How Long Opioids Stay in Your System—and What Affects Their Duration

Opioids take effect almost immediately, but they can also linger in your system for longer than you might expect. Understanding how long opioids stay in your system is crucial for patients undergoing treatment, individuals in recovery, employers conducting workplace drug tests, and anyone concerned with the persistence of these substances in the body.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs primarily used for pain relief. They include both legally prescribed medications such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, and illicit drugs like heroin.

Prescribed for moderate to severe pain, opioids are often administered post-surgery, for chronic pain conditions, or as part of palliative care. However, due to their high potential for addiction, opioids must be used cautiously and under strict medical supervision.

Opioid Addiction and Recreational Use

While opioids are effective for pain management, they also carry a high risk of addiction. Recreational use has escalated into a significant public health issue, with misuse leading to emergencies and overdoses. Understanding how long opioids remain in the system is vital for managing addiction and preventing accidental overdoses.

Do Opioids Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes, opioids can be detected in various drug tests, which look for specific metabolites that opioids break down into after processing by the body. The type of opioid and the sensitivity of the test affect whether these substances are detectable.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

Typically, opioids can be detected in blood for 24 hours, in saliva for up to 48 hours, in urine for up to 3 days, and in hair for up to 90 days after the last use. However, the true duration opioids stay in your system depends on various additional factors, such as:

• Metabolism: Faster metabolisms break down opioids more quickly, reducing their detectability period.

• Frequency and Dosage: Higher doses and more frequent usage extend the time opioids can be detected.

• Body Fat Content: Since opioids are lipophilic, individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain opioids longer.

• Age: Older adults often have slower metabolisms, which can prolong the presence of opioids.

• Health of Liver and Kidneys: These organs play a crucial role in metabolizing and excreting opioids; impaired function can delay this process.

Can Anything Cause False Positives for Opioids in Your System?

Certain substances and medications can cause false positives in opioid drug tests. For instance, poppy seeds contain small amounts of opium derivatives, which might lead to false positives for opiates. Some over-the-counter medications and other prescription drugs can also trigger false positives, depending on the drug testing technology used.

Who Might Face a Drug Test for Opioids?

Various groups of people might face a drug test for opioids, often in contexts where safety, legal compliance, and health monitoring are priorities. Here’s a look at who might be required to undergo such testing.

1. Employees and Job Applicants in Safety-Sensitive Industries: Workers in industries where safety is critical, such as transportation, healthcare, law enforcement, and construction, may be regularly tested to ensure that drug use does not impair their ability to perform their duties safely.

2. Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers might be tested to ensure they are not misusing their access to prescription drugs, which could not only affect their performance but also lead to drug diversion from medical supplies.

3. Athletes: Professional and collegiate athletes are often subjected to drug tests to check for performance-enhancing drugs or substances that could give them an unfair advantage, including opioids.

4. Rehabilitation Participants: Individuals in drug rehabilitation programs are frequently tested as part of their treatment plans. These tests help confirm that they are following the program and are necessary for their recovery process.

5. Military Personnel: Members of the military can be tested regularly and randomly to ensure readiness and compliance with military regulations.

6. Individuals on Parole or Probation: Drug testing is often a condition of parole or probation, and failing a drug test can have legal consequences or result in revocation of parole or probation.

7. Students in Some Educational Institutions: Some high schools, colleges, and universities may require drug testing for students, especially if they participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, or if the school has a policy aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.

8. Drivers Involved in Accidents: Following accidents, especially in the transportation industry, drivers may be tested for opioids and other substances to determine if drug use was a contributing factor to the incident.

In each case, the goal of drug testing for opioids is to ensure safety, compliance with laws and policies, and in some cases, to help individuals maintain sobriety and health.

What to Do If You Fail Your Drug Test Due to Opioids

Failing a drug test can have various consequences, from both legal and professional standpoints. If you fail a drug test due to opioids, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

• Request a Re-Test: If you believe it's a false positive, ask for a second test, possibly with a different type of sample.

• Discuss with Your Employer or Legal Advisor:  If the opioids were taken as part of a prescription, show any supporting documentation that the opioid use was for legitimate medical reasons.

• Identify Other Possible Sources of Exposure: If you haven’t taken any opioids but are receiving repeated positive tests, determine whether there could have been accidental exposure.

Preview Your Drug Test Results with Countrywide Testing

Facing a drug test for opioids or other substances can be intimidating, even if you’ve been taking pain medication with a legitimate prescription. Practicing transparency with your test proctor can help ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the expected test results.

For extra reassurance that you’ll succeed in your drug test, you can also test your own opioid levels by taking a convenient, at-home testing kit ahead of time. To learn more, contact Countrywide Testing or explore our opiate drug testing options today.