Many people are curious about how long opioids can be detected in the body, especially when facing drug tests or managing prescription medications. Opioids include prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin, so many people eventually require painkiller addiction treatment if dependence develops. The time opioids remain in the system can vary for each person.
Detection windows depend on factors like the type of opioid, how long it has been used, and the kind of drug test. At Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, specialists help individuals and families understand opioid use, its risks, and the options for opioid addiction treatment.
How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?
Opioids are usually detectable in the body for a few days, but the exact timeframe depends on the drug, usage pattern, and testing method, and many people also encounter the short-term effects of opioids quickly after use.
- Most opioids show up in urine tests for 1 to 4 days after the last use. For people who use opioids often or take higher doses, detection can last up to 7 days or more.
- In blood or saliva tests, opioids are usually present for 12 to 24 hours.
- Hair tests can find traces of opioids for up to 90 days, since drugs are stored in hair as it grows.
| Test Type | Detection Window
|
| Urine | 1-4 days (up to 7 for chronic use) |
| Blood | 12-24 hours |
| Saliva | 12-24 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that these detection times are averages. Each person’s results may differ based on their health, age, metabolism, and how much or how often they used opioids. Chronic use or higher doses often lead to longer detection windows. Westwind Recovery® provides support and treatment for opioid use issues in Los Angeles, helping people navigate these challenges with care and expertise.
Factors That Affect How Long Opioids Stay in the Body
- Drug type and half-life: Opioids differ in how quickly the body removes them. For example, heroin has a half-life of a few minutes, while methadone can have a half-life of up to 59 hours. Short-acting opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone are generally cleared faster than long-acting opioids such as methadone or extended-release morphine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these differences impact how long opioids can be detected in drug tests.
- Dosage and frequency: Taking higher doses and using opioids more often can lead to the drug building up in the body. Chronic use results in longer detection windows compared to single or occasional use. Research from the American Addiction Centers notes that repeated dosing increases overall drug levels, which extends how long opioids remain in the system.
- Individual metabolism: Age, genetic factors, body weight, and liver enzyme activity all influence how quickly a person processes opioids. Studies show that some people break down drugs faster than others due to differences in metabolic rates. For example, a review published by NIDA states that younger individuals and those with higher metabolic activity tend to eliminate opioids more quickly.
- Overall health: Liver and kidney function are central to how opioids are broken down and removed from the body. People with liver or kidney disease may process opioids more slowly, leading to longer detection times. The U.S. National Library of Medicine highlights that impaired organ function slows the elimination process.
- Hydration levels: Hydration supports the kidneys in filtering and excreting substances. Dehydration can slow down drug removal, while adequate fluid intake may help maintain normal processing rates.
- Body composition: Opioids are fat-soluble and can be stored in fat tissue. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain opioids longer, especially with repeated use. This factor can affect both the duration of drug effects and detection in tests.
Recent research has found that rates of opioid metabolism can vary by up to 30% between individuals, based on genetics and health status (NIDA, 2024). These factors contribute to why opioid detection times are not the same for everyone.
Detection Timelines for Common Opioids
Heroin is quickly broken down in the body and is converted to morphine soon after use. Most drug tests for heroin actually detect these morphine byproducts. In urine, heroin use is typically detected for 1 to 3 days, which is why heroin addiction treatment can be crucial for long-term recovery. In blood tests, heroin is usually found for up to 12 hours.
Oxycodone is a common prescription opioid found in medications like OxyContin and Percocet. For a single use, oxycodone can be detected in urine for about 1 to 4 days. For people who take oxycodone regularly, detection in urine can last up to 7 days. Oxycodone is frequently involved in cases of prescription drug misuse, and exploring our blog about hydrocodone vs oxycodone can offer further insights.
Hydrocodone is found in medications such as Vicodin and Norco. In urine tests, hydrocodone is usually detectable for 2 to 4 days after use. In those who use hydrocodone frequently or in high doses, it can be found for up to a week. According to the FDA, hydrocodone was prescribed over 40 million times in the United States in 2022.
Morphine can be found in urine for approximately 2 to 3 days after use. In blood or saliva, morphine is present for a shorter time, often less than 24 hours. Morphine is also produced in the body from other opioids, including heroin and codeine, and is a common target in drug tests.
Codeine has a shorter detection window compared to other opioids. In urine, codeine is generally found for 1 to 2 days after use. Codeine is considered a weaker opioid, but it can still cause dependence and addiction.
Recovery and Treatment Options in Los Angeles
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses certain medications to help people recover from opioid use disorder, as discussed in medication-assisted treatment for opioid cravings. Methadone is a full opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that also lessens cravings and has a lower risk of misuse than methadone. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids if taken.
The FDA has approved these medications for use in MAT. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MAT can lower the risk of overdose and help people remain in treatment. Newer medications, such as extended-release naltrexone, are available as monthly injections. Studies show that people treated with MAT are about twice as likely to remain in recovery compared to those who do not receive these medications.
Residential or inpatient programs provide care in a structured environment where people live at the facility. Medical supervision is available 24 hours a day. Most programs last between 30 and 90 days. These programs include medical care, therapy, group counseling, and support for daily living.
Inpatient programs often treat people with severe opioid use disorder or those who have tried outpatient treatment without success. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 60% of people who complete residential treatment report reduced drug use and improved quality of life.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer a balance between structured treatment and daily responsibilities. People attend therapy and group sessions several times a week, often in the evenings or after work. An IOP typically involves 9 to 20 hours of treatment per week.
IOPs are designed for people who do not need 24/7 supervision but still require frequent support. Many individuals in IOPs are able to continue working, attending school, or caring for family members. Research shows that IOPs can be as effective as inpatient care for some people, especially when combined with other supports.
Holistic therapies address physical, mental, and emotional well-being as part of addiction treatment. Examples include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling. These therapies are often offered alongside clinical treatments.
Recent studies published in medical journals report that yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Acupuncture is being studied for its possible role in lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Nutritional counseling helps people restore health that may have been affected by substance use. Holistic therapies are used as part of a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Where to Find Lasting Support
Finding support for opioid use disorder involves several practical steps. Individuals can begin by talking to their primary care provider or a trusted healthcare professional. Medical providers can offer referrals to addiction specialists, outpatient programs, or residential care.
In Los Angeles, treatment options are varied and include both private and public programs. Westwind Recovery® is a JCAHO-accredited center that offers a comprehensive approach. This means care is based on established quality standards and includes medical, psychological, and holistic services. Holistic treatment can include therapies like counseling, mindfulness practices, nutrition support, and wellness activities.
Insurance coverage is available for many addiction treatment services. Most private health insurance plans, as well as Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), include substance use treatment as part of their behavioral health benefits. Checking with the insurance provider or the treatment center’s admissions team can clarify what is covered and what to expect regarding costs.
Accessibility to treatment in Los Angeles is supported by a large network of providers and facilities, including both in-person and virtual (telehealth) services. Some programs offer support groups, aftercare planning, and resources for families. Westwind Recovery®’s client-centered care model addresses both substance use and mental health needs, aiming for sustainable long-term recovery.
For those seeking support or information about opioid detection, treatment, or recovery, Westwind Recovery® provides personalized care in a luxury setting. Professionals offer a comprehensive approach to substance use and mental health needs. Contact Westwind Recovery® to learn more. Recovery is possible with the right support.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Opioids. Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report
- (2023). Opiate and opioid withdrawal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Drug Testing. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drug-testing
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
