How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System? Drug Tests, Withdrawal, and Detox
Opioids can stay in the body for varying lengths of time depending on the type of opioid, the dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test used. Drug tests detect opioid metabolites in urine, blood, saliva, and hair, with urine tests being the most common for employment screenings and medical evaluations.
How long do opioids stay in your system for a drug test?
Opioids remain detectable for different periods depending on the test used. Here’s a breakdown:
| Opioid | Urine | Blood | Saliva | Hair |
| Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) | 3-4 days | 24 hours | 1-2 days | 90 days |
| Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco) | 2-4 days | 24 hours | 12-36 hours | 90 days |
| Morphine | 2-3 days | 24 hours | 1-2 days | 90 days |
| Heroin | 1-3 days | 6 hours | 1-2 days | 90 days |
| Fentanyl | 1-3 days | 12 hours | 1-2 days | 90 days |
| Methadone | 7-14 days | 24-36 hours | 2-3 days | 90 days |
| Codeine | 1-2 days | 24 hours | 12-24 hours | 90 days |
What is the most accurate drug test for detecting opioids?
- Urine tests are the most common because they are non-invasive and can detect opioids for a few days after use.
- Blood tests are rarely used because opioids leave the bloodstream quickly.
- Saliva tests are gaining popularity as they detect recent drug use but have a shorter detection window.
- Hair tests provide the longest detection period (up to 90 days) but are rarely used for routine screenings.
Why Do Some People Test Positive for Longer?
Not everyone eliminates opioids at the same rate. Several factors affect how long opioids stay in the body:
Why do some people test positive for opioids even after stopping?
1. Metabolism
- Faster metabolism = quicker drug elimination
- Age, genetics, and liver function play a role in breaking down opioids.
2. Body Fat Percentage
- Opioids, especially fentanyl, are fat-soluble, meaning they can accumulate in fat cells.
- Higher body fat levels prolong opioid retention.
3. Hydration and Kidney Function
- Drinking water does not eliminate opioids faster, but dehydration can slow drug clearance.
- Healthy kidney and liver function play a key role in eliminating opioids.
4. Frequency and Dosage
- Chronic opioid users will have longer detection times than occasional users.
- Higher doses take longer to metabolize and excrete.
How Withdrawal Symptoms Relate to Opioid Half-Lives
An opioid’s half-life (the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the system) directly impacts withdrawal symptoms. Opioids with a shorter half-life cause withdrawal faster and more intensely, while long-acting opioids produce delayed but prolonged withdrawal.
How long does opioid withdrawal last?
Withdrawal Timelines
| Opioid | Withdrawal Onset | Peak Symptoms | Duration |
| Heroin | 8-12 hours | 24-48 hours | 5-7 days |
| Oxycodone | 8-24 hours | 24-48 hours | 7-10 days |
| Hydrocodone | 12-24 hours | 48-72 hours | 7-10 days |
| Fentanyl | 12-24 hours | 24-72 hours | 7-14 days |
| Methadone | 24-48 hours | 72-96 hours | 2-3 weeks |
Common Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
- Early symptoms: Anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, yawning, runny nose.
- Peak symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, chills, intense cravings.
- Late symptoms: Fatigue, depression, insomnia, lingering cravings.
What is the best way to detox from opioids?
Medically Assisted Detox vs. Home Detox
Going through opioid withdrawal without medical support can be extremely difficult and dangerous, especially for long-term users.
Medically Assisted Detox
- Conducted in a hospital or detox facility.
- Medications like clonidine, benzodiazepines, and anti-nausea drugs help ease symptoms.
- Rapid detox under sedation allows patients to bypass the worst withdrawal symptoms.
- Supervised by medical professionals, reducing the risk of complications.
Home Detox
- Can be dangerous due to dehydration, severe cravings, and complications.
- Requires over-the-counter medications for nausea, muscle pain, and anxiety.
- High relapse risk due to intense discomfort.
- Not recommended for those dependent on high doses or long-acting opioids like methadone.
Can you detox from opioids without experiencing withdrawal?
- Medical detox reduces withdrawal intensity, but no method eliminates it completely.
- Rapid detox minimizes awareness of withdrawal symptoms under sedation.
Myths vs. Facts About Detox Kits and Flushing Opioids from Your System
Many people searching for ways to detox opioids quickly come across detox kits, herbal remedies, and “flushing” methods, but most of these do not work effectively.
Myth 1: Drinking Lots of Water Will Flush Out Opioids
✅ Fact: Hydration supports kidney function, but drinking excessive water will not speed up opioid elimination. It can also lead to diluted urine samples, which may require retesting.
Myth 2: Detox Kits Can Help You Pass a Drug Test
✅ Fact: Most over-the-counter detox kits do not remove opioids but rather mask metabolites for a short period. Many labs can detect detox attempts.
Myth 3: Exercising Before a Drug Test Helps Eliminate Opioids Faster
✅ Fact: Exercise burns fat, which may release stored opioids back into the bloodstream, possibly prolonging detection times.
Myth 4: Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry Juice, and Niacin Can Clean Your System
✅ Fact: These substances have no proven effect on opioid clearance. They may promote general health but do not detox the body of opioids faster.
How to Safely Get Off Opioids
If you are looking to get opioids out of your system, the safest approach is medical detox. Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Medically Supervised Detox
- Performed in a hospital or accredited treatment center.
- Ensures vital signs are monitored.
- Uses medications to reduce withdrawal severity.
2. Supportive Therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps manage opioid dependence.
- Nutritional support and hydration therapy aid recovery.
- Emotional support is critical during detox and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The length of time opioids stay in your system depends on drug type, metabolism, and frequency of use. While detox timelines vary, withdrawal can be intense, making medically supervised detox the safest option. Avoid myths about detox kits and focus on scientifically backed methods to clear opioids from your system safely. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid dependence, seeking professional medical detox is the best path forward.
Sources:
Drug Testing & Opioid Half-Life
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research on opioid half-lives, drug metabolism, and detection times.
NIDA: Drug Testing and Opioid Detection - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) – Guidelines on opioid metabolism, elimination, and laboratory drug testing.
FDA: Drug Testing and Opioid Pharmacokinetics - American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – Guidelines on drug testing and opioid metabolism.
ASAM: Drug Testing in Clinical Practice - Quest Diagnostics – Information on opioid detection times in urine, blood, and saliva.
Quest Diagnostics: Opioid Drug Testing
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry Juice, and Niacin for Detox
- National Library of Medicine (NIH) – Studies on niacin and its inefficacy for opioid detoxification.
NIH: Niacin and Detoxification
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Opioid Dependence
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Research on how CBT helps in opioid addiction treatment.
SAMHSA: CBT for Opioid Use Disorder - American Psychological Association (APA) – Clinical evidence on how CBT supports opioid withdrawal and relapse prevention.
APA: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
