There are a variety of drugs available, and each has distinct characteristics.
Every individual is unique and will have a nuanced reaction when different drugs are introduced in his or her system. There are several contributing factors that will influence the duration of time drugs will remain in one’s system. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) these can include, but are not limited to: preexisting medical conditions/ one’s overall health, an individual’s metabolic rate, gender, height, weight, type of drug used, dosage used, potency of drug, etc. The type of drug test used (e.g., breath tests, urine tests, blood tests, saliva tests, hair follicle tests, etc.) and time elapsed after one’s last use can result in different trace amounts of detectible substances in one’s system.
Average Detection Timeframes
Although each person is different, extensive research findings provide general timeframes that certain drugs may be detectable in one’s system. The two most widely relied upon methods of drug testing are blood tests and urine tests. As such, included below are average timeframes related to the specific drugs and their respective detection rate in one’s system via blood tests and urine tests, provided by American Addiction Centers:
- Alcohol: 3-5 days in urine, 10-12 hours in blood
- Amphetamines: 1-3 days in urine and around 12 hours in blood
- Barbiturates: 2-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
- Benzodiazepines: 3-6 weeks in urine and 2-3 days in blood
- Cannabis: 7-30 days in urine and up to 2 weeks in blood
- Cocaine: 3-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
- Codeine: 1 day in urine and up to 12 hours in blood
- Heroin: 3-4 days in urine and up to 12 hours in blood
- LSD: 1-3 days in urine and up to 2-3 hours in blood
- MDMA (ecstasy): 3-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
- Methamphetamine (crystal meth): 3-6 days in urine and 24 – 72 hours in blood
- Methadone: 3-4 days in urine and 24-36 hours in blood
- Morphine: 2-3 days in urine and 6-8 hours in blood
It is important to bear in mind that every individual is different and will metabolize substances at varied rates. The amount of time a drug remains in one’s system, versus the presence of drugs that may show up, depending on the testing method, in a drug test, can yield different results.
For Information and Support
Contemplating detox can be a very challenging time. Before any individual can begin to work on the underlying issues contributing to their substance abuse problem, they must be separated from the substances in their systems. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Sherwood Detox offers a stand-alone detox program. For additional information on detox, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 818-626-9959 or feel free to email us anytime. One of our trusted counselors is available to talk and discuss how we can best support you on your journey.
