When it comes to drugs, alcohol, and other addictive substances, the length of time in which it can stay in a person’s body can vary for a number of reasons. For opioids specifically, this window can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. But it depends on not just the type of opioid, but also the person’s health and genetic makeup.
Opioid-based drugs affect everyone differently, and several key factors determine how long they linger in your body. For some, a single dose might clear out within a day. For others, especially those with chronic use or slower metabolisms, it can take several days or even weeks for the body to fully eliminate opioids.
Understanding the detection window is critical for many reasons. Some people want to know for legal or employment reasons, while others may be considering treatment and want a better grasp of what to expect during detox and recovery. The answer to the question “how long do opioids stay in your system?” has many factors that influence the answer.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are a unique class of drugs in that they include both legal and illegal variations. Prescription opioids such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and codeine are commonly administered to treat chronic or severe pain, often after surgery or severe injury. Illegal opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl, are often made synthetically and can be cut with other substances.
Legal or illegal, opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body. This is what makes the body and brain think that it is no longer in pain, while also producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
Because of their effectiveness, as well as the euphoric high opioids can produce, they carry a high risk of dependence and addiction. Even when used as medically directed, opioids can be highly addictive and can foster severe drug dependency and addiction.
How Long Opioids Show Up On Drug Tests?
Opioid-related drug tests can be administered for a number of reasons, including for legal, medical, and employment purposes. The detection window for opioids depends largely on the type of drug test used.
Saliva
Saliva tests are often used as opioid detection tests for their convenience and quick results. Opioids can typically be detected in saliva within minutes of use, and can remain detectable for 24 to 48 hours afterward. This type of testing is less invasive than blood or urine tests, but has a shorter detection window.
Urine
By far the most common and widely used type of drug test, urine tests offer a wider detection window than saliva tests. Most opioids can be detected in urine within 1 to 3 hours after use, and remain detectable for 1 to 3 days. However, long-acting opioids or chronic use can extend this detection period. Not only are urine tests commonly used for legal and employment purposes, but they are also used in many drug rehab and treatment programs.
Blood
Of all the different types of drug screening, blood tests are the most invasive. They tend to only be used in emergency or legal settings where precision is required. Opioids can be detected in blood within 30 minutes of use and generally remain detectable for up to 24 hours. Blood testing is often used to determine recent drug use rather than long-term history of use.
Hair
Of all the drug testing methods, hair tests offer the longest detection window. Opioids can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after use. Since hair tests analyze the growth of hair strands, opioids have to circulate in the bloodstream long enough to reach the hair follicles. While it is often the least used method, hair testing is particularly effective in detecting chronic or long-term drug use.
What Influences How Long Opioids Show Up on Tests?
Several factors can affect how long opioids stay in your system and how long they can be detectable on drug tests.
Hydration
How hydrated a person is can play a role in how long opioids will show up on a urine test. Dehydration may result in more concentrated urine, making it easier to detect opioids. Drinking a lot of fluids may dilute your urine, potentially lowering the concentration of detectable substances and supporting the body’s ability to process opioids. But when it comes to taking a urine test, excessive dilution can raise red flags and result in a re-test.
Amount of Opioids Taken
The amount of opioids taken in a certain window of time can play a significant role in detection times. A higher dose of opioids will generally take longer to leave the body than a smaller dose. Higher doses may also lead to a longer half-life, and the drug takes more time to reduce to half its original amount in the bloodstream.
Frequency of Opioid Use
If you take an opioid one time, it may pass through the system quickly and with relative ease. Chronic use, however, can lead to a buildup of opioids in the system. This can lead to a longer period of detoxification.
Metabolism
Everyone metabolizes drugs at different rates. Factors such as age, weight, liver function, and overall health significantly influence how quickly opioids are broken down and eliminated. If you have a fast metabolism, you may process and clear opioids at a faster rate compared to someone with a slower metabolism.
Learn More About How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System and Heal From Opioid Addiction at Lumina Recovery
Understanding how long opioids stay in your system is just one part of a much bigger picture. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, it’s important to seek professional help. At Lumina Recovery, we provide a comprehensive approach to opioid addiction treatment, addressing not only physical dependency but also the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
If you or a loved one is ready to get started on the road to recovery, contact us today.