their physicians.

Adderall or Dexedrine may cause users to become dizzy, but if the person also uses marijuana, the dizziness may be even more severe. Your loved one will be advised to avoid operating heavy machinery until he or she can do it safely. The patient will also be advised to limit the amount of alcohol that he or she drinks.

The patient must inform his doctor or dentist that he is taking stimulants before he has surgery.

Children are more likely to experience the side effects of Adderall or Dexedrine than adults. Weight loss is one side effect that children are highly likely to experience. The child’s physician may tell him to stop taking Adderall for a little while to reduce the possibility of slowing down the child’s growth pattern.

What Is the Outlook?

At the current time, physicians prescribe Adderall and Dexedrine more than any other medication to treat ADHD. They both contain amphetamine as the active ingredient. The two forms of amphetamine that Adderall contains are the most active forms, but the form that Dexedrine contains is the most potent form. Therefore, people taking either Adderall or Dexedrine react to the medications in similar ways.

In the event that one medication isn’t effective for a patient, the physician will prescribe another type of amphetamine-based medication.

Coping with the Comedown: Managing the Adderall Crash

People must not stop taking Adderall without informing their physicians first. That is because withdrawal symptoms occur after someone suddenly stops taking the drug. When people suddenly stop taking Adderall, it creates what is known as the “Adderall crash.”

Symptoms of the crash include the following:

• Suicidal tendencies
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Unhappiness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Extreme hunger
• Vacillating between insomnia and sleeping too much
• Cravings for Adderall

Some people use Adderall in a manner that was not prescribed by their doctors, and they are most likely to experience the Adderall crash. If someone has been taking large doses of Adderall, he or she is also susceptible to experiencing the Adderall crash.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the withdrawal symptoms listed above, you must contact your physician. These withdrawal symptoms will make it very possible that you will use Adderall or other substances again. You must allow your doctor to observe you while you are withdrawing from Adderall. If you begin to experience serious symptoms, your doctor can treat you for these symptoms.

Unfortunately, the medical community doesn’t have a medication that can relieve the withdrawal symptoms, so you will need to endure them until they have subsided completely. This may take a couple of days, but it could also take a few weeks.

Undergoing the detox process can be extremely uncomfortable for you or your loved one. The best plan is to enter a rehabilitation facility if you or a loved one are experiencing Adderall or Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms. You or your loved one will receive care from the nurses and doctors in the detox program and then you will obtain treatment for your psychological addiction.

To receive help with a dependence on Adderall, Dexedrine or other substances, contact us at Long Island Interventions. We are here to assist you.

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Published on: 2022-05-30
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Residential treatment is a necessary step for many people to overcome their drug or alcohol addiction. During your inpatient rehab program, you’ll receive extensive medical and psychological support in a safe, stable environment. However, this form of treatment can be expensive, which leads some patients to forgo rehab or wait too long to attend. Even with insurance coverage, your deductible, copays, and other out-of-pocket costs can add up.

If you’re struggling with the cost of residential addiction treatment, there may be some ways for you to reduce the financial strain. One option is to claim your treatment expenses as a tax deduction, which could save you a considerable amount of money. Tax laws and regulations are extremely specific and strict, though, so you must be aware of the guidelines before you claim any deductions.

Can you claim drug rehab on taxes? In most cases, patients can claim some but not all of their expenses. Here is everything you need to know about claiming your inpatient costs on your taxes:

What Are Tax Deductions?

Deductions reduce your taxable income so that you only pay taxes on a portion of your income. Most deductions are specific expenses that you may encounter throughout the year, such as college tuition, mortgage interest payments, or charitable contributions. When you file your taxes, you can add up all of the deductions you qualify for to determine how much of your income you’ll pay taxes on.

For example, you might make $50,000 and claim $10,000 in various deductions. This leaves you paying taxes on $40,000 of income. While this isn’t a full reimbursement for your deductible expenses, it does ease the financial burden. Deductions for the average individual can lead to thousands of dollars in savings on taxes.

Are Residential Treatment Centers Tax Deductible?

Fortunately, medical expenses qualify as a deduction for your income taxes. Inpatient rehab is included as a medical expense, so you can deduct some of your out-of-pocket costs on your taxes. These costs include payment for your treatment and meals at the rehab facility, follow-up care with a doctor or psychologist, transportation to medical centers, and other related expenses. Both medical and psychological care are included in this deduction, so virtually all of the healthcare expenses related to your addiction recovery should be deductible.

However, there are some key rules and limits to your medical deductions. You can only deduct the medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. For example, if your adjusted gross income is $50,000, 7.5% of your income amounts to $3,750. You cannot claim the first $3,750 you spend on your healthcare costs. Any amount beyond $3,750 is deductible, though.

Itemized vs Standard Deduction

The medical expense deduction only applies when you itemize your deductions, which is the process of adding up each individual deduction you can claim to calculate your taxable income. The alternative is taking the standard deduction, which is a base deduction that any taxpayer can take regardless of their actual deductible expenses. For the 2022 tax year, the standard deduction is $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for married couples filing jointly.

Most taxpayers find that the standard deduction amounts to more than their itemized deductions. If you paid for inpatient mental health treatment this year, your deductible expenses may or may not exceed the standard deduction. You’ll have to add up your deductible expenses and compare the total with the standard deduction to determine which one is higher. If you plan to take the standard deduction, you cannot also claim your medical expenses.

How to Claim Drug Rehab on Your Taxes

Taxes can become very complicated when you claim numerous deductions. To streamline the process and protect yourself legally, you must keep a careful record of your expenses. This includes medical bills, insurance documents, and any other official record of what you spent on rehab and other healthcare costs.

You’ll have to itemize your deductions if you plan to claim your residential treatment costs. To maximize your savings, you should also research other deductions that you may qualify for. You’ll calculate your deductions on the Schedule A form, or you can bring your documents to a tax professional to ensure that everything is correct.

You can claim medical expenses for dependents in exactly the same way. If you paid for your child or another dependent to attend a residential addiction program this year, you should keep track of your out-of-pocket costs so that you can claim them on your taxes.

Other Options for Reducing Your Tax Burden

Claiming medical expenses on your taxes is a popular option, but there are a few other ways to reduce your tax burden as well. A health savings account (HSA) can be an excellent resource if you’re facing sizable out-of-pocket expenses. A HSA is an account for medical bills that you can make pre-tax contributions to, which means you never pay taxes on the money in that fund. Most people with HSAs set them up through their employer, but you may be able to create one individually as long as you meet certain requirements.

A similar option is a flexible spending account (FSA), which is another account you can make pre-tax contributions to for your medical expenses. Your FSA is tied to your employer, though, so if you’ll lose the funds in the account if you lose your job. Additionally, unlike an HSA, the funds in your FSA do not roll over into the next year.

If you itemize your deductions, you can claim your residential costs and other addiction treatment expenses that exceed 7.5% of your income. Claiming these expenses can save you a great deal of money, which can make rehab more financially accessible. To reduce your out-of-pocket costs, you should carefully research the relevant deductions and any other sources of funding that are available to you. Inpatient care is a vital part of your recovery, and finances shouldn’t get in the way of you receiving the treatment you need.

Long Island Interventions helps New York residents get started on their path to a life free from drugs and alcohol. If you’re struggling with addiction, contact us today to receive the support you need.

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Published on: 2022-05-13
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Delta 8 is commonly viewed as a middle ground between CBD products and marijuana. However, there is a considerable amount of confusion and misinformation surrounding delta 8 THC products. Before you make your next purchase, it is essential to know more about what you may be buying and how using it could impact your life in various ways.

What Is Delta 8?

To clearly understand what delta 8 is, you must understand how it differs from CBD and delta 9. CBD is derived from the marijuana plant. However, it contains only a trace amount of THC, which is the compound that creates the high that many people associate with marijuana. Specifically, CBD may have up to 0.3 percent of THC to meet legal requirements. At this level, it will not give you a high, but CBD may offer many of the health benefits associated with marijuana. For example, CBD can alleviate symptoms related to cancer treatment, arthritis, anxiety, general pain, and other issues. While CBD is not legal in all states, it is available for direct purchase through dispensaries in many areas.

The delta 9 products, on the other hand, contain higher levels of THC. THC is also known as tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. In fact, delta 9 can cause paranoia, impaired motor skills, mental fog, and other unpleasant effects.

Delta 8 is comparable to delta 9 in many ways. In fact, it has the same compounds, but they are arranged differently at the molecular level. This small difference delivers the same health benefits as delta 9 with less significant psychoactive effects. While delta 8 may not make you feel as high as delta 9, it can still create a high. For those who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without its psychoactive effects, CBD is still a better option than delta 8.

Is Delta 8 Legal?

In 2018, the Federal Farm Bill was passed into law. This bill legalized hemp and all cannabinoids except for delta 9. As a result, Delta 8 is legal at the federal level as long as the product you are buying contains less than 0.3 percent THC. However, this does not mean that it is legal everywhere. Delta 8 is legal in all states where marijuana use has been legalized. It is also legal in many, but not all, states where CBD is legal. Specifically, delta 8 is currently legal in 31 states.

Be aware that the Drug Enforcement Agency created an interim rule in 2020 that clarified the differences between hemp and marijuana. If this rule is passed as law, it will illegalize delta 8. Laws related to delta 8 at the state and local levels are evolving. With this in mind, staying informed about changing legislation is important.

You should also understand that not all delta 8 products you could find in a headshop, online or in your local convenience store contain pure delta 8. Delta 8 is a synthetic substance that is chemically derived. In some cases, a sizable amount of delta 9 THC is found in these products. If you purchase your delta 8 products from an untrusted source, it is possible that other substances may be in the products as well.

Does Delta 8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Drug tests are designed to detect a variety of substances. These include alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, and others. Specifically related to marijuana, drug tests can detect the presence of THC in your urine. There are two common types of drug urine tests. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test, or GC-MS, provides the most accurate results. It is often referred to as a definitive test. However, it also takes more time and deeper analysis. The other test, which is the immunoassay test, is a rapid test that checks for macromolecules. It is more likely to be inaccurate than a GC-MS test. The immunoassay test is often called a presumptive drug test. Be aware that hair follicles, blood, and saliva may also be tested in some cases.

While delta 8 contains small amounts of THC, the level is large enough to be detected through both definitive and presumptive tests. Some of the reasons for this are because of the similar molecular structures of delta 8 and delta 9 and because they are metabolized in the human body similarly. Specifically, both compounds are broken down into the same THC-COOH compound. The tests in use today detect this compound, and they are simply not refined and sophisticated enough to determine the difference between delta 8 and delta 9. This means that if you ingest delta 8 products that may be legal in your area, you may fail a marijuana test.

It is important to note one important fact, however. Delta 8 THC yields approximately 30 ng/ml. The test threshold is 50 ng/ml. The immunoassay urine test is not sensitive to be accurate in this area, but the GC-MS test is. If you fail an immunoassay urine test because of delta 8 consumption, consider asking for a more accurate GC-MS test. Generally, however, it may be best to avoid putting yourself in this type of situation. If you know that you will be applying for a new job soon or if your employer conducts random drug tests, enjoying the temporary high from delta 8 may simply not be worth the risk.

How Long Does Delta 8 Stay in Your System?

The THC in delta 8 may remain in your saliva for a short period of time, but it may remain in hair follicles for more than three months in some cases. However, most drug tests use urine samples. With this in mind, how long does delta 8 show up on a drug test using urine? Each person’s body responds to THC differently, which means that some people will require more time to entirely rid their body of the THC in delta 8. In fact, this range can span from two days to several months.

Remember that the type of drug test used is only one of the factors that will impact your test results. For example, a one-time user will usually be able to rid his or her body of THC more efficiently and effectively than a long-term, frequent user. Heavy users have failed drug tests for up to 60 days after ingesting delta 8. Factors like your body’s rate of metabolism as well as your age, your weight, and even how hydrated you are also play roles.

You understandably may not like the answer when you ask how long delta 8 shows up on a drug test. The best way to ensure you pass a drug test is by avoiding delta 8 and all other drugs. However, what can you do if you have already used delta 8 and have a pending drug test? You may consider increasing your water intake if you do not have the luxury of waiting a few weeks for the THC to naturally leave your system. Remember that you can also purchase a drug test kit for home use. These tests are presumptive, immunoassay urine tests. While they may not always be accurate, they can help you to determine if you are more or less likely to pass your upcoming drug test.

Do You Have an Issue with Addiction?

Drug addiction can impact all aspects of your life. From impairing your ability to maintain employment to damaging personal relationships, and exposing you to legal issues, addiction is a serious matter. It can be difficult to break an addiction and maintain freedom from substance abuse without treatment. Contact Long Island Interventions today to make a positive impact on your life!

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Published on: 2022-04-15
Updated on: 2024-03-08

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that makes the body’s systems work much faster than normal. In fact, it is near the top of the list of dangerous drugs. It brings the potential for abuse, which leads to dependence.

Although methamphetamines are used recreationally, certain people do receive prescriptions to treat ADHD and other disorders. Oftentimes, individuals are drug tested for jobs or similar reasons. Therefore, it is important to learn the most common testing methods. How long does meth stay in your system? By taking a closer look at the drug’s effects and lasting symptoms, it may be possible to receive a solid answer.

How Long Does it Take to Experience Effects of Meth?

This drug will take effect at different rates. To be sure, it depends on how it was administered. The amount being used makes a difference as well. In fact, smoking and orally ingesting meth are two of the fastest delivery methods. With these acts, the brain feels effects in seconds. A person’s “rush” is felt within a few minutes of oral use. It is important to recognize the effects of the drug.

• Lowered Appetite
• Heightened Attention
• Lowered Inhibitions
• Hyperthermia

Methamphetamines provide energy to a person in a short period of time. However, a crash occurs after a few hours that leaves him or her with feelings of tiredness and depression. Also, it is crucial to note that mixing meth with alcohol enhances impairment. In fact, it may raise the likelihood of developing alcohol poisoning.

How Long Does Meth Last?

To explain, the half-life of meth averages at 10 hours. In other words, it takes approximately 10 hours for half of the dosage to be metabolized and eliminated from a person’s blood. When ingested, meth levels peak after three hours and are eliminated after 12 hours. On the other hand, it takes a bit longer to leave the bloodstream when taken by injection.

When comparing meth to other drugs, its effects are longer-lasting. The euphoric effect is felt for up to 12 hours. There are certain stages of intoxication that occur.

• Rush. Immediately after ingesting the drug, the adrenaline high lasts up to 30 minutes.
• High. The rush is followed by a feeling of euphoria. This “shoulder” lasts up to 16 hours.
• Binge. Throughout the binge stage, a willing person does anything possible to maintain the high feeling by taking more of the drug. This may last for weeks. During this time, it may be difficult to eat or sleep.
• Tweaking. After an individual uses this drug for a long period of time, it stops producing the same high feelings. Therefore, an individual begins “tweaking” the amounts being taken. This may lead to paranoia. This phase can last for a few weeks.

To be sure, methamphetamines remain in a person’s system long after the effects go away. Even though a person may feel safe to drive or to operate heavy machinery, an impairment may still exist and cause distraction, fatigue, and cognitive issues.

Detection Time

Even though a methamphetamine high usually lasts less than one day, the drug remains in a person’s system for longer. Therefore, it is important to pinpoint how long the drug is detectable within an individual’s body. Of course, large amounts of meth will take longer to eliminate.

Common Types of Tests Used

The kind of test used to detect meth influences how long the drug will bring a positive result.

• Urine. A urine test is often used to detect drug use. With meth, it may be detected in urine for approximately five hours after use. Also, it may be detected for seven days after the last dosage.
• Blood. Blood tests are more sensitive. Meth may be detected within a few hours of use. It is detectable up to three days after the last dosage.
• Saliva. A saliva test may detect meth within minutes. Also, it may detect consumption for up to four days of the last dose.
• Hair. A hair follicle may be used to detect meth usage within the past three months.

False Positives

By far, urine tests are the most useful way of testing for drugs like meth. This type of test is quite accurate. However, it is possible to elicit a false-positive result. A urine test detects items with similar characteristics to meth. Certain medications share the same components of meth and may deliver a false positive. For instance, certain antibiotics, antipsychotics, decongestants, diabetes pills, blood pressure medicines, and antidepressants may lead to incorrect results.

Factors that Influence Detection Time

A person’s overall health, age, metabolism, and frequency of usage will alter the timetable for detecting meth in the body.

• Health. A person’s liver and kidney function influence the time that it takes a person to process meth and to eliminate it from the body.
• Frequency. To be sure, individuals who use meth on a frequent basis will have a prolonged detection period.
• Metabolism. A person with a quick metabolism will process and eliminate meth at a fast pace. To be sure, a person’s age and level of activity may affect metabolic rate.
• Method of Use. To repeat, the way that a person uses meth will influence detection time. In detail, oral ingestion means that elimination is slightly quicker than with injection.

Drug Testing at Home

Most people are familiar with the protocol and drug policies in many work environments. It is quite common for a potential employee to undergo a drug test before being hired. Likewise, present employees are often subject to spot testing while on the job. This ensures a safe workspace and upholds the health of all workers.

Besides adults, teens often fall victim to peer pressure to use methamphetamines. When parents suspect a problem, they are likely to want a way to uncover whether or not an issue is occurring. Home tests are valuable tools. There are a number of reasons why parents choose to test their children.

• Prevent Long-Term Abuse. Many parents feel that uncovering a problem early will prevent long-term usage. Although there is no proof of this, parents still choose to self-test to help curb use in their children.
• Prevent Future Use. If parents suspect a drug problem in their teen, it is typical to use an at-home test to confirm suspicions. Also, tests may be used on a regular basis to make sure drug use does not occur in the future or to make sure it has ceased.
• Determine Present Drug Usage. Many parents use at-home tests to uncover a teen’s drug use. Although these kits are not fool-proof, it is a solid way to detect a problem. If a positive test is discovered, it is a smart time to monitor the situation more carefully and to have serious discussions with the child.

What is a Good Drug Test Option?

If you are interested in drug testing and want to have something at your home or at your business for your employees, it is smart to have a reliable way to verify usage. Also, if you have recently taken drugs, it may be wise to have an at-home test to make sure everything has completely left your system.

The “12 Panel Advanced Urine and Drug Test Kit” (available for purchase on our site) is an inexpensive and accurate test that is simple to use. Also, it detects 12 different drugs, including meth. It is easy to understand and brings results in minutes. For peace of mind, it may be wise to keep a few on hand.

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Published on: 2022-01-31
Updated on: 2024-03-15