How Long Does a Meth High Last and Why?
What is Crystal Methamphetamine?
Crystal methamphetamine is an illegally manufactured amphetamine. How long does a meth high last? That depends on a number of factors. The most relevant factor is usually how the amphetamine is consumed. How long a meth high is depends in part on how a person gets the drug into their body in the first place. There are several methods. It is important to note that there is no “safe” way to use meth however.
Anyone who tries to convince themselves that their drug use is somehow acceptable because they “only” snort it instead of smoking or injecting, is lying to themselves. There is no such thing as a “casual user”. Not for long anyway. It isn’t a social drug like alcohol or even marijuana, which some people who are not addicts can use occasionally without nasty repercussions. Make no mistake. Crystal methamphetamine is a very powerful, very dangerous drug manufactured from dangerous chemicals. It is not “safe” to use. If you want to know “how long is a meth high”, the first thing to consider is the route of administration.
Let’s look at the major ways in which people use this drug:
- Intranasally: Snorting the powder form.
- Smoking: Burning the crystalized/rock form.
- Intravenous: Injecting a liquid solution of meth into the veins.
- Orally: Swallowing a tablet containing meth or mixing the powder into a drink.
- Rectally: Putting meth into the rectum, aka “booty-bumping” (this is much less common than other methods)
How Long is a Meth High?
To answer the question “How long does a meth high last” we need to look at the person and how it’s used. We also need to consider the conditions. How you use the drug also has an effect on how quickly the effects begin and how intense they are. All drugs affect us by entering the brain via the bloodstream. The more quickly a drug enters the bloodstream and the more of it makes it to the brain, the greater the effects. In general, swallowing a drug is the slowest route of administration.
This is because the drug has to make it’s way through the digestive system which takes longer and more of the drug can be “lost” that way. If there is any food present, that can slow absorption further. Snorting or smoking a drug gets more of it into the system more rapidly. The nasal membrane can rapidly get drug into the bloodstream and the lungs oxygenate our blood, so inhaling crystal methamphetamine smoke gets meth into the bloodstream quickly. Injecting is perhaps the most direct method though as you are bypassing other organs and putting the compound directly into the blood.
Understanding What Meth Does to the Body
How long does a meth high last also varies according to the amount, potency/purity and form. It varies from person to person to, because everyone’s metabolism and biology is different. With all that said: How long does a meth high last? Anywhere from 6-8 hours to as long as 24 hours. A person who snorts a very small amount might notice most of the effects wearing off after 6 hours or so. A person who ingests more will feel the effects much longer. Meth users tend to binge.
Ironically, the drug itself induces compulsive behaviors and one of the most common compulsions it triggers is the desire to use more. The meth crash that follows a period of use can be devastating. Most people who use with any regularity are going to use it a lot more than once in a 24 hour period. It is not uncommon for users to go on a “run” that lasts several days. Crystal methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant and users with often go without sleep for days on end. Sleep deprivation by itself can cause irritability and hallucinations. Combined with crystal use, psychotic symptoms are frequently seen on these extended periods of use.
How Long Does a Meth High Last and What are the Long-Term Effects?
Have you ever seen someone who uses meth regularly, or even a photograph of a chronic user? If so, it’s not surprising to hear that crystal is devastating to human health. There are few drugs which can cause as much physical and psychological destruction as crystal does in such a short period of time. If you use meth or know someone who does, there are more important questions to ask than “how long does a meth high last”. For example, “What are the long-term effects of meth use?” is a much better question. Anyone who uses meth or knows someone who does owes it to themselves to know the answers.
Here are just a few of the long-term effects of crystal methamphetamine use:
- Memory loss
- Severe dental problems
- Unhealthy weight loss
- Psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations
- Permanent changes in brain structure and function
- Violent or aggressive behavior and mood disturbances
- How Can Meth Addiction Be Conquered?
We won’t sugarcoat the truth for you. Overcoming meth addiction is hard. The good news is there is hope. Millions of people have recovered from crystal meth addiction. However, it does take some willingness and commitment. Very, very few people can do it alone. Willpower alone is almost never enough. If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, call Recovery by the Sea at (877) 207-5033 or visit our contact page here for other ways to reach us.