How Long Can Flakka Be Detected In Your System?

Flakka is a synthetic drug that is often referred to as “bath salts.” It is a Schedule I drug that was made in 2021. The detection times for this drug are still being studied, but so far, testers have been able to detect Flakka use for up to 3 days.

Flakka can be detected in your system for up to 3 days. The detection time may increase as more is understood about this new designer drug, as researchers are still exploring testing for it.

Flakka is a synthetic drug that is commonly referred to as “bath salts.” It is a stimulant street drug classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule I controlled substance.

This means both that it is highly addictive and that it has no medicinal purposes. The use of flakka can result in hyperstimulation, psychosis, excited delirium, and aggressive behavior.

Flakka Detection Times

Flakka is the street name for alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone, also known as alpha-pvp. It first appeared on the market in 2021, and is currently most commonly found in South Florida.

It is a synthetic cathinone, a type of drug that is chemically similar to a natural stimulant found in the khat plant.

Other cathinones include methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and pyrovalerone.

It produces effects similar to crystal meth, cocaine, and MDMA (ecstasy). Like the detection times for other stimulants, windows of detection for flakka can vary.

However, since it is so new, detection times for this substance are not as understood as the detection times of other drugs, such as amphetamines or benzodiazepines.

Urine Tests For Flakka Abuse

A urine drug test for flakka can detect the drug for up to 3 days. This common type of testing could be requested by an employer, as part of court proceedings, or by law enforcement.

Blood Tests For Flakka Abuse

For 2 to 3 days, blood testing can determine flakka substance use. This test is rarer than others, but is used when very recent drug use is suspected, especially in medical or emergency settings.

Saliva Tests For Flakka Abuse

Oral fluid testing can yield positive test results for about 2 to 3 days after flakka use. This is usually done via a mouth swab, and results can often be determined on-site within minutes.

Hair Tests For Flakka Abuse

How long flakka can be detected via hair testing is currently unknown. The long-term research needed to study how hair follicles hold traces of this drug has not yet been completed.

How Is Flakka Metabolized In The Body?

The effects of flakka occur when it starts interacting with the central nervous system.

The drug affects dopamine levels in the body, creating senses of euphoria, violent behavior, and foggy thinking.

However, the short-term side effects and long-term implications of using this substance are still unknown.

Does The Method Of Administration Affect How Long Flakka Stays In Your System?

While the specifics of how long flakka stays in your system are still being studied, average drug detection times are often affected by the method of administration.

Tablets, powders, crystals (known as “gravel”), and liquid forms are common. According to the National Institute of Health, it is sold as bath salts, plant food, or phone screen cleaner.

Injecting, swallowing, snorting, and vaporizing in e-cigarettes are all common ways to take this drug.

As injecting is generally the fastest form of use, it is also the fastest to leave your body. The fastest removal rate after that is snorting, followed by vaporizing, and finally swallowing.

Flakka Abuse Treatment Options

Our treatment center can provide a space for you or a loved one to recover from flakka addiction or another substance use disorder.

Whether you need outpatient behavioral therapy, inpatient drug detox, or any of our other levels of care, you can trust the mental health experts at our facility to help.

Call our helpline today to get started with addiction treatment at Spring Hill Recovery Center.

  1. National Institute of Health | National Center for Biotechnology Information — Synthetic Cathinones (‘Bath Salts’) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474442/
  2. National Institute of Health | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Commonly Used Drugs Charts: Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts/Flakka) https://nida.nih.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts#synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts-flakka-
  3. National Institute of Health | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts") DrugFacts https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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