Pinnacle Peak Discusses the Longevity of Fentanyl

Scottsdale, AZ – Pinnacle Peak is a leading provider in treating substance use disorder, and their latest blog discusses how long fentanyl stays in the system. With fentanyl making appearances in most illicit substances, the blog explains what the public needs to know about how it works in the body.

“Various things can cause fentanyl to stay in your system. Most drugs can be detected 2-4 days after use, but this depends on several factors. For example, if you recently took a higher dose of fentanyl than someone who took a smaller dose of fentanyl, a drug test would be able to detect fentanyl in your body for a longer period. Likewise, if you consume fentanyl more often than someone else, fentanyl will be in your body longer. Chronic use of substances might stay in the system for 3 months based on testing done with strands of hair. NIH says this is because substances accumulate in the body with continued use,” the article states.

A half-life is the time it takes for a substance to reach half of its initial dosage. Fentanyl has a half-life of 3-7 hours. This half-life assumes that no other substances were taken after the initial dosage. Metabolism plays a role in the half-life of fentanyl, and as metabolism slows with age, it will take longer for the body to process the fentanyl. This means it can be detected in the body for longer in those who are older or have a slower metabolism.

Fentanyl exists on its own in the form of pills that resemble prescription opioids, nasal sprays, dropped on paper, small candies, and eye drops. When found illicitly, it is typically mixed with heroin or cocaine. The combination of these substances is dangerous. This is because substances are made up of chemicals that become unpredictable when they are mixed together. While the substance of choice might create certain effects on its own, adding fentanyl to it can increase the chances of an overdose.

“A drug test will determine whether or not you have fentanyl in your system. These tests are often used by employers or police officers to determine whether or not someone has illicit substances in their system. In Arizona, employers have the right to maintain a drug-free workplace and conduct drug tests whenever they see fit. Drug testing is also used for athletes to ensure they aren’t taking drugs that could give them an advantage. They can also be used as evidence in a legal case such as a car accident investigation and by a doctor to see if you are misusing a prescription they prescribed.

The main way to detect if fentanyl is in your body is through drug tests. These tests can be done with saliva, blood, hair, and urine. A sample is often collected and sent to a lab where several substances, including fentanyl, are tested. These methods have different lengths of time when fentanyl can be detected,” the article continues.

Fentanyl can be detected in urine for up to 4 days, hair for up to 3 months, and blood for up to 2 days. This depends on the length of use and the type of test used to process the sample. Factors such as cost and invasiveness as well as the reasoning for the test will contribute to the type of test utilized.

Pinnacle Peak is a full-service treatment center for those with substance use disorder. Their program utilizes evidence-based treatments such as combining detox with dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is known to have higher success rates by encouraging learning skills and healthy behaviors to deal with stressful situations. With a home-like environment, their clients feel surrounded by support and can focus on their recovery.

To learn more about Pinnacle Peak and their program, call 877-781-5821 or visit their website.