1693 N. Quentin St. Aurora, CO 80045

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but also 50 to 100 times more potent. Fentanyl can be habit-forming and cause severe dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms much worse than nearly every other opioid drug. Fentanyl addiction can be a potentially deadly disease due to its extreme potency, which can lead to respiratory distress and death in just a single use, which makes getting treatment for an addiction extremely important.

At CeDAR, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care for those struggling with fentanyl addiction. Our opioid rehab center focuses on providing professional guidance and treatment while helping individuals develop the skills necessary to lead a life free from the trap of addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with fentanyl addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out today by calling us at 720.848.3000.

How Long Does Fentanyl Stay in Your System?

When ingested, fentanyl will remain active in the body for a short time. The exact duration depends on multiple factors, such as:

  • The size of the dose taken
  • The user’s body weight and metabolism
  • The form of fentanyl ingested

Generally speaking, fentanyl stays in your system for three to four days after ingestion and can sometimes last up to eight days. This timeframe could be even longer for people with a slower metabolism and lower body weight.

As a drug, fentanyl is highly potent. Many individuals who struggle with fentanyl addiction may need to up their dosage to get the desired effects. If someone has been using fentanyl for an extended period to the point of needing a higher dosage of this potent drug, this timeframe can go on even further. This is because the body can become saturated with the drug as it becomes more and more dependent on fentanyl, making it difficult for the body to completely clear it out from its system.

Effects of Fentanyl Abuse

Fentanyl is an opioid drug typically used to treat chronic and severe pain in cancer patients. While it can provide relief, fentanyl is also highly addictive and has the potential to be abused. People who abuse fentanyl put themselves at risk of developing long-term health problems due to the substance’s powerful effects on the body.

Fentanyl Short-Term Side Effects

The most common short-term side effects include the following:

  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Slow breathing rates

These effects are usually felt within one to two hours after taking the drug but can persist even after the body has metabolized it. As the drug works its way out of the system, it leaves behind considerable damage that can last far longer than the actual presence of fentanyl in the body.

Fentanyl Long-Term Side Effects

Abusing fentanyl has been linked with numerous long-term physical and mental side effects. The long-term side effects of abusing fentanyl may include the following:

  • Respiratory depression
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Organ damage
  • Weakened immune system function
  • Debilitating headaches
  • Persistent nausea/vomiting
  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased feelings of paranoia or anxiety
  • Depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Increased aggression toward others
  • Insomnia

As you can see, fentanyl abuse wreaks havoc on your body’s natural systems and ability to regulate itself properly. The highly potent nature of fentanyl makes it incredibly dangerous when abused. It can lead to a much higher risk of developing chronic disease and experiencing mental health issues such as depression and suicidal ideation.

Heal from Fentanyl Abuse at CeDAR Recovery

The team at CeDAR understands how difficult it can be for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction. Our team strives to create an environment where individuals feel safe while receiving high-quality care to help them heal from fentanyl abuse once and for all. Our opioid rehab center utilizes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), along with medication-assisted treatment (MAT), to help individuals recover from fentanyl abuse and addiction. If you or your loved one are searching for help to overcome fentanyl addiction, we are here. Contact CeDAR today at [Direct].