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  • How Long Do Opioids Stay In Your System? Half-Life, Drug Testing, and Timelines

How Long Do Opioids Stay In Your System? Half-Life, Drug Testing, and Timelines

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuMarch 18, 2024
Written by
On March 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Opioids can remain in the body for varying durations, impacting drug detection and posing risks.
  • Different types of opioids, including natural opiates, semi-synthetic opioids, fully synthetic opioids, and illegal opioids, exhibit distinct characteristics and half-lives.
  • Detection windows for opioids in various testing methods, such as a urine test and blood tests, range from several days to a few weeks.
  • Chronic or heavy opioid use can prolong detection periods, and hair follicle testing can potentially detect opioid use for several months.
  • Opioid use carries significant risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, overdose, cognitive impairment, hormonal imbalances, and increased susceptibility to bloodborne infections. Seeking professional help and support is vital for overcoming opioid addiction and achieving long-term recovery.

Opioids can linger in the body for varying lengths of time after use, influencing both their window of detection and potential risks.

[1] Factors such as the specific opioid, dosage, frequency of use, route of administration, and individual metabolism all play a role in determining how long opioids can be detected in different bodily fluids and tissues.

What Are the Different Kinds of Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both naturally occurring and synthetic substances:[2, 3]

Natural Opiates​

  • Morphine: Derived from the opium poppy plant​
  • Codeine: Also derived from the opium poppy plant​​

Semi-Synthetic Opioids​

  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)​
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)​
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)​
  • Oxymorphone (Opana)​

Fully Synthetic Opioids​

  • Fentanyl​
  • Methadone​
  • Tramadol​
  • Meperidine (Demerol)​

Illegal Opioids​

  • Heroin​

Opioids are primarily used for pain management, but they can also be used for other medical purposes, such as cough suppression or as adjuncts in anesthesia.[4] However, opioids carry a high risk of addiction, overdose, and respiratory depression, which has contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

It’s important to note that while some opioids are legally prescribed for medical purposes, the non-medical use or abuse of opioids, including prescription opioids, is considered a serious public health issue due to the potential for addiction, overdose, and other harmful consequences.

What is the Half-Life Of an Opioid?

The half-life of an opioid refers to the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to be reduced by half. The half-life can vary depending on the specific opioid and the individual’s metabolism:[5]

Natural Opiates​

  • Morphine: 2-4 hours​
  • Codeine: 2.5-3 hours​

Semi-Synthetic Opioids​

  • Hydrocodone: 3.8 hours​
  • Oxycodone: 3-5 hours​
  • Hydromorphone: 2-3 hours​
  • Oxymorphone: 7-9 hours​

Fully Synthetic Opioids​

  • Fentanyl: 2-4 hours​
  • Methadone: 15-60 hours​
  • Tramadol: 5-7 hours​
  • Meperidine: 2.5-4 hours​

Illegal Opioids​

  • Heroin: 3-8 minutes (the half-life of heroin itself is very short because it is rapidly metabolized to 6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine) ​

It’s important to note that these are approximate values, and the actual half-life can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s age, liver and kidney function, and the presence of other medications or substances. 

Knowing the half-life of an opioid is important for understanding its duration of action, dosing intervals, and potential for accumulation in the body, especially in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.

How Long Can Opioids Be Detected in the Body After Use?

The detection window for opioids in the body can vary widely depending on several factors, including the specific opioid, the dose, the route of administration, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolism rate. Hair or follicle testing can typically detect opioids in the system for a much longer duration, usually around 90 days.[6]

Typically, other testing methods can detect opioids in the body for several days and up to a few weeks:[7]

Urine Testing​

Blood Testing​

  • Heroin: 1-3 days​
  • Morphine: 1-3 days​
  • Codeine: 1-3 days​
  • Hydrocodone: 2-4 days​
  • Oxycodone: 1-4 days​
  • Fentanyl: 1-3 days​
  • Methadone: 3-10 days (longer for chronic use)​
  • Heroin: 6-12 hours​
  • Morphine: 6-24 hours​
  • Codeine: 6-24 hours​
  • Hydrocodone: 12-36 hours​
  • Oxycodone: 6-24 hours​
  • Fentanyl: 12-48 hours​
  • Methadone: 24-72 hours​

It’s important to note that these detection windows are approximate and can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier. Chronic or heavy use of opioids can result in longer detection periods, as the drugs and their metabolites can accumulate in the body over time.

It’s also worth mentioning that the detection window for opioids can be influenced by the presence of other substances or medications, as well as individual physiological factors, such as liver and kidney function.

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What Are the Risks of Opioid Use?

Opioid use carries numerous significant risks that can have devastating consequences.[8] One of the primary dangers is the high potential for addiction and dependence. Opioids are highly addictive substances, and prolonged use can lead to both physical and psychological dependence, making it extremely difficult to stop using them without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Another major risk is respiratory depression, where opioids can dangerously slow down breathing rates. This can lead to respiratory arrest, a life-threatening condition characterized by shallow or infrequent breathing.

Overdosing is also a grave concern, as taking too much of an opioid can result in coma, respiratory failure, and ultimately death. The likelihood of an overdose increases substantially when opioids are combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Even with normal use, opioids can cause problematic side effects. Constipation is a common issue that can become severe enough to lead to bowel obstructions.

Cognitive impairment is also associated with opioid use, manifesting as impaired judgment, decreased concentration, and memory problems. The dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination caused by opioids increase the risk of falls and accidents.

Long-term opioid use can disrupt critical bodily functions and processes. Hormonal imbalances may occur, such as decreased testosterone in men and irregular menstruation in women.

Sleep apnea, a condition of interrupted breathing during sleep, can also be exacerbated. For pregnant women, opioid use can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome in their babies, causing withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Injecting opioids carries the additional risk of contracting bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis B and C. Overall, while opioids can be useful medications when prescribed appropriately, their potential for devastating harm means they must be used with extreme caution and care under medical supervision.

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How Can I Get Help For Opioid Addiction?

If you or a loved one is battling opioid addiction, know that there are resources and treatment options available to aid in the recovery. Speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, counselor, or addiction specialist, is important. They can properly evaluate the situation and recommend the most appropriate action.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy with medications like buprenorphine to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT can be administered in outpatient or inpatient settings. For those with severe addiction or co-occurring disorders, inpatient or residential treatment programs provide a structured, 24-hour, supportive environment for detoxification and counseling.

Outpatient treatment is another option, offering counseling, group therapy, and support services while allowing patients to maintain their daily responsibilities at home or work. Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery can also be invaluable, providing a community for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy help individuals identify triggers and develop healthier behaviors. Involving family members throughout the treatment process provides emotional support and accountability. Overcoming opioid addiction is undoubtedly challenging, but with professional help, a personalized treatment plan, and perseverance, long-term recovery is achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opioid Detection

Yes, opioids can be detected in a hair follicle test. When a person uses opioids, the drugs and their metabolites are absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually deposited into the hair follicles as the hair grows. Hair follicle tests can provide a longer detection window than urine or blood tests, typically spanning several months.

Yes, certain over-the-counter medications can potentially cause false positives for opioids in drug tests, particularly those containing dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine. Codeine, however, is a controlled substance and is not typically found in over-the-counter medications in most countries. Additionally, some prescription medications and herbal supplements may also produce false-positive results. It’s essential to disclose all medications and supplements you’re taking to the testing provider to help interpret the results accurately.

Yes, there are specific tests designed to detect synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These tests utilize methods such as immunoassay screening and confirmatory testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Given the potency and increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids, specialized testing for these substances is crucial for accurate detection.

Yes, opioid metabolites can be detected in drug tests. When opioids are metabolized in the body, they produce byproducts called metabolites. These metabolites often linger in the body longer than the parent drugs themselves. They are detectable in various drug tests, including urine, blood, hair, and saliva.

Yes, there can be legal implications for opioid detection in various contexts. In employment settings, opioid drug testing may be conducted as part of pre-employment screenings or random drug testing programs, and a positive result could lead to disciplinary actions, including termination. 

In law enforcement, opioid detection may be used as evidence in criminal investigations related to drug possession or trafficking, potentially resulting in legal consequences for the individuals involved. Additionally, opioid detection in clinical settings may influence treatment decisions and legal obligations regarding patient care and reporting requirements.

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