Methamphetamine Drug Test Facts

Here are some methamphetamine drug test facts. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and here are some methamphetamine drug test facts. It is a white powder that has no odor and a bitter taste. It dissolves in water or alcohol and is usually swallowed, snorted, injected, or smoked. It is a dangerous drug and very addictive.

Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is involved with pleasure, reward, motivation, and motor function. Methamphetamine releases dopamine in areas of the brain that provide the euphoria that users feel after smoking, snorting or injecting the drug. Using methamphetamines on a continuous basis changes the function of the brain. It can impair verbal learning and motor skills are reduced. It can also cause emotional and cognitive problems in people who abuse methamphetamines. Repeated abuse can lead to addiction because of the molecular and chemical changes it causes in the brain. It is possible after a long period of abstinence that some of these effects may be reversed.

There are many adverse effects from using this drug. Even used in small amounts it increases the heart rate or causes it to be irregular, increases breathing, physical activity and blood pressure, and decreases the appetite. Long term use can cause dental problems, weight loss, insomnia, mood disturbances, confusion, and violent behavior. It can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Hepatitis B and C, altered judgment leading to risky behaviors, and increased progression of HIV are also risk factors when using this drug. Because of the damage it can cause, the habitual user is at risk for liver, kidney and lung damage, and even death. They are also at risk for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in later life. First time users are at risk for stroke or heart attack which could lead to death.

Testing for methamphetamines is done by either blood or urine. Hair and skin can also be tested, but urine testing is the most reliable. The drug reaches the urine in about three to five hours after use. Blood testing is very expensive but accurate and if you test positive, it is a probability that the results are correct. Federal drug testing does not allow blood tests at this time. Saliva tests are accurate, but not used very widely. Hair tests will show use even three months later. This testing is very reliable but must be done in a laboratory and is more expensive. If you have used methamphetamines there is no way to alter the test results for blood and hair. The best you could do is cause a false positive in the urine test.

The effects of methamphetamines last from two to four hours with a half-life of from nine to twenty-four hours. It is detectable for approximately three to five days in the urine. The only way to be sure you can pass a drug test for methamphetamines is not to use any!

Treatment for methamphetamine addiction after supervised detoxification is mostly cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, interventions, education, and the 12-step program. There is no medication available at this time to help with the addiction.



What Others Are Reading Right Now.

  • Speakeasy


  • 25 Enlightening Quotes About Being a Gentleman


  • Formal Friday