How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

How long do opioids stay in your system is one of the most searched questions by people across Tennessee who are worried about withdrawal, drug testing, or starting Suboxone treatment. If you live in Atwood, Savannah, Cedar Hill, Brentwood, Gleason, or Clarksville, and are struggling with opioid use, understanding how opioids affect your body can help you make informed decisions about recovery.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we speak with patients every day who are afraid of withdrawal, unsure about detox timelines, or concerned about how long drugs like hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, or fentanyl remain in their system. Let’s break it down clearly and honestly.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System? (Overview)

The answer depends on several factors, including:

  • The specific opioid used
  • How long you’ve been taking it
  • Your metabolism
  • Liver and kidney health
  • Body fat percentage
  • Frequency and dosage
  • Whether it was short-acting or long-acting

In general:

  • Short-acting opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin): 1–3 days in urine
  • Long-acting opioids (methadone, extended-release oxycodone): up to 5–7 days
  • Fentanyl: often detectable for several days, sometimes longer with chronic use

Blood and saliva tests typically detect opioids for a shorter period, while hair testing can show drug use for up to 90 days.

However, detection time is not the same as how long withdrawal lasts.

Accredited, 100% Virtual Addiction Treatment for Tennessee

Recovery Care of Columbia provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required.

Register for telemedicine Suboxone treatment using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System vs. Withdrawal Timeline

Many people asking how long do opioids stay in your system are actually asking:

  • When will withdrawal start?
  • How long will it last?
  • When can I safely start Suboxone?

Withdrawal From Short-Acting Opioids

For drugs like heroin, hydrocodone, Percocet, or oxycodone:

  • Withdrawal often begins 8–24 hours after last use
  • Peaks within 24–72 hours
  • Improves over 5–7 days

Symptoms may include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness

Withdrawal From Long-Acting Opioids

For methadone or extended-release medications:

  • Withdrawal may start 24–48 hours after last use
  • Symptoms may last longer

This is why medically supervised treatment matters.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (https://samhsa.gov), medication-assisted treatment is one of the most effective approaches for opioid use disorder.

Tired of Visiting Clinics and Pharmacies? You Don’t Have to Anymore

We know the frustrations and stigmas often associated with addiction treatment, as well as the time it takes to get to a clinic, sit in a waiting room with unfamiliar people, wondering if you’re being judged, watching the second hands on the clock in hopes of leaving within a few hours. 

Sadly, your day isn’t over yet. You still have to drive to a pharmacy to pick up your Suboxone medications, which can sometimes be met with judgement, stigma, embarrassment, and even rejection.

By using our telemedicine addiction treatment and overnight Suboxone delivery program, you can receive professional addiction care entirely from home—without ever having to visit a clinic or a pharmacy again.

Factors That Affect How Long Opioids Stay in Your System

If you’re in Murfreesboro or Clarksville and wondering about your personal timeline, these variables matter:

1. Type of Opioid

Hydrocodone clears faster than methadone. Fentanyl behaves differently due to its potency and fat solubility.

2. Frequency of Use

Someone using daily for years will typically retain opioids in their system longer than someone who used once.

3. Body Composition

Opioids like fentanyl are stored in fatty tissue and may be detectable longer in chronic users.

4. Liver & Kidney Health

Your body eliminates opioids primarily through these organs.

Why This Question Often Means “I’m Ready for Help”

When someone searches how long do opioids stay in your system, they are often:

  • Afraid of withdrawal
  • Trying to pass a drug test
  • Considering quitting
  • Thinking about starting Suboxone
  • Buying Suboxone on the street to self-treat

You are not alone.

Opioid addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure. The FDA (https://fda.gov) recognizes buprenorphine (Suboxone) as a safe and effective treatment when prescribed appropriately.

Starting Suboxone at Recovery Care of Columbia

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we help patients safely transition from:

Addicted to Kratom or 7-Hydroxy in Tennessee? Safe Suboxone Treatment Is Available

If you’re struggling with Kratom addiction or products containing 7-hydroxy (7-OH), you are not alone. Many people across Tennessee have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and loss of control after using these highly potent substances.

Recovery Care of Columbia has extensive experience helping patients safely transition from Kratom and 7-hydroxy products to buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) through secure telemedicine appointments. Since 2024, we have treated hundreds of Tennesseans seeking relief from Kratom dependence—including individuals using daily amounts in excess of 800 mg.

Our providers understand the unique withdrawal patterns associated with 7-hydroxy and Kratom extracts. We develop personalized induction plans designed to reduce discomfort and stabilize you safely, without ever stepping into our clinic.

If you’re ready to stop Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, confidential online treatment is available now—no matter where you live in Tennessee.

How Recovery Care of Columbia’s Telemedicine Program Makes It Easier

We are:

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (931) 548-3062, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Worried about starting online addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

You do not need to travel from Memphis, Knoxville, or rural Tennessee areas. All appointments are private video visits.

Step 1: Register Online

Choose your option:

Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Click here to check your insurance coverage now.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, Norcos, Roxicodone, Vicodin, Tramadol, Opana, Percocet, codeine, oxymorphone, and other opioids.

Call or text us at (931) 548-3062 to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Step 2: Attend Your Appointment

You’ll meet with a supportive provider who treats you with dignity — not judgment.

Step 3: Receive Same-Day Suboxone

Prescriptions can be:

  • Sent to your local pharmacy
  • Delivered overnight when appropriate

Suboxone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, helping stabilize your life.

Get Same-Day Relief from Opioid Addiction

Thanks to our unique virtual medical license, anyone living in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, or West Tennessee can safely and legally access online Suboxone treatment using any smartphone, tablet, or computer, without ever having to visit a clinic.

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises. 

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans. 

FAQ: How Long Do Opioids Stay in Your System?

1. Can I start Suboxone immediately after stopping opioids?

You must be in mild-to-moderate withdrawal before starting. Starting too early can cause precipitated withdrawal. Our providers guide you carefully.

2. Does drinking water help clear opioids faster?

Hydration supports overall health but does not significantly speed elimination.

3. How long does heroin stay in your system?

Typically 1–3 days in urine, but chronic use can extend detection.

4. What if I’ve been buying Suboxone on the street?

Many patients do this trying to avoid withdrawal. We provide safe, legal prescriptions with medical oversight.

5. Will my employer know I’m getting treatment?

Telemedicine is private. We prioritize confidentiality.

You Don’t Have to Fear Withdrawal

If you’re searching how long do opioids stay in your system, you may be closer to recovery than you realize.

At Recovery Care of Columbia, we help adults ages 18–65 across Tennessee stabilize safely through Suboxone telemedicine treatment. Many of our owners are in long-term recovery themselves and built this clinic to treat patients with respect and compassion.

You don’t have to detox alone. Help is available today.

Addiction-Related Articles

External Resources

Share This Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

START TREATMENT TODAY

Register Using TennCare
Register As Self-Pay
Register With Commercial

RECENT POSTS

Addiction Topics

  • Clinic News & Updates
  • Getting Started with MAT
  • Insurance & Cost of Care
  • Kratom & 7-OH Treatment
  • Recovery & MAT Medications
  • Suboxone Clinic Online Tennessee
  • Suboxone Treatment
  • Telemedicine & Virtual Care
  • Understanding Addiction