How Long Do Opiates Stay In Your System?

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Your physician may prescribe opiates to you if you have had surgery. Or you may receive painkillers if you were in an accident or are suffering from a chronic pain condition. When your physician prescribes opiates, it’s important to understand all the risks and issues that go along with it. You may question— how long do opiates stay in your system? Some people who begin a regimen of opiates for pain discover that they have difficulty withdrawing from it. If you are struggling with opiate use, you may benefit from the varying levels of care at our rehab center in Midway Utah. 

What are Opiates?

Opiates are derived from the opium poppy plant. They are classified as a Schedule II narcotic drug, which means it has a high risk of abuse and addiction. Although used interchangeably, there are important differences between opioids and opiates. Opiates are not mixed with synthetic chemicals, while opioids are a combination of a synthetic and pure opium substance. Yet, many people use these terms interchangeably. Examples of opiates include morphine and codeine, while examples of opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone.

How do Opiates Work?

Opiates work similarly to other narcotic pain relievers. They bind to the brain’s opioid receptors blocking the brain’s sending of pain signals. They also cause you to feel a sense of euphoria, which is why many people become addicted to opiates. How long do opiates stay in your system is an issue that people often misjudge—this leads to taking too much of the medication. Some people have overdosed because the previous dose of opiates was still in their system when they took more. Opiates affect the reward system of the brain and other systems in your body. After regular use, your body and brain endure serious withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking opiates. Finding an appropriate opiate detox addiction treatment program can ensure your comfort and safety as you begin to let your body cleanse itself and begin working on recovery. Your opiate withdrawal timeline will depend on several personal factors, and it is vital to seek professional help so you can have the best chance at finding lasting recovery.

How Long do Opiates Stay in Your System?

When thinking about how long do opiates stay in your system, you need to consider several facts. Not everyone will digest the medication the same way. Some people have a faster metabolism than others do. Other factors to take into account include:

  • Bodyweight

  • If you are dependent or tolerant to opiates

  • If you have any medical conditions

  • Your age

  • The health of your liver and kidneys

In addition to these factors, each drug interacts differently. Some drugs have a shorter duration than others do. Let’s look at a few:

  • Codeine stays in the urine for 48 hours and in the saliva for 21 hours

  • Oxycodone stays in the urine for 1-4 days and in the saliva for up to 2 days

  • Hydrocodone stays in the urine for 2-4 days and in the saliva for 12-36 hours

  • Morphine stays in the urine for up to 3 days and in the saliva for 12 hours

Opiate Addiction Treatment at Acqua Recovery

If you are dealing with withdrawal from opiates, seek treatment from a qualified rehab center. At Acqua Recovery, we have a medical staff that is professional and compassionate. Our broad range of treatment programs will help you get on the path to sobriety. Some of our programs include:

Don’t let the problems of addiction take over your happiness in life. Now that you know how long do opiates stay in your system, you are ready to begin your journey to a brighter future. Reach out today. We’ll help you on your pathway to recovery.

How Long Do Opiates Stay In Your System?

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Jan 27, 2023

Updated Date: Jun 13, 2024

Your physician may prescribe opiates to you if you have had surgery. Or you may receive painkillers if you were in an accident or are suffering from a chronic pain condition. When your physician prescribes opiates, it’s important to understand all the risks and issues that go along with it. You may question— how long do opiates stay in your system? Some people who begin a regimen of opiates for pain discover that they have difficulty withdrawing from it. If you are struggling with opiate use, you may benefit from the varying levels of care at our rehab center in Midway Utah. 

What are Opiates?

Opiates are derived from the opium poppy plant. They are classified as a Schedule II narcotic drug, which means it has a high risk of abuse and addiction. Although used interchangeably, there are important differences between opioids and opiates. Opiates are not mixed with synthetic chemicals, while opioids are a combination of a synthetic and pure opium substance. Yet, many people use these terms interchangeably. Examples of opiates include morphine and codeine, while examples of opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone.

How do Opiates Work?

Opiates work similarly to other narcotic pain relievers. They bind to the brain’s opioid receptors blocking the brain’s sending of pain signals. They also cause you to feel a sense of euphoria, which is why many people become addicted to opiates. How long do opiates stay in your system is an issue that people often misjudge—this leads to taking too much of the medication. Some people have overdosed because the previous dose of opiates was still in their system when they took more. Opiates affect the reward system of the brain and other systems in your body. After regular use, your body and brain endure serious withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking opiates. Finding an appropriate opiate detox addiction treatment program can ensure your comfort and safety as you begin to let your body cleanse itself and begin working on recovery. Your opiate withdrawal timeline will depend on several personal factors, and it is vital to seek professional help so you can have the best chance at finding lasting recovery.

How Long do Opiates Stay in Your System?

When thinking about how long do opiates stay in your system, you need to consider several facts. Not everyone will digest the medication the same way. Some people have a faster metabolism than others do. Other factors to take into account include:

  • Bodyweight

  • If you are dependent or tolerant to opiates

  • If you have any medical conditions

  • Your age

  • The health of your liver and kidneys

In addition to these factors, each drug interacts differently. Some drugs have a shorter duration than others do. Let’s look at a few:

  • Codeine stays in the urine for 48 hours and in the saliva for 21 hours

  • Oxycodone stays in the urine for 1-4 days and in the saliva for up to 2 days

  • Hydrocodone stays in the urine for 2-4 days and in the saliva for 12-36 hours

  • Morphine stays in the urine for up to 3 days and in the saliva for 12 hours

Opiate Addiction Treatment at Acqua Recovery

If you are dealing with withdrawal from opiates, seek treatment from a qualified rehab center. At Acqua Recovery, we have a medical staff that is professional and compassionate. Our broad range of treatment programs will help you get on the path to sobriety. Some of our programs include:

Don't let the problems of addiction take over your happiness in life. Now that you know how long do opiates stay in your system, you are ready to begin your journey to a brighter future. Reach out today. We'll help you on your pathway to recovery.

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