How Long Do Narcotics Stay in Your System?
- 1. How Long Do Narcotics Stay in Your System?
- 2. Narcotics Prescription Facts
- 3. Narcotics Regulations
- 4. Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Narcotics
- 5. How Narcotics Affect the Brain and Body
- 6. Factors That Influence How Long Narcotics Stay in Your System
- 7. How Long Do Narcotics Stay in Your Urine, Hair, and Blood?

• More than 42,000 U.S. citizens died in 2016 from narcotics -which is roughly 115 deaths per day.
• Around 30 percent of patients who have chronic pain misuse or abuse their narcotics prescription.
• More than 10 percent of those patients develop a substance use disorder.
• Between 75 percent to 80 percent of people who have struggled with heroin use disorder reported that before heroin, they used and abused prescription narcotics.
• Between July 2016 and September 2017, overdoses from narcotics increased by 30 percent in 45 states.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act passed, providing funding for the NIH, the FDA and the HHS to research narcotics and to provide people with better treatment, prevention and recovery programs. The HHS is also researching better ways to manage pain without the use of narcotics.

Other commonly abused narcotics are:
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
Over time, the body builds up a tolerance to narcotics. Once this occurs, a person will take a higher dosage or take the narcotic in a way that is not recommended, such as injecting it or snorting it.
Several factors contribute to the life and half-life of a narcotic.
Some factors that affect the duration of the half-life include:
- Age of the individual
- How frequent a narcotic is taken
- Individual’s rate of metabolism
- The weight and body mass of the individual
Another factor is the potency and administration method of a narcotic. For instance, if codeine is taken orally, one may begin feeling the effects within the first hour and it could last in the system anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. However, when someone injects fentanyl the effects are felt almost instantly and fade away within the first hour.
Related Topic: How long do opioids stay in your system
Hair follicles can show traces of narcotics for up to 90 days. For urine, it is normally between 1 to 4 days. Traces of codeine may be found in urine within 24 hours, while methadone and morphine are present for 2 to 4 days. The amount of time for blood tests to show traces of narcotics can be anywhere from 6 to 72 hours. Ultimately, it depends on the type of narcotic. For example, a blood test for codeine would need to be performed within 12 hours after taking a tablet while morphine traces can disappear within 6 short hours.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, don’t delay. Go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call 24/7 to our toll-free hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the road to recovery. We can help you overcome your addiction today.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700