A fentanyl abuse crisis is sweeping the United States, with thousands of people losing their lives to deadly overdoses of this potent opioid. This dangerous drug is lethal in tiny amounts, which puts users at extreme risk of a life-threatening overdose. Many people struggle to stop using fentanyl. Most require intensive treatment to detox safely and ongoing support to prevent a relapse. 

This article will explore fentanyl abuse, including how long this drug remains in the body after you stop using it. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of fentanyl abuse
• How long fentanyl stays in the body
• What happens in Fentanyl addiction treatment
• Where to find comprehensive treatment and support

If you or someone you love struggles with fentanyl abuse, seek treatment right away. Find the treatment and support you need at Solutions Healthcare. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an assessment today. 

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid. It is an FDA-approved pain reliever with effects similar to morphine. However, fentanyl’s effects are much stronger than those of morphine. 

Fentanyl is available in several forms, including:

• Lozenges
• Nasal spray
• Tablets
• Patches
• Injectible liquid

Some illicit drug manufacturers and dealers create counterfeit versions of this dangerous drug. Counterfeit fentanyl is most likely to be a powder. Dealers may add fentanyl to other drugs to increase their effects. People who abuse illicit drugs are at risk of accidental fentanyl exposure and overdose. 

Like other opioids, fentanyl has a high risk of abuse and addiction. People may experience pleasurable side effects when taking fentanyl, including relaxation and euphoria. These effects can cause people to abuse fentanyl by:

• Taking larger doses
• Taking it more often than prescribed
• Taking it for longer periods
• Ingesting it differently, such as crushing and snorting the tablets
• Using fentanyl recreationally (without a prescription)

Fentanyl is a potent, highly addictive opioid drug. People who use prescription opioids like fentanyl must take them exactly as prescribed. It is critical to be aware of the risk of overdose, addiction, and other complications. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize fentanyl abuse or addiction.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Fentanyl’s effects may last for different lengths of time, depending on several factors. The way you ingest Fentanyl can impact how long the effects last. For example, people may experience two hours of pain relief after receiving IV fentanyl. The transdermal patch may provide up to 72 hours of pain relief. 

Illicit, counterfeit fentanyl typically produces shorter-acting effects. Side effects may last only 30 minutes. This can cause users to take it more frequently, which increases the risk of overdose and addiction. 

The half-life of fentanyl depends on how it’s administered. For intravenous (IV) fentanyl, the half-life is about 3 to 7 hours. However, with transdermal patches (like Duragesic), the half-life is much longer, typically 17 hours or more after the patch is removed, because the drug continues to be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream.

Drug testing may detect fentanyl after the drug’s effects wear off. Several factors can affect how long fentanyl can be detected. But how long does fentanyl stay in urine and other bodily systems?

Here is an overview of the detection windows of several forms of drug testing.

Urine tests

Urine testing is the most common form of drug screening for medical and employment purposes. Fentanyl may be detected in urine for up to 72 hours after your last dose.

Blood tests

Blood testing may detect fentanyl for up to two days after your last dose.

Saliva tests

Saliva tests are unable to detect fentanyl in the system reliably.  

Hair follicle tests

Hair tests can detect fentanyl for up to 90 days after your last use. 

Factors That Affect How Long Fentanyl Stays in Your System

Many factors can impact how long fentanyl shows up on a drug test, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Body weight and composition
• Overall health
• Other drugs or substances used at the same time

The amount of fentanyl you used (higher doses may lead to longer detection windows)

The Effects and Risks of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. This potent opioid slows central nervous system (CNS) activity. It alters how the brain perceives pain signals from the body. Soon after ingesting it, people experience:

• Lower blood pressure
• Pain relief
• Sedation
• Euphoria

The pleasurable side effects of fentanyl increase the risk of abuse. Abusing fentanyl puts users at immediate risk of an overdose. 

Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:

• Vomiting
• Clammy or cold skin
• Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
• Limp limbs
• Blueish skin, lips, or nails
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Respiratory depression (very slow or stopped breathing)
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech

A fentanyl overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you or someone near you exhibits symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose, call 911 immediately. After calling 911, administer Narcan (naloxone) if available. Wait with the person until help arrives. 

Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction

If you or a loved one struggles with fentanyl abuse or addiction, seek treatment right away. It can be challenging to overcome opioid addiction. However, the right treatment plans can help people work toward long-term recovery. 

Treatment for fentanyl addiction typically includes:

• Detox programs to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
• Behavioral therapies
• Relapse prevention education
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Holistic therapies
• Psychoeducation

The level of care people require to overcome addiction depends on many factors, including the severity of their addiction and co-occurring mental health or medical conditions. Contact the Solutions Healthcare specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.