It can be really hard to get clear and non-judgemental information about drugs. To help cut through the noise, we've compiled a list of the most commonly searched questions about methamphetamine. Here are our answers.
How long does meth stay in your system?
You’ll usually feel the effects of meth for several hours, but traces of the drug can be picked up in your body for longer. How long depends on things like how much you’ve taken, how often you use, and the type of test.
- Blood: up to 1–3 days
- Urine: usually 1–4 days (sometimes up to a week for heavy/frequent use)
- Saliva: 1–4 days
- Hair: up to 90 days
Everyone’s body is different, so these are only averages. Things like your metabolism, body fat and hydration.
Does meth show up in hair follicle test?
Yes. Meth can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after last use. That’s because as your hair grows, it locks in tiny amounts of the drug and its by-products. Hair testing isn’t common in New Zealand but is sometimes used in workplaces or courts, when it is used, it can pick up a much longer history of use compared to urine or blood tests. There is no evidence that second-hand exposure to meth smoke makes a hair follicle test go positive.
What is meth?
Methamphetamine (often just called “meth”) is a powerful stimulant drug. It usually comes as a white crystalline powder or as clear crystals (sometimes called “crystal meth” or “P”). It is often smoked, injected or swallowed
Meth speeds up your body and brain functions. It can make people feel alert, confident, energetic and euphoric. But it can also cause unpleasant effects like anxiety, paranoia, aggression and problems with sleep. Taking too much meth can cause ‘overamping’- where your bodies functions speed up too much.
What does meth look like?
Meth can come in a few different forms. The two most common are crystal (clear or white shards that look like glass or rock salt) and powder (a white or off-white powder).
Depending on how it’s made, meth can also look yellowish, brownish, or have a bluish tint. The way meth looks, smells or taste does not tell you how ‘pure’ or strong it is.
What does meth smell like?
Meth itself doesn’t always have a strong smell. The crystal version is often described as having a faint chemical or medicinal odour. When it’s smoked, people sometimes say it smells like burnt plastic, cleaning products, or chemicals.
The smell of meth can also change depending on what it’s been cut or mixed with.
Is Adderall meth?
No — Adderall and meth are different substances.
Adderall is a prescription medication used mainly for ADHD. Its active ingredient is a mix of amphetamine salts - this is the same family of drugs as methamphetamine.
Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are stimulants, so they share some similar effects (like increased alertness and energy). The difference is that methamphetamine crosses into the brain more easily and tends to have stronger, longer-lasting effects.
Is Ritalin similar to meth?
No - Ritalin is not meth.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD. It’s not meth, but it is a stimulant. Like meth, Ritalin speeds up the brain and body, increasing focus, alertness and energy.
Is meth an opioid?
No. Methamphetamine is a stimulant.
Opioids (like morphine, oxycodone, heroin and fentanyl) slow your body down and are used medically for pain relief. If you’re getting drugs from the black market, there’s always a risk that they aren’t what they’re sold as. You can use drug checking to find out what you have.
Can you overdose on meth?
Yes. Meth overdoses happens when your brain and body functions speed up too much. This is sometimes referred to as ‘overamping’.
The signs of overamping on meth can include a racing or irregular heartbeat, very high blood pressure or body temperature (fevers), panic or paranoia, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. Overamping can be life-threatening — if you or someone you’re with shows these signs, call 111 straight away. You won’t get in trouble for seeking medical help.
Who invented meth?
Methamphetamine was first made in Japan in 1893 by a chemist named Nagai Nagayoshi. It became widely used in the 20th century, including during World War II when soldiers were given it to stay awake and alert. After the war, it spread more into wider public use, and over time became associated with recreational use.
Can you get off meth without help? How do you get off meth without rehab?
Some people stop using meth on their own, and other people find this hard to do. Whether or not you might need more intensive support can depend on a lot of factors - including how long you have used for, how much you have been using, your overall mental and physical health and your support networks.
Meth withdrawal often comes with strong cravings, low mood, fatigue, and sleep problems. For many people, having support — whether from friends, whānau, peer support groups, or health professionals — makes a huge difference.
You don’t have to go to residential rehab to get help. In New Zealand, there are community-based services, lived-experience peer workers, and free confidential helplines like. Talking to a GP or addiction service can also open up support options tailored to you. This article has more information on how to get help for your meth use.
What is used for meth overdose? Is Narcan used for meth?
Narcan (naloxone) is a medication that reverses opioid overdoses — it doesn’t work for meth. There’s no direct antidote for a meth overdose. Treatment is usually about managing the symptoms: cooling the body down, lowering blood pressure, helping with breathing, and treating seizures if they happen.
If you think someone has overdosed on meth, call 111 right away. Paramedics can provide urgent care to stabilise the person until they’re at hospital. If you know someone has used meth but they are showing signs of an opioid overdose give them naloxone anyway- it won’t hurt them.
Check out our methamphetamine drug info page for more.
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
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