How Long Does Meth Stay In Your Hair?

Methamphetamine is an addictive drug that is used by millions of people in the United States each year. It can come in the form of a pill, powder, or rock-like crystal (crystal meth). Drug testing may be ordered by a doctor, employer, legal entity, or athletic organization to screen for illicit or prescription drug use. One of the ways methamphetamine use can be detected is by analyzing a sample of hair.

Meth can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after your last use. If you or a loved one tests positive for meth, a doctor may recommend inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment.

What Factors Can Affect How Long Meth Remains In Your Hair?

Drug detection times for meth, or the amount of time meth is detectable in hair, can vary based on multiple factors.

Factors that may affect the detection window for meth:

• drug dependence
• amount of meth used
• frequency of use
• polydrug abuse

Dying, washing, or styling your hair won’t affect whether meth will be detected in your hair.

How Long Does It Take To Get Hair Test Results?

Negative test results may be available within 24 hours of getting tested, depending on the laboratory that is analyzing the hair sample.

Positive test results may be confirmed within 72 hours of providing a hair sample, if performed in-person in a clinical setting.

Why Do Doctors Order Hair Tests For Meth?

Healthcare providers may order a drug test if someone is showing side effects of meth use or has a history of abusing addictive substances.

Common signs of meth use include:

• hyperactivity
• unexplained weight loss
• psychosis (e.g. hallucinations, delusions)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• poor mental health
• violent or aggressive behavior

People who test positive for methamphetamine may need to get addiction treatment.

Signs Of Meth Addiction

Meth affects the brain’s reward system so powerfully that the line between use and addiction can be crossed quickly.

Some signs that meth use may have become a serious issue include:

• Wanting to quit but being unable to follow through is one of the clearest indicators of dependence.
• Continuing to use despite job loss, relationship breakdown, legal trouble, or declining health signals that addiction has taken hold.
• Significant weight loss, severe dental decay, skin sores, and premature aging are visible signs of heavy, prolonged use.
• Paranoia, hallucinations, and erratic or violent behavior are common with heavy meth use and can persist even after stopping.
• Intense fatigue, prolonged sleep, depression, and strong cravings when going without meth indicate dependence that typically requires professional support to overcome.

If several of these signs are present, contacting a healthcare provider or calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can put you on track to recovery.

Treatment For Meth Addiction

Addiction to meth can make you do all sorts of things you wouldn’t normally do. Imagining a life without it may seem impossible. Getting treatment for meth through an inpatient or outpatient program can help you reclaim your life.

Treatment programs for meth can offer detox assistance, behavioral therapy, and group counseling among other medical and behavioral health services.