How Long Do Opiates Stay in the Body?

The world is facing a growing opioid crisis, shedding light on the need for a deeper understanding of opiates, their effects on the body, and the journey to recovery. How long do opiates stay in the body? What’s addiction like, and what are the symptoms of withdrawal? Sharing knowledge about this dangerous family of drugs can increase awareness and prevent the crisis from getting worse.

What Kind of Drugs Are Opiates?

Opiates are a class of drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. The opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, is the source of natural opiates like morphine and codeine. They go by a range of slang and street terms, including smack, H, dope, blues, hillbilly heroin, and oxy.

Opiates have a long and complex history dating back thousands of years. Their story begins with the ancient Sumerians who cultivated the opium poppy around 3400 BC using it for its pain-reliving and euphoric properties. Throughout history, opium-based remedies gained popularity in various cultures, from ancient Egypt to Greece and Rome.

In the 19th century, opium was widely used in Europe and the U.S., often in the form of laudanum, a potent opium extract. However, the development of synthetic opioids like morphine and heroin in the 19th and early 20th centuries introduced medical advancements as well as an addiction crisis. This led to an increase in regulations and the eventual classification of opiates as controlled substances in many countries. Today, opiates remain a crucial tool in modern medicine for pain management but also pose major challenges due to their potential for abuse and addiction.

Opiates vs. Opioids

While the terms “opiates” and “opioids” are often used interchangeably, there are differences. Opiates refer specifically to substances derived from the opium poppy, whereas opioids are in a broader category, including synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of natural opiates.

Types of opiates and opioids include:

• Natural opioids, also called opiates, come from the opium poppy plant. These include morphine and codeine.
• Semi-synthetic opioids are created in labs and derived from natural opioids. These include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and heroin.
• Synthetic opioids are created in labs and are entirely humanmade. These opioids include fentanyl, methadone and tramadol.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Abuse?

Opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD), is a complex illness that’s recognized by the compulsive use of opioid drugs. In other words, you can’t help but use the drug over and over again. Even when the person wants to stop, or when using the drugs negatively affects the person’s physical and emotional well-being, they just keep using it.

Physical signs of opiate abuse include:

• Pinpoint Pupils: Constricted (pinpoint) pupils, even in dim lighting conditions
• Drowsiness and Nodding: Extreme drowsiness, sometimes falling into a “nodding” state, switching between consciousness and semi-consciousness
• Slurred Speech: Impaired motor skills can result in slurred speech
• Skin Changes: Itching, rashes, or track marks from injection
• Respiratory Depression: Slowed breathing that can be life-threatening

Mental signs of opiate abuse include:

• Euphoria: Intense feelings of euphoria or well-being when high
• Mental Fog: Impairment and difficulty concentrating
• Mood Swings: Rapid mood swings, from euphoria to irritability
• Anxiety and Depression: Heightened anxiety and depression

Behavioral signs of opiate abuse include:

• Social Withdrawal: Isolation from friends and family
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Avoiding work, school, or familial responsibilities
• Financial Problems: Funding the habit can result in financial difficulties
• Paraphernalia: Needles, syringes, spoons, and burnt aluminum foil may be found in the vicinity of opiate use