How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?
The iconic American inventor Thomas A. Edison famously said, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” Yet, for millions of people around the world, opioid use disorder gets in the way of those capabilities. Many of these people struggling also ask, “How long do opioids stay in your system?” The answer may surprise them.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction affects millions of people every day, both in the U.S. and abroad. This number seems to only be rising. One of the reasons for this remains the addiction “fallout” from the COVID-19 pandemic. Other reasons for this include the opioid epidemic, which has been heightened by the introduction of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Many people also struggle to understand that addiction is a disease. They are often under the impression that it is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply not the case. In fact, addiction is more like chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease than it is a choice.
It is also important to understand that addiction is a “family disease.” This means that it does not just affect the individual, but it can also affect everyone around that individual. Ultimately, addictions like OUD cause serious damage and devastation to everyone involved.
Understanding Opioid Use Disorder
OUD is more complex than many people may understand. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Opioid Use Disorder, by Doctors Dydyk, Jain, and Gupta. “Opioid use disorder (OUD) is defined as the chronic use of opioids that causes clinically significant distress or impairment. Symptoms of this disease include an overpowering desire to use opioids, increased opioid tolerance, and withdrawal syndrome when opioids are discontinued.” Also, “OUD affects over 16 million people worldwide and over 2.1 million in the United States.”
OUD is also something that can often be overlooked by loved ones. This is why being able to spot the signs and symptoms of OUD can be so critical.
The Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of OUD are going to be unique to each individual. However, there are more universal signs and symptoms to look out for. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Regularly “passing out” and “nodding out”
- Having other mental health issues
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- No longer caring about one’s appearance and hygiene
- Harming oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are serious signs and symptoms. This is why seeking professional help as soon as symptoms appear is critical. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?
The answer to “How long do opioids stay in your system?” is not black and white. This is because some opioids, like morphine, can stay in one’s system for a day or two. Opioids like methadone can stay in one’s system for around a week. Then, fentanyl can take up to two weeks.
It is also important to understand that opioids can be unpredictable. So the real answer to “How long do opioids stay in your system,” is it can depend on the amount and length of the opioid use. It is very individualized.
How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System During Detox?
Now, more important than “how long do opioids stay in one’s system” is how one can get those opioids out of one’s system as soon as possible. A safe and secure detox is one of the best ways to do this.
A detox can best ensure that the symptoms of opioid withdrawal are as painless as possible. Also, an effective detox can ensure that one is connected to the next effective steps of recovery. This may include a stay in residential care or engaging in an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
It is also important that one treat OUD using many different modalities. This may include experiential therapies like art therapy or nature immersion therapy, which can be particularly effective for treating OUD.
Long-Term Success With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is all about the journey, never the destination. That successful journey can start right here at The Phoneix Recovery Center. Recovery is out there, and there is hope. The key is to go out there and make it a reality.
Opioids can stay in one’s system for a lot longer than one may think. This is why it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between life and death. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental health, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about how long opioids stay in one’s system and how best to recover, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
