How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

How long do opioids stay in your system? This is an important question for anyone taking these powerful painkillers. Opioids are often prescribed for pain, but they carry serious risks, including addiction. The amount of time they remain in your body depends on factors like the type of opioid, the dose, and how often they are used.

For most people, opioids can be detected in urine for 1 to 3 days, though longer use or certain types may extend this timeframe. Misusing opioids increases the risk of addiction, making it difficult to stop and raising the chances of dangerous consequences like overdose. Understanding how long opioids stay in your system is key to recognizing potential problems and seeking help if needed.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System - Drug Tests

Although different drug tests detect different substances, most will pick up on at least some forms of opioids. Some tests just detect presence but cannot differentiate which type, while others can tell between specific types. Detectability depends on the laboratory and specific test used. Hair tests generally detect opioids the longest while these drugs stay present in the blood for just hours.

Heroin

Heroin is a quick-acting, highly addictive drug with a relatively short half-life. The time it remains detectable in your system depends on several variables, including dosage and body chemistry. Generally, you can expect the following detection times:

Urine test – 1 to 3 days
Blood test – Between 3 to 6 days
Hair test – Up to 90 days
Saliva test – Up to 24 hours

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an anesthetic and analgesic. It is particularly potent, with a high risk of misuse. The half-life of fentanyl, or the amount of time it takes your body to eliminate half of this drug from its system, is between 3 to 7 hours. Fentanyl can be detected in your system for up to 90 days.

Urine test – 1 to 2 days
Blood test – 6 to 72 hours
Hair test – Up to 90 days
Saliva test – 1 to 4 days

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a narcotic and cough suppressant that is orally administered. Its intended use is to control moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone leaves the body more quickly than heroin.

Urine test – 2 to 3 days
Blood test – 12 to 24 hours
Hair test – Up to 90 days
Saliva test – Between 12 to 36 hours

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a strong, semi-synthetic opioid intended for moderate to severe pain relief. It is more potent than hydrocodone, and the primary path of metabolism is through the liver. Its half-life is between 3 to 5 hours.

Urine test – 1 to 2 days
Blood test – 12 to 72 hours
Hair test – Up to 90 days
Saliva test – Up to 4 days

Morphine

Morphine is a pain killer that doctors commonly prescribe. It is derived from resin extracts from opium poppy seeds. Depending on the path of use, morphine can take longer to produce effects than other opiates like heroin.

Urine test- 3 to 5 days
Blood test – 12 to 72 hours
Hair test – Up to 90 days
Saliva test – Up to 4 days

Typical drug screens given for employment may not completely detect semi-synthetic opioids and do not screen for synthetic ones (methadone and fentanyl). However, drug screenings that target specific opioids are often used by law enforcement and within hospital settings. Opiates that are legally prescribed may also show up on drug screenings.

Factors Affecting How Long Opioids Stay in Your System

While there may be advice online about how to eliminate opioids from your system quickly to pass a drug test, the only surefire way to pass is not to take drugs. It’s important to remember that the rate of metabolism of opioids is variable and depends on the individual. Some of the primary factors affecting how fast opioids can metabolize out of the system include:

Your metabolic rate – This rate is affected by your age, genetics, and your general health.
Frequency and duration of use – Chronic and prolonged use may result in a longer drug elimination process.
Administration route and amount used – Higher doses may take longer to metabolize. However, injecting opioids may accelerate the process.
Kidney and liver function – Impaired liver and kidney function may prolong the amount of time opioids remain in your system, while optimal functioning can metabolize the drugs more quickly.

Younger people with faster metabolisms will process drugs more quickly. In addition, your weight can play a role in determining how long opioids will remain in your system since body fat can store opiate compounds.

Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Addiction

If you are worried about passing a drug test for work or legal obligations, then opioid use may be negatively impacting your life. This is a sign of an opioid addiction.

There are many other behavioral patterns and symptoms to watch for that are associated with opioid use disorder. These symptoms will vary depending on the severity of addiction but could include the following:

Developing a tolerance for opioids or needing to use more to achieve the same effect
Using illegal or prescribed opioids for longer than intended
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms once you stop using
Intense cravings and urges to use
Being unable to stop using despite multiple attempts to quit
Continuing to use opioids despite experiencing an overdose or legal trouble
Posing a danger to others or yourself while using opioids (such as driving)
Using opioids despite problems with work, family, and social obligations

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, they may be struggling with opioid use disorder. Varying levels of care are available depending on individual needs. Treatment options may include:

Medically supervised detox programs where clients are medically monitored as the drugs leave their system.
Residential addiction treatment programs offer additional support to reduce the risk of relapse while staying in a structured environment.
Partial hospitalization treatment programs where clients can address both substance abuse and mental health disorders (dual diagnosis).

Those with severe opioid dependency will especially benefit from an inpatient treatment program. These types of programs offer a controlled environment that prevents access to opioids and reduces the risk of relapse. Additionally, intensive outpatient treatment centers can help those who must maintain outside responsibilities like work and school while attending a rehabilitation program. These options can all provide you with compassionate care and research-backed treatment to help you overcome addiction.

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Getting Help for Opioid Abuse

If opioid addiction is a problem for you or a loved one, Footprints to Recovery can help. We offer a wide range of treatments at our treatment centers in Denver, Chicago, and New Jersey—including residential treatment, detox, and outpatient programs. Give us a call now to schedule a free, private session with one of our admissions consultants. You deserve to live a life free from addiction.