Fentanyl abuse is a severe problem in the United States. Many opioid-related overdoses involve a synthetic opioid called fentanyl. This dangerous, potent opioid can be lethal in small amounts, putting users at extreme risk of overdose.
People who abuse fentanyl may quickly become addicted to it. Fentanyl addiction is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate, intensive treatment and ongoing support.
This article will explore how long fentanyl remains in the body after someone stops taking it. You will learn:
What you will learn:
- The side effects and risks of fentanyl abuse
- How long the effects of fentanyl can last
- How long fentanyl may remain in the body
- What happens in fentanyl addiction treatment
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. It is an FDA-approved pain reliever. It is similar to morphine but much more potent.
Doctors can prescribe fentanyl to help patients manage pain. People may take fentanyl after having surgery or during the treatment of other conditions. Doctors typically prescribe fentanyl for short-term use only. This can reduce the risk of abuse and addiction.
Common forms of fentanyl include:
- Nasal sprays
- Patches
- Tablets
- Injectible liquid
- Lozenges
Illicit (counterfeit) fentanyl is most likely to come in powder form. Some illegal drug manufacturers or dealers may add illicit fentanyl to other drugs to increase their potency. This can put illicit drug users at risk of unknown fentanyl exposure and overdose.
People who take prescription fentanyl can become addicted to it. People who abuse it have a greater risk of overdose, addiction, and other severe complications.
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Fentanyl Abuse
Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It slows central nervous system (CNS) activity and changes how the brain perceives pain signals. People who take it may experience pain relief, sedation, low blood pressure, and euphoria.
Some people abuse fentanyl by:
- Taking a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking doses more often than prescribed
- Taking fentanyl for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking fentanyl recreationally (without a prescription)
Fentanyl is very potent, and abusing it puts people at risk of overdose. Some signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
- Limp arms and legs
- Constricted pupils
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Respiratory arrest (stopped breathing)
- Clammy, cold skin
- Blue lips or skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Gurgling or choking sounds
A fentanyl overdose is immediately life-threatening. If you or someone near you is showing signs of a fentanyl overdose, call 911 right away. Administer Narcan (naloxone) if you have it. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
It is critical to seek treatment for fentanyl abuse as soon as you recognize it. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about identifying and treating fentanyl abuse.
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
The effects of fentanyl can last different amounts of time, depending on how a person ingested it. IV fentanyl’s pain-relieving effects may last up to two hours, while a transdermal patch may provide pain relief for up to 72 hours.
Illicit or counterfeit fentanyl’s effects typically start faster and last for a shorter period. People taking illegal forms of the drug may only experience the desired effects for 30 minutes. Illicit fentanyl users may take the drug more often, increasing the risk of long-term physical dependence.
Standard drug tests may detect fentanyl long after the effects wear off. Here is an overview of how long fentanyl may show up on different drug tests.
Urine tests
Urine testing is the most common form of drug screening. These tests may detect fentanyl in urine for up to three days after your last dose.
Blood tests
Blood tests may detect fentanyl for up to 48 hours after your last dose.
Saliva tests
Saliva tests are unable to reliably detect fentanyl in the system.
Hair tests
Hair tests can detect fentanyl for up to three months after your last use.
If you or someone you love are concerned about passing a drug test, it may be a sign you need the support of an addiction treatment program. Alamo Behavioral Health offers comprehensive detox and treatment programs that help people overcome opioid addiction. Contact us today to learn more.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment: What to Expect
It can be very challenging to overcome fentanyl and opioid addiction. Fentanyl addiction treatment plans may include:
- Medical detox programs (prescription drugs to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety, supervision, emotional support, and holistic therapies)
- Medical care
- Mental health support
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning
Many people begin treatment in an inpatient or residential program. Then, they may transfer into outpatient care when they are stable and ready for this step.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Fentanyl
- NIH: An analysis of the duration of fentanyl and its metabolites in urine and saliva
- NIH: Fentanyl Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME): Narrative Review and Clinical Significance Related to Illicitly-Manufactured Fentanyl
- Frontiers in Pharmacology: Metabolic Pathways and Potencies of New Fentanyl Analogs
