How long do opiates stay in the system? In many cases, a lot longer than you may imagine.
Opioids are a class of prescription pain relievers that make up some of the most commonly-used drugs in the United States. Common synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids include:
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Tramadol
- Methadone
- Oxymorphone
- Hydromorphone
- Heroin
Opioids can be detected in the body through various drug testing methods, including tests of the urine, blood, saliva, or hair. Opioids (opiates) can stay in someone’s system for up to 4 days, and be detectable in hair tests for even longer.
How long these drugs stay in your system can also depend on factors such as drug dosage, age, metabolism, and how long you have been taking the drug.
Drug Testing Methods For Opioids (Opiates)
After someone has used an opioid, traces of the drug can begin showing up in a drug test anywhere between minutes to several hours after use. The quickness of a positive result for opioids in someone’s system will depend on the type of drug test used, and other factors such as the type of opioid used.
Urine tests are the most common type of drug test to screen for opioid use. This requires collecting urine in a clean and clear container to be analyzed. Other types of drug tests capable of detecting opioids include hair, saliva, and blood tests.
Depending on the type of drug, however, some tests may not be able to conclude which opioid or opiate a person has used. This may have to be disclosed by the person being tested if the drug test is unable to provide this information.
Length Of Time Opiates Stay In Your System
Drug detection times for opioids can vary depending on the type of drug a person has used. Despite their similar effects, many common opioids are processed through the body at different speeds and can, therefore, leave a person’s system faster. Depending on the testing method, the length of time opiates (codeine and morphine) can be detected in the body:
- Urine: 1 to 3 days
- Blood: up to 12 hours
- Oral fluid (Saliva): 1 to 3 days
- Hair: up to 90 days
Length Of Time Opioids Stay In Your System
Synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids such as fentanyl are 50 to 100 times more potent than natural opiates like morphine and heroin. Due to differences in their chemical makeup and how they are processed through the body, detection times for various opioids can differ.
Fentanyl:
Urine: 3 to 4 days (although not always detectable)
Blood: up to 12 hours
Oral fluid (saliva): 1 to 4 days
Hair: up to 90 days
Methadone:
Urine: up to 2 weeks
Blood: 24 hours
Oral fluid (saliva): up to 10 days
Hair: up to 90 days
Oxycodone:
Urine: up to 4 days
Blood: 24 hours
Oral fluid (saliva): 1 to 4 days
Hair: up to 90 days
Hydrocodone:
Urine: 1 to 3 days
Blood: 24 hours
Oral fluid (saliva): 24 to 36 hours
Hair: up to 90 days
Heroin is also a semi-synthetic opiate derived from morphine. Unlike prescription drugs, however, heroin is illegal in the United States. Due to similarities in chemical properties, a urine test that is sensitive to heroin-specific metabolites may be required to differentiate heroin use from use of another opioid. The amount of time heroin can be detected in the body:
- Urine: up to 4 days
- Blood: 5 to 6 hours
- Oral fluid (saliva): 5 to 6 hours
- Hair: up to 90 days
What Factors Can Affect Detection Times?
General estimates for the length of time opioids remain in a person’s system are not universal, and can be affected by personal, biological, and other lifestyle-related factors. This can result in longer or shorter windows than average for positive test results. Drug test results for opioid use may be influenced by:
- Age
- Body size
- Metabolism
- Amount of drug taken
- Frequency of drug use
- Method of use
- Drug use and addiction
- Liver and kidney health
Why Do People Get Tested For Opioids?
There are a variety of reasons why a person may be tested for opioid use. Some doctors require regular drug screenings for patients who on opioids for more than 90 days. This is to ensure they are taking their prescription and to screen for illicit drug use. Drug testing is also common in places of employment. Testing is sometimes required prior to beginning a new job and may continue to be required on a regular basis based on workplace policies.
People with a previous history of substance use, or those who are suspected of abusing opioids, may also be asked to take a drug test. Opioids are highly addictive substances that can have devastating effects when used. As a result, doctors closely monitor patients taking opioids for signs and symptoms of misuse and addiction.
Get Opioid Addiction Treatment Help Today
The Bluffs Rehab offers specialized drug addiction treatment programs that integrate quality medical care with a variety of other therapeutic and effective treatment services. This includes:
- Medical detox services
- Individual counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Group therapy
- Holistic and alternative therapies
Based in a state with one of the highest rates of fatal opioid overdoses in the country, our Ohio treatment specialists understand the devastation opioid addiction can have on a person and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, contact The Bluffs through our free and confidential helpline today at 850.374.5331.
