How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

Opioids are a class of drugs used for pain relief. They are highly addicting and have significant risks when misused. If you take opioids, you may wonder, "How long do opioids stay in your system?"

This depends on several factors, including the type of opioid, your body’s metabolism, and how often you use the drug. In this article, we’ll explore how long opioids stay in your system, withdrawal symptoms, and the risks of stopping opioids suddenly.

Questions Answered:

• What are Opioids?
• How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?
• Can You Die From Opioid Withdrawal?

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This reduces the perception of pain, providing effective pain relief. Commonly prescribed opioids include morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Illicit drugs like heroin are also opioids.

While doctors often prescribe opioids for pain, they can lead to addiction. This is because opioids activate reward centers in the brain, creating feelings of euphoria. Over time, the body becomes dependent on the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use stops.

Factors That Influence How Long Opioids Stay in Your System

The length of time opioids stay in your system depends on many factors, including:

• Type of opioid: Short-acting opioids like codeine leave the system faster than long-acting ones like methadone.
• Dosage and frequency: Higher doses and frequent use of drugs extend detection times.
• Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms process drugs quickly.
• Age and health: Older adults and those with liver or kidney issues may take longer to clear opioids.
• Method of use: Injecting or smoking opioids can shorten how long they stay detectable.
  
  

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How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

As mentioned earlier, the length of time opioids stay in your system depends on several factors. The type of drug test also factors the detection time of opioids in the body. Each type of test can detect opioids based on different timeframes.

For example, urine testing has a different detection timeframe from blood testing, hair testing, and saliva testing since the type of specimen required is also different.

Below is a general breakdown of common opioids and the approximate timeframes for detection in different tests:

Short-Acting Opioids

These include drugs like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone (immediate-release formulations).

• Blood: Detectable for up to 12–24 hours.
• Urine: Detectable for 1–4 days.
• Saliva: Detectable for 1–4 days.
• Hair: Detectable for up to 90 days.

Long-Acting Opioids

Drugs like methadone and extended-release oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin).

• Blood: Detectable for up to 2–4 days.
• Urine: Detectable for 3–10 days.
• Saliva: Detectable for 1–4 days.
• Hair: Detectable for up to 90 days.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid often metabolized quickly in the body.

• Blood: Detectable for up to 12 hours.
• Urine: Detectable for 1–3 days.
• Saliva: Detectable for 1–3 days.
• Hair: Detectable for up to 90 days.

Morphine and Heroin

Heroin is rapidly metabolized into morphine in the body.

• Blood: Detectable for up to 6–12 hours for heroin; morphine for 12–24 hours.
• Urine: Detectable for 1–3 days for heroin; morphine for 2–4 days.
• Saliva: Detectable for up to 24 hours.
• Hair: Detectable for up to 90 days.

Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal

Stopping opioids can cause withdrawal symptoms. These occur because the brain and body adapt to the drug's effects over time. When you stop, the body struggles to regain balance.

Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

• Runny nose and watery eyes.
• Muscle aches and joint pain.
• Sweating and chills.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Insomnia and restlessness.
• Anxiety and irritability.

The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on factors including the type of opioid used, the duration of use, and your overall health.

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Opioid Withdrawal Timeline

The opioid withdrawal timeline depends on factors such as the type of opioid used (short-acting vs. long-acting), frequency and dosage, and the individual's health. While exact durations vary, this section breaks down typical withdrawal stages.

Acute withdrawal symptoms are the most intense and occur shortly after stopping opioids. These symptoms are divided into three phases based on the type of opioid.

Short-Acting Opioids

• 6–12 hours after the last dose: The first signs of withdrawal begin to appear. These include anxiety, irritability, yawning, sweating, and muscle aches. Some individuals may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose and chills.
• 24–48 hours after the last dose: Symptoms peak during this time. Severe physical symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and insomnia are common. Muscle and joint pain may worsen, and cravings for opioids can feel overwhelming. The emotional toll of withdrawal, including heightened anxiety and irritability, intensifies.
• 3–5 days after the last dose: Physical symptoms gradually start to subside. While the most intense symptoms fade, fatigue, irritability, and cravings often persist. Restoring hydration and nutrition is crucial during this phase.

Long-Acting Opioids

• 24–48 hours after the last dose: The initial symptoms of withdrawal appear later compared to short-acting opioids. Early signs include restlessness, sweating, mild muscle pain, and cravings.
• 48–72 hours after the last dose: Symptoms peak within this time frame. The physical discomfort mirrors that of short-acting opioids but is often less severe. Psychological symptoms, such as irritability and restlessness, may dominate.
• 7–10 days after the last dose: The withdrawal phase typically lasts longer for long-acting opioids, but symptoms steadily improve. Fatigue and cravings may linger, and emotional instability, such as mood swings, can persist.

Some people experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). This phase is characterized by lingering psychological and emotional challenges.

PAWS can last weeks or even months, depending on the individual and their history of opioid use. The brain takes time to stabilize after prolonged substance use, and the emotional and mental health effects of addiction may take longer to address than physical symptoms.

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Can You Die from Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal, but complications can arise. Risks include:

• Dehydration: Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Heart issues: Sudden withdrawal can stress the heart, especially for those with underlying conditions.
• Relapse: Stopping opioids lowers tolerance, increasing the risk of overdose if you relapse.

Medical detox programs can reduce these risks. Doctors often use medication-assisted treatments to ease symptoms and ensure safety.

Seeking Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction is challenging, but recovery is possible. Treatment often includes medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, support groups, and aftercare programs.

Soberman’s Estate is a premier men-only treatment center in Arizona, specializing in supporting adult men in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Our dedicated team provides a safe and serene environment to help men navigate recovery from substance use disorders and related challenges.

If you or a loved one is facing substance use issues, seeking help can be life-changing. Reach out to our Admissions Director for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Call us at (480) 660-3474 or email info@SobermansEstate.com.

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