Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is believed to be 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. It is one of the most dangerous drugs and causes thousands of overdose deaths each year. While physicians can prescribe it for severe pain, some people may also buy it illegally. Therefore, fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that has a high potential for addiction. Fentanyl abuse can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
Although the effects of fentanyl may only last a few hours, traces of it can remain in your system for much longer. The amount of time will vary depending on:
- The amount taken
- Duration of use
- Frequency of use
- Your body weight
- Urine concentration
- Your age
- Any conditions affecting the kidneys and liver
Fentanyl is primarily metabolized through the liver and exits the body via feces, urine, and sweat. Additionally, the intestines play a role in fentanyl metabolization. This process may be affected by other drugs in the system, such as genetics and overall health. The method in which fentanyl is ingested (such as intravenous injection) may accelerate the metabolism of fentanyl out of the body.
Detection Times for Fentanyl
Fentanyl can remain detectable in your body for a prolonged period after the initial effects have subsided. Depending on the individual test, it may remain detectable for a few hours to several days after use:
- Blood – Blood tests can detect the exact amount of fentanyl in the bloodstream within minutes and for up to 12 or more hours.
- Hair – Depending on the sample length, hair tests can detect fentanyl use for 90 days or longer. These tests are more expensive and, therefore, less common. However, they provide a more comprehensive history of a person’s drug usage.
- Saliva – Depending on the specific test and frequency of use, fentanyl can be detectable for up to 36 hours.
- Urine – Urine tests are the most common form of drug testing. Fentanyl is detectable within 1 to 2 hours after use and remains detectable for up to 72 hours, depending on length and frequency.
Drug testing is a tool for monitoring the use of illicit substances. These tests are often part of a court-ordered treatment program, a term of probation, or while participating in a substance use treatment program.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System After Surgery?
People who have a valid prescription for fentanyl often use it for an extended period of time after surgery or pain management. If a physician prescribes fentanyl, the amount of time it remains present in your system will depend upon the type of delivery method:
- Skin patch – After removal, fentanyl may last up to five days in your system.
- Dissolvable tablet – Fentanyl tablets dissolve against the lining of your cheeks. Through this delivery method, fentanyl may remain in your system for about 24 hours.
- Lozenge – Lozenges, which deliver fentanyl through dissolving on your tongue, may cause it to stay in your system for about one to two days.
If you are prescribed fentanyl and directed to take it daily, you can safely assume that there is some level of the drug in your system at all times. Fentanyl can make you feel dizzy, drowsy, and nauseated and may interact with alcohol or other medications you are taking.
How Fentanyl Is Used
Pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is available in several forms, including transdermal patches, lozenges, and tablets. However, illicit fentanyl can be found in other forms, including:
- Injection
- Snorting or smoking
- Taking orally through pill form
- Spiked onto blotter paper
Fentanyl patches can be abused by removing the gel content and then ingesting or injecting it. Some people may freeze the patches, cut them into pieces, and put them inside the cheek or under the tongue. Sometimes, fentanyl is illicitly produced and sold in combination with heroin and other substances. It is typical for counterfeit pills marketed as oxycodone on the streets to also contain fentanyl. For these reasons, many people unsuspectingly overdose on fentanyl every year. In 2022, deaths involving synthetic opioids rose to 73,838, with fentanyl being the primary substance.
The Dangers Associated With Fentanyl Withdrawal
The complications associated with opiate withdrawal are often misunderstood. Unsupervised withdrawal from opiates like fentanyl can be dangerous and even deadly. Two primary side effects of fentanyl withdrawal are vomiting and diarrhea. Without proper treatment, this may lead to severe dehydration. If it persists, it may lead to hypernatraemia or elevated blood sodium. This condition may result in heart failure. Therefore, proper medical management is necessary to prevent these dangerous effects.
What Is Fentanyl Addiction?
Fentanyl is a highly addictive drug. If you frequently use opioids, you may develop a tolerance and need more to achieve your desired effect. Mental and physical addiction to fentanyl can be challenging to overcome. Some signs of fentanyl addiction include:
- Social withdrawal
- Spending more time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of fentanyl
- Declined performance and frequent absences from work and school
- Mood swings, agitation, or depression
- Intense cravings for fentanyl and other opioids
- “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple fentanyl prescriptions
- Not taking care of daily responsibilities due to use
- Continued use of fentanyl despite the negative consequences
- Sudden, unexpected weight loss
- Forging prescriptions to obtain fentanyl
Recognizing the signs of fentanyl addiction is an important step in early intervention and treatment. Addiction is complex and multifaceted, and co-occurring physical and mental health issues are often present. Footprints to Recovery offers comprehensive addiction treatment and support. Contact us to start on the road to recovery.
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