How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

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Are you or one of your loved ones struggling with opioid substance use? Whether you’re navigating pain management or are simply seeking knowledge, we’re here to help.

In this article, we delve into how long opioids stay in your system. Learn about factors that contribute to a longer withdrawal timeline. Plus, gain insight into the common opioids, their potencies, and testing methods.

By the end, you’ll receive tips to aid you through the opioid detoxification process!

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding the opioid receptors in the brain.

In the healthcare industry, doctors use opioids to relieve chronic pain. However, because of their side effects, people can get addicted to them.

The misuse of opioids can result in dangerous consequences. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of substance abuse-related deaths are because of opioids.

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioids, it’s vital to seek treatment programs immediately!

Types of Opioids and Their Potencies

Potency and duration depend on the type of opioid in your system. Below is an overview of the different opioids you may encounter.

1. Natural Opioids

Natural opioids are substances derived from the opium poppy. They include opiates like morphine, opium, and codeine.

These types of opioids are moderately potent, lasting for several hours per dosage.

2. Semi-Synthetic Opioids

Semi-synthetic opioids are clinically-modified versions of natural opioids. They have a stronger potency than natural opioids but are weaker than synthetic opioids.

Some examples are oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone.

3. Synthetic Opioids

Synthetic opioids are man-made substances with a high potency. Fentanyl, for example, is 100 times more potent than morphine. Some synthetic opioids, like carfentanil, are so dangerous that they can tranquilize an elephant!

That said, some synthetic opioids have positive uses. Methadone can be beneficial pain relief when prescribed by a doctor.

Synthetic opioids typically have a lower bioavailability and shorter duration. They can last for a few minutes to a few hours depending on the formulation.

4. Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are painkillers that doctors legally prescribe. These include morphine and hydrocodone.

The potency of prescription opioids varies. For instance, oxycodone is highly potent, while codeine is milder. A single dose of this type of opioid can relieve severe pain for four to five hours.

5. Illicit Opioids

Unlike prescription opioids for pain relief, illicit opioids are illegal addictive substances. An example is heroin, which scientists derive from morphine.

The potency of illicit opioids varies depending on purity. Heroin can make you drowsy for several hours but may have lasting effects if combined with other types of drugs.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

Different types of opioids have varying half-lives. This is the time it takes your body to process half of the drug or medication.

Methadone has a half-life of eight minutes, while morphine has a half-life of two hours. Meaning, it takes your body longer to rid morphine from your system.

So, how long do opioids stay in your system? In general, after taking an opioid, you’ll feel it in your system for several hours. Your body gets rid of most of the drug after 24 hours.

However, even if you can’t feel its effects anymore, doctors can still detect traces of opioids in your body. You can test positive for a drug test months after taking an opioid!

The Differences in Detection Windows for an Opioid Drug Test

Here’s an overview of the amount of time it takes opioids to disappear from your system.

• Blood Tests: Most opioids can be detected by blood tests within 24 hours.
• Urine Tests: Urine tests can detect opioids in your system up to three days after your last dose. Heroin may disappear from urine after a day, while morphine and codeine take longer.
• Saliva Tests: Doctors can detect opioids through saliva tests within 48 hours of usage. Hydrocodone can stay in your saliva for up to 36 hours.
• Hair Tests: The detection times for hair tests last the longest. Medical professionals can detect opioids through hair tests even three months after the last usage.

Detection times of opioids and their metabolites vary depending on your dosage, genetics, and usage frequency. The longer the substance abuse, the more time it’ll take to clear the drug from your system.

Opioid Detoxification: What to Expect

Opioid withdrawal symptoms start to appear after 12 hours of your last drug use.

You may start to feel anxiety, restlessness, sweating, diarrhea, and shaking. Others experience body aches, watery eyes, fever, and vomiting.

At night, you may have trouble sleeping. Your heartbeat and breathing become rapid.

In severe cases, opioid withdrawal can include seizures and hallucinations. Because of this, it’s important to detox under the watchful eye of medical professionals.

How Long Does Opioid Withdrawal Last?

Opioid withdrawal can last anywhere from two days to a few weeks. The rate at which you overcome the symptoms depends on your age, health, and intake.

If you’re undergoing opioid addiction treatment, don’t worry. The worst symptoms disappear after a few days!

How Can You Make Opioid Detoxification More Manageable?

Going to a treatment center is the best way to make detoxification easy. Doctors can offer medication for your symptoms and provide intensive care should you need it.

Professionals can scale your symptoms and determine how serious the withdrawal is. They may also prescribe methadone or buprenorphine to ease the cravings.

Aside from that, you should do moderate exercise and drink plenty of water. Eat healthy food and distract your mind by immersing yourself in hobbies.

Having a friend with you through the process can help your mental health. Remember, you don’t have to be alone through this difficult time!

Conclusion

So, how long do opioids stay in your system?

The simple answer is traces of opioid drugs can remain in your body for three months or more. That said, the worst withdrawal symptoms should go away within a few days.

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid use, it’s best to seek a medical professional. Doctors can increase your success rate and help you wean off of opioids safely.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to explore your treatment options today!