How Long Do Opiates Stay In Your System?

What are Opiates?

Opiates are chemical compounds extracted from the opium poppy plant. They activate opioid receptors, which are brain and body nerve cells that block pain signals between the brain and the body.

As a result, they’re frequently used to create a variety of legal and illegal drugs with powerful effects regarding pain relief.

Examples of these can include:

Opium
Morphine
Codeine
Heroin

Note that while opiate is often used interchangeably with the word opioid, they are not the same. Like opiates, opioids are derived from opium poppy plants. But opioids are synthetic – made in the lab rather than grown in a field.

Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Methadone
Fentanyl

The most common effect of opiates (and opioids) is a feeling of intense euphoria.

Other effects include:

Sleepiness
Relaxation
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Slowed breathing

Opiates are extremely addictive and dangerous if abused. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers, as well as how long opiates stay in your system, opiate withdrawal, and opiate addiction treatment.

What are the Signs of Opiate Addiction?

The signs of opiate addiction can vary between individuals and can be physical, psychological, and behavioral.

Physical signs:

Increased tolerance to opiates — Needing more to achieve the same effect
Weight loss
Sleeping more or less than usual
Neglecting personal grooming
Constipation — Opiates often slow the digestive system
Constricted or “pinpoint” pupils
Physical agitation or lethargy
Changes in appetite

Psychological signs:

Mood swings
Depression — Many people with opiate addiction also have depression
Anxiety — This can be both a cause and a symptom of opiate addiction
Euphoria
Trouble thinking clearly or making decisions
Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Short-term memory issues

Behavioral signs:

Doctor shopping — Going to multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions
Pulling away from friends and family
Legal issues
Changes in social circles
Failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home

If you or someone you know is showing signs of opiate addiction, it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment is available and can include medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as counseling to help change behaviors and cope with cravings.

Remember, the sooner an addiction is identified and treated, the better the chances are for recovery.

What is the Timeline for Opiate Withdrawal?

Withdrawal from opiates can be a wrenching and even dangerous process. The timeline for withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on whether the opiate is short or long-acting, as well as the duration of use, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health. However, generally, the opiate withdrawal timeline can be described as follows:

Opiate withdrawal timeline usually begins eight to thirty hours after the last dose and lasts four to ten days. Some people will experience opiate withdrawal symptoms quickly, while others may experience symptoms for a month or longer.

24-72 Hours After Last Dose

Initial withdrawal symptoms typically start within 6 to 12 hours for short-acting opiates, and within 30 hours for longer-acting ones.

These symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and excessive yawning.

As the withdrawal progresses, more physical symptoms can start to occur, such as sweating, runny nose, teary eyes, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, and muscle aches.

Some individuals may also experience stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Day 3-5

By this time, the symptoms usually reach their peak and can be the most uncomfortable. This is often the most difficult period of opiate withdrawal.

Symptoms during this period can include all of those mentioned above, along with abdominal cramping, dilated pupils, goosebumps, and possibly blurred vision.

Day 6-7

The acute phase of withdrawal typically starts to subside around this time. The most severe physical symptoms generally decrease, but milder symptoms may persist.

The individual may still experience mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Day 8 and Beyond

Most of the physical symptoms should be gone by this time, but psychological and emotional issues can persist.

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur, which is a set of withdrawal symptoms that occur following the acute withdrawal phase. PAWS can include depression, anxiety, irritability, low energy, trouble sleeping, and a reduced ability to handle stress.

These symptoms can last for several weeks or even months but usually decrease over time.

Are There Treatment Options Available?

If you or a loved one is suffering from opiate addiction, South Coast Behavioral Health is here to help.

Ailya offers a fully-accredited medical detox program for those ready to start treatment. Here, in a safe and welcoming environment, our certified medical detox professionals will support you with round-the-clock care as you detox from opiates.

After detoxing, proper treatment can begin.

There are several different approaches to treating opioid addiction, including:

Residential Treatment

After completing medical detox, you’ll transition to residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment. There, you’ll receive medically-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to deal with any cravings or co-occurring mental health issues you may be battling.

In addition to individual and group counseling and medication management, you’ll also have access to leisure activities and family support services.

Partial Hospitalization

A step down from inpatient care but with more structure than conventional outpatient programs, partial hospitalization offers a good balance for those looking to ease back into normal life. Clients can receive care five to seven days a week for several hours each day, returning back to their homes in the evening.

This way, they can recover without putting their daily lives on hold, receiving intense therapeutic interventions like group and individual therapy, skill development, and medication management as necessary.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Clients undergoing this program participate in intensive therapy sessions, meeting three to five days a week, with each session lasting three hours. This level of care is a step down from partial hospitalization, requiring less time commitment.

IOPs offer participants the ability to continue their employment or academic obligations, receiving support and therapy as needed as they prepare to reenter society.

Outpatient Care

Finally, there’s outpatient care. Outpatient care allows clients to receive care without neglecting their responsibilities at home. It also tends to be significantly more affordable than higher levels of care.

If you or a loved one are thinking of seeking addiction treatment but don’t know where to turn for help, call us at 866-881-1184 or use our website contact form. Our team of addiction treatment specialists will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect and help verify your insurance.

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Author Pierce Willans

Medically Reviewed by Kelly McIntyre, MS, LMFT