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How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

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Fentanyl is a short-acting synthetic opioid that stays in the system for up to 72 hours, however, the exact time can vary by each person based on a variety of factors including urine PH, frequency of use, dosage, body wight, and organ functioning.  

Due to the fatality risk and potency of this drug, it’s imperative that you or your loved one reach out to an addiction therapist or recovery program as soon as possible. Keeping Narcan on hand for overdose emergencies is strongly advised and can be the difference between life and death. 

If you’re wondering about how long it takes fentanyl to leave your system, and have been abusing this drug, you can use this free and confidential hotline to get help today:

Fentanyl addiction help hotline: 855-647-6980

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Fentanyl: How Long Does it Stay in Your System?

How long fentanyl remains detectable in a person’s system is influenced by various factors that contribute to its elimination. These factors include:

  • pH of urine: Individual urine pH can influence the rate at which fentanyl is metabolized and purged from the system. Lower urine pH levels are associated with quicker elimination times, while higher pH levels can slow down this process.
  • Frequency of fentanyl use: How often someone uses fentanyl can affect how long the opioid stays in their system. More frequent use may prolong its presence, while infrequent use may lead to a shorter detection window.
  • Dosage: The amount of fentanyl used can influence its elimination time, with higher doses taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the system.
  • Body weight:  Body weight can affect the elimination rates of fentanyl. Generally, heavier people eliminate fentanyl more slowly than lighter people.
  • Kidney and liver functioning: Impairments in either liver or kidney function can dramatically affect the body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate substances like fentanyl. These impairments can extend the detection window of the drug.

Individual urine pH can influence the rate at which fentanyl is metabolized and purged from the system. Lower urine pH levels are associated with quicker elimination times, while higher pH levels can slow down this process.

How often someone uses fentanyl can affect how long the opioid stays in their system. More frequent use may prolong its presence, while infrequent use may lead to a shorter detection window.

The amount of fentanyl used can influence its elimination time, with higher doses taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the system.

Body weight can affect the elimination rates of fentanyl. Generally, heavier people eliminate fentanyl more slowly than lighter people.

Impairments in either liver or kidney function can dramatically affect the body’s ability to metabolize and eliminate substances like fentanyl. These impairments can extend the detection window of the drug.

Urine Drug Test

The urine test is commonly used to detect the presence of fentanyl in the body. After the last use of fentanyl, a person can test positive on a urine test for approximately 24 to 72 hours. However, the metabolite norfentanyl, which is produced during the breakdown of fentanyl in the body, can be detected for up to 96 hours. The detection window may vary based on individual factors such as urine pH, frequency of use, dosage, and metabolism. In the event of heavy and chronic fentanyl use, detection windows are typically extended.

Blood Drug Test

Fentanyl can also be detected in the bloodstream through a blood test. Blood tests are effective in determining recent drug use and can detect the presence of fentanyl from approximately 5 to 48 hours after the last use. The detection window for fentanyl in blood is relatively short compared to other testing methods.

Saliva Drug Test

While saliva tests are commonly used to detect various drugs, they are not consistently reliable for detecting fentanyl or its metabolites. The detection of fentanyl in saliva samples may be inconsistent, and therefore saliva tests may not be the preferred method for fentanyl detection.

Hair Follicle Test

Hair testing provides a longer-term perspective on an individual's drug history, including fentanyl use. Traces of fentanyl can be detected in hair samples for up to 3 months after the last use. Hair tests offer a broader detection window, making them useful for assessing long-term patterns of fentanyl use. Hair tests for fentanyl are less commonly utilized as a primary testing method due to the higher costs associated with this type of analysis.

Start Lifesaving Fentanyl Treatment Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with fentanyl addiction, call our compassionate team today to begin treatment. Don't wait to reach out, we're here to help.

Do You Have an Addiction to Fentanyl?

If you believe you or someone you know may have a fentanyl addiction, consult with a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment. These are the 11 DSM-5-TR criteria for fentanyl addiction (opioid use disorder):

  1. Using fentanyl in excessive quantities or for a longer duration than intended.
  2. Persistent urge or unsuccessful attempts to reduce or manage fentanyl consumption.
  3. Devoting a significant amount of time acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of fentanyl.
  4. Strong cravings or a compelling desire to use fentanyl.
  5. Repeated use of fentanyl leading to failure in fulfilling major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
  6. Continuing to use fentanyl despite persistent social or interpersonal issues caused or worsened by its effects.
  7. Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to fentanyl use.
  8. Recurrent use of fentanyl in situations that pose physical risks.
  9. Persisting in fentanyl use despite awareness of ongoing physical or psychological problems likely triggered or worsened by the substance.
  10. Developing tolerance, characterized by requiring larger fentanyl doses for the desired impact or experiencing diminished effects with prolonged use of the same amount.
  11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms specific to fentanyl or using fentanyl (or a similar substance) to alleviate or avoid withdrawal effects.

Get Help for Fentanyl Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

Fentanyl is one of the most potent and deadly drugs, but we can help you fight back, even if you have a severe fentanyl addiction. At Gratitude Lodge, we have pet-friendly treatment facilities located in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA.

Begin your recovery by engaging with our supervised medical detox program to streamline fentanyl withdrawal. Take advantage of continuous clinical supervision and medications to reduce the intensity of the withdrawal process. After detoxing, you can transition into ongoing treatment. Access the following treatments in our 30-day inpatient program:

  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Psychotherapy (CBT and DBT)
  • Group therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapy
  • Aftercare support

When you are ready to move beyond fentanyl addiction, call admissions at 800-994-2184 for immediate assistance.

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