How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

Opioids are a class of drugs used primarily prescribed for pain relief but can also be highly addictive when misused. Suppose you or a loved one were prescribed these medications. In that case, it’s important to understand how long opioids stay in your system, as well as for individuals concerned about opioid misuse or addiction. Whether the use is for the first time, chronically misusing, or someone who knows a loved one struggling with opioid addiction, understanding their effects on the body can guide toward better health decisions.

DetoxLA is a Los Angeles drug and alcohol detox center that can help you or a loved one today. If you are looking for more information on opioids or opiate detox programs in Southern California, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

 

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are substances that interact with opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain. They can be prescribed for moderate to severe pain, but their potential for dependency makes them risky for long-term use. Opioids can also be illicit drugs like heroin, which further increases the danger of addiction and overdose.

 

List of Common Opioids

The list of opioids includes both prescription medications and illegal drugs. Some of the most commonly known opioids include:

• Prescription opioids:
  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine
  • Methadone
• Illegal opioids:
  • Heroin

These drugs vary in potency and duration of action, but all opioids carry a high risk of dependency.

 

The Dangers of Opioids

Opioids can be highly effective for pain management, but misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and death. Chronic use increases the body’s tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which raises the risk of overdose. Knowing how long opioids stay in your system can help avoid dangerous interactions, especially if you’re undergoing testing or concerned about the potential risks of long-term use.

 

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

The duration that opioids remain detectable in your system depends on the type of opioid, the dosage, and how often it’s used. Here’s a general overview of how long different types of opioids stay in the body:

• Urine: Most opioids are detectable in urine for 2-4 days, though chronic users might test positive for up to 7 days or more.
• Blood: Opioids can be detected in blood tests for up to 24 hours after the last use.
• Saliva: Saliva tests can detect opioid use within 1-4 days after consumption.
• Hair: Hair tests offer the longest detection window, often identifying opioid use up to 90 days after consumption.

Different opioids have different period of time, and factors like body mass, hydration, and metabolic rate can also influence how long opioids remain in your system.

 

How Do Opioids Affect the Body?

The way opioids work in the body, they attach themselves to the opioids receptors on nerve cells found in the brain, gut, spinal cord, and other body parts. When they bind themselves to these receptors in the body, they can block pain transmission from the brain across the body. Consistent use of opioids can cause addiction and eventually result in dependence on more opioids for the same high.

As a pregnant woman, opioids in your system could cause damage not only to yourself but to your unborn child. According to the national institute on drug abuse, opioid use during pregnancy can cause dependence on opioids for the unborn child, causing withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Besides pain relief, opioids can have the following effects on the body.

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Euphoria
• Constipation
• Slowed breathing
• Confusion

If not checked properly, these effects can lead to dangerous outcomes.

What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal?

How do you know if someone is starting to stay away from opioids? When the body becomes dependent on Opioids, it reacts when it abstains from opioids. These are some of its withdrawal symptoms.

Within 24 hours

• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Restlessness

After a day or two

• Rapid heartbeat
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure

 

Get Help for Opioid Addiction at DetoxLA

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. DetoxLA offers comprehensive treatment programs that include detox, therapy, and long-term support to help individuals overcome opioid dependency. Whether you’re using opioids for the first time or have developed a long-term habit, professional guidance can help you regain control of your life.

Contact DetoxLA today at (818) 616-7341 to start your recovery journey and get your needed support.