We have all heard about it: the opioid epidemic that has taken the lives of thousands, so much so that there is no standing statistic on the actual number of deaths occurring. The nation has struggled in recent years with opioid-related overdoses, and it is not limited to prescriptions. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are increasing in prevalence. So, how long do opioids stay in your system? The answer is simple, but first, we must understand what opioids are.
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What Are Opioids?
Opioid use has risen to 2.3 million individuals struggling with the disorder. An opioid is commonly known as a “painkiller,” though it is a much stronger make than Tylenol or Advil. Opioids can be created from the poppy plant, which causes pain-relieving effects. Often, they can be created in a lab. When consumed, opioids attach to natural receptors in your cells, which then provide relief by blocking nerve signals responsible for pain.
However, they also release dopamine and activate the reward center in the brain, thus making them potentially addictive. Common opioids can be divided into three categories: synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural. When taken responsibly, opioids can cause a relief of pain, but they can severely affect the way the brain functions.
Natural opioids include codeine, morphine, and opium, and are derived from the poppy plant. Semi-synthetic opioids are half natural and half lab-made and include heroin, hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone, oxycodone (Oxycontin), and oxymorphone. Lastly, synthetic opioids are developed in a lab and include fentanyl, methadone, and tramadol.
Factors Influencing Opioid Metabolism
So, how long do opioids stay in your system? Good question, but it is one with a difficult answer. We all have different metabolisms, and our bodies are all unique.
There are several factors that affect how long an opioid will stay in your system. For example, decreased organ function in older adults causes a slow metabolism, meaning it will last longer in your system. Also, regardless of age, everyone has a different metabolism, and though it can be anywhere between 3 days to 3 months, it depends on the test used. Also, the dosage and frequency of use drastically affect how long opioids will stay in your system.
If you take a lot at once or over a long period, it will likely build up in your system, prolonging the duration. So, how long do opioids stay in your system? It depends on your metabolism, the amount of opioids used at a given time, and many other factors. Again, individual differences play a big role in this scenario.
Detection Windows for Different Opioids
How long do opioids stay in your system? This depends on the individual, but there are different ways to detect opioids. If you are testing urine, the body metabolizes the opioid by passing it through the kidneys, releasing it via urine. This often means that it will only be detectable for a few hours. With blood tests, the standard is 24 hours after use, as the bloodstream metabolizes and eliminates the opioid rapidly.
Saliva tests are much like a urine test, where a small window of time can detect opioids. Lastly, hair tests have the longest detection time, which can provide drug use of up to 90 days, though it takes a longer period of time for opioids to metabolize.
For specific windows, these are just a few notes:
Heroin:
- Urine tests can detect it 1-3 days after use.
- Blood tests can detect it up to 6 hours after use.
- Saliva can detect it for around 1-2 days after use.
- Hair tests can detect it up to 90 days after use.
Oxycodone:
- Urine tests can detect oxycodone for 3-4 days after use.
- Blood tests can detect it for up to 24 hours after use.
- Saliva can detect it for up to 1-2 days after use.
- Hair, again, is detectable for up to 90 days after use.
Hydrocodone:
- Urine tests can be fairly accurate for 2-4 days after use.
- Blood tests provide a window of 24 hours after use.
- Saliva tests maintain 1-2 days after use, like others.
- Hair tests, again, can detect it for up to 90 days after use.
Lastly, Fentanyl:
- Urine can detect it for up to 1-3 days after use.
- Blood tests can detect it for up to 12 hours after use.
- Saliva tests remain consistent at 1-2 days after use.
- Hair tests, again, are detectable for 90 days after use.
Though these are just a select few types of opioids, it is important to note that these are standardized and depend on the individual, the amount consumed, and the duration of use.
How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use
When asking: “How long do opioids stay in your system?” there are a number of factors that can provide this information. When used in a short time span, mostly as directed, there will not be a buildup of opioids within the body, and it is often shorter in duration.
However, though everyone is different, the more an opioid is consumed, especially when in frequent amounts, there is a chance that it will last much longer than when used for short-term reasons. The more you consume, the more likely you will have a higher detection window.
Understanding Opioid Half-Life
What is a half-life? It is exactly what it sounds like. It is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the drug to be present in your system for detection. This also refers to the factors behind its effects. Most opioids have half-lives of 50 percent, but there are, again, individual variations. Common half-lives for heroin are 2-6 minutes, while oxycodone can have a half-life of 3-5 hours. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) has a half-life of up to 6 hours, and fentanyl has a half-life of 3-12 hours.
When the half-life occurs, not only is it less detectable, but it also involves the effects of the opioid. This is why certain prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, are longer lasting than heroin. This is why heroin, in particular, is so deadly — its effects wear off quickly, and this leads to chronic use. This does not limit itself to heroin; any opioid can cause severe addiction.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
For the majority of opioids, initial withdrawal symptoms can occur within hours. After around 3 days, the intensity is known to grow and can result in a desire to use. Around 5-7 days, most opioids begin to show severe withdrawal symptoms, and that is why Muse Treatment offers a medically supervised detox program.
Though after around 2 weeks, most symptoms can go away, there is more to it than that. Cravings and psychological symptoms can remain, as long-term use of opioids — especially when used periodically — can drastically alter the way the brain works. This is why seeking treatment from the best opioid rehab in Los Angeles is so important.
Importance of Detox and Medical Supervision
As stated, medical supervision is required for opioid detox in Los Angeles, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe if not aided medically. Vitals and medication-assisted treatment are often used to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring or escalating to a more severe level.
This does not mean that it will be easy, but unsupervised withdrawal can result in more than just discomfort; it can result in death, as the body has become dependent on the drug. It is never a good idea to try to stop opioids cold turkey, and if you have an addiction, reach out to us before you enter a dangerous and painful scenario.
Long-Term Health Effects of Opioid Use
Because opioids are depressants, they cut off signals from cells that relieve pain. Recent research has shown that long-term use of opioids can cause attention problems, concentration issues, psychomotor dysfunction, and even mental illness. Depression can occur, as well as anxiety, and if abused, a condition called hypoxia can occur, where there is a lack of oxygen sent to the brain. This can result in brain damage. Furthermore, if used incorrectly, death can occur, as they slow down the nervous system. This is why it is very important to maintain usage in the right amounts, and if you have difficulties breathing, please seek medical attention. It’s important to know the steps to preventing an opioid overdose before it happens.
Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction
Opioids are one of the highest-growing causes of drug overdoses in the United States. This is why medical detox is so important. If you try to stop opioid use suddenly, even in short amounts, you can risk severe withdrawal symptoms that can be deadly. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is something Muse Treatment uses to reduce the withdrawal effects of opioids.
It is very important to have an individualized treatment plan for your addiction. We pride ourselves on this and have a supportive, open community handled by a certified and trained staff. We can help you learn how to quit opioids and avoid withdrawal. Lastly, support groups are essential to recovery, including Narcotics Anonymous, which is often used during and after addiction treatment. Muse Treatment is here to help. Reach out to us online or call 800-426-1818.
