In a dark public bathroom in Cleveland, OH, you inject fentanyl into your body. The effects come quickly, and you feel waves of euphoria. It makes you feel something in the lowest moments of your life. But you wonder how much longer you can live this way. The guilt and shame that follow make it hard to see yourself in that mirror above the sink. You know you need help but figure nobody has the time or ability to focus on your needs. As you come down from the high of fentanyl, you wonder how long fentanyl stays in your system. The effects don’t last long, so does that mean that fentanyl is no longer in your body?
While you might not feel the effects of fentanyl after some time has passed, fentanyl can still be in your body as it is slowly eliminating it. In 2020, 4,000 people died in Ohio from fentanyl. At Superior Behavioral Health, we are a small, local facility that does not see hundreds of clients, which allows us to focus on you as an individual. Today, we are going to discuss how long fentanyl’s detection time is.
How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?
The half-life of fentanyl is around 8-10 hours. A half-life is how long it takes your body to remove half of fentanyl from its system. However, this timeline can vary based on several factors. For example, the 8-10 hour window can vary if someone took other substances alongside fentanyl. A person’s metabolism and diet can also impact how quickly or how slowly fentanyl leaves your system.
Different Ways the Body Absorbs Fentanyl
You cannot absorb fentanyl through the skin simply by touching it. The only way the body absorbs fentanyl through the skin is if a doctor prescribes a special fentanyl skin patch. However, this patch requires hours of exposure for your skin to absorb.
How Does Fentanyl Affect Your Body?
Fentanyl can have a significant impact on your body. It can come with several side effects, such as sedation, confusion, euphoria, and drowsiness. Some people might experience nausea or urinary retention. For the most part, these effects may only last a few hours. But how long does fentanyl stay in your system?
What Drug Tests Are Commonly Used to Detect Fentanyl?
The most common form of fentanyl testing is urine tests. It is common because urine tests can detect fentanyl within a 24-72 hour window, and it is not invasive. Hair tests can detect long-term use since they can detect fentanyl in your system up to 90 days after your last dose. However, they aren’t great for seeing if someone used fentanyl recently. Blood tests are the least likely to be used since they can be invasive and have a shorter time frame of detecting fentanyl than other tests do.
Outside Influences and Fentanyl Detection Times
There are some reasons why one person might have a longer or shorter detection period than someone else. For example, someone who takes fentanyl more frequently may experience fentanyl being detectable in their system longer. Younger people will also experience shorter detection times than those who are older. Other factors, such as kidney health and fentanyl dosage, can also impact how long it stays in your system.
How Do I Get Fentanyl Out of My System Quickly?
There is no proven way to get fentanyl out of your system faster. It takes your body 8-10 hours to reach the half-life of fentanyl, which is when half of the dose of fentanyl you took has left your body. Ultimately, it depends on several factors listed above to determine how long it will take your body to eliminate fentanyl from your system entirely.
What Happens if You Take Too Much Fentanyl?
Taking too much fentanyl puts you at risk of experiencing an overdose. If someone you know is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, call 911 immediately. If available, administer naloxone, as it can reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose. Naloxone will not cause harm to someone who is not experiencing a fentanyl overdose. Seeking treatment is the best way to avoid an overdose.
Get Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction in Garfield Heights, OH
While seeking treatment for fentanyl addiction can be a terrifying experience because of the withdrawal side effects that come with it, allowing your body to remove fentanyl creates a new chapter of hope and recovery. Your life story will take you on the path you always wanted – full of resilience and self-discovery. This is a path you don’t have to take alone.
Located in Garfield Heights, OH, Superior Behavioral Health helps clients build strong foundations that help them create the life of their dreams. Deciding to get treatment can be a difficult decision. Many change their minds by the time the appointment comes around as their bodies are naturally removing and craving fentanyl. We offer same-day appointments that allow you to get started on your treatment before you can change your mind. For more information or to get started on treatment today, call us at 216-435-1110.
