It has taken a long time to find the road to recovery. For ten years, you sought comfort and solace in heroin. You even used it in secret while keeping a high-powered career. Quitting was one of the hardest things you ever did, but you did it for your family, your health, and your future. 

But now there’s a change in company policy: monthly drug tests. It has been a couple of months since you used, but how long does heroin stay in your system? If it’s detectable on the drug test, will they fire you? Are you at risk for losing your job just as you’re finally getting your life back? 

At Tranquil shores, we hear stories like this all time. We know how hard it can be when your past threatens to interfere with your future. You’re also not alone – many Americans are currently managing a heroin use disorder. In fact, Florida saw 8,093 fatal overdoses in 2021. Our full-time nursing staff dedicate their lives to helping individuals just like you, and we want to help. Today, we’re here to discuss your concerns with heroin drug tests and what your options are.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an illicit opioid made from morphine that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or sniffed. The brain is full of opioid receptors that  heroin quickly binds to. The primary receptors that are affected are the ones that control heart rate, sleep, breathing, and feelings like pain and happiness.

Side Effects of Heroin on the System

Heroin has both short-term and long-term effects on the body. The effects of heroin in the system impact an individual’s health, including issues with several organs, life-threatening infections, and a decline in mental health. The side effects heroin has on the system vary based on several factors in each person.

The most common short term side effects of heroin on the body are:

• Drowsiness
• Decreased mental functioning
• Alternating states of consciousness (nodding off)
• Limbs that feel heavy or weighted down
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itchy skin
• Slowed heart rate
• Slowed breathing

Chronic heroin use can have long-term physical and mental health effects, including developing significant opioid tolerance and physiological dependence. 

The most common long-term effects are: 

• Insomnia
• Infections of the heart lining and valves (in association with non-sterile needle use)
• Abscesses (in association with non-sterile needle use)
• Chronic and severe constipation
• Increased risk of pneumonia and other lung complications
• Co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression and antisocial personality disorder
• Sexual dysfunction for men
• Irregular menstrual cycles for women

How Does Heroin Impact the Person Who Takes It?

Heroin is a drug that reaches the brain quickly regardless of how it’s consumed. It creates dependence by the brain becoming “used to” the amount taken each time.. 

Heroin creates a “rush” of euphoria and relaxation. It slows down the world around you like you’re in a dream. Most people start using heroin as a way to cope with stress or manage chronic pain.

Heroin blocks the message pathway between the brain and body for pain signals and slows heart rate and breathing. That being said, a heroin overdose may result in someone’s breathing to stop altogether, leading to hypoxia and possible brain damage. 

Can I Keep My Job? How Long Can Heroin Be Detected in the Body?

The duration that heroin can be detected in the body can vary based on how long the person was using the drug, the test that was used, and how the drug was ingested. The tests that can be used to test for heroin in the system are blood, saliva, urine, and hair follicle. 

The duration of how long heroin stays in the system is different for each test, as you can see: 

• Urine: 48 hours or 2 days
• Blood and saliva: These tests are considered unreliable when it comes to detecting heroin because of its short half-life 
• Hair: Up to 3 months or more

Factors That Affect How Long Heroin Stays in a Person’s System

How long heroin stays in your system can vary by person and depend on several factors, such as how often and how much heroin is used, your height and weight, and genetics. Similar to other opioids, many other factors can influence this timeline, including:

• Age
• Body fat percentage
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Other substances taken

Heroin has a short half-life of only 30 minutes. This means that after 30 minutes,  half of the drug will already be flushed out of a person’s system. The actual time this takes for each individual depends on a number of factors, including:

• Height and weight
• Age
• Genetics
• Body fat content
• The amount taken
• The quality of the drug
• Metabolism rate
• Health of the liver and kidneys
• Hydration

Still Experiencing Heroin Withdrawal? There’s Hope.

When someone’s brain begins to adapt to regular heroin use, they develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they have to increase the dosage to feel the same effects. They become dependent on it mentally and physically. 

Heroin withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening, but can be very unpleasant and painful. This makes it difficult for many people to quit using heroin. Withdrawal occurs when someone stops using heroin and their body sends signals that trigger a need for it. 

The most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fast pulse
• Increased breathing rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Elevated body temperature
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Goosebumps (“piloerection”)
• Watery discharge from eyes and nose
• Muscle spasms, cramps, and/or pain

Getting Help For a Heroin Addiction at Tranquil Shores

The first step in recovery from heroin is often detox. The best way to do a heroin detox is under medical supervision like what Tranquil Shores offers. Not only does the treatment program at Tranquil Shores focus on helping patients beat their heroin addiction, but it also provides the support needed to ensure a healthy, happy, lifestyle. 

There are personalized treatment plans for each individual and a 3-1 counselor to client ratio so that there is enough attention for each client to increase their chances of a successful recovery. 

Medical professionals that are monitoring a detox are able to watch for withdrawal symptoms like depression and anxiety to reduce the risk of self harm or relapse. 

There are certain medications that can be provided to help diminish withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine, the most commonly prescribed medication for heroin withdrawal, reduces heroin cravings and physical symptoms such as aches and pains. It also helps to prevent relapse. Another medication used is Methadone, which is a low-dose opiate that helps to wean patients off of heroin and prevent withdrawal symptoms like vomiting. Whether or not you choose medication for your healing journey, recovery is always possible. 

At Tranquil Shores, we place importance on individualized attention, which is why we offer a 3:1 client-to-staff ratio. Our beachside environment has been curated for healing because our goal is to help you reclaim your life from heroin. Call Tranquil Shores  today at 727-591-4119 if you or someone you love would like to learn more.

FAQs

How long does heroin stay in your system if you have been drugged?

Heroin stays in the system for 12-24 hours. If another dose is taken, this time will increase.

Is heroin withdrawal fatal?

While not typically life-threatening, heroin withdrawal can be fatal. Mental health can deteriorate rapidly, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide can occur. The physical pain the body goes through is unpleasant, and contributes to mental health function.

What to do if a loved one overdoses on heroin?

If an overdose from heroin is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. If available, administer Narcan before help arrives. Keep the person upright or on their side to prevent aspiration from vomiting. When medical help arrives, be honest with all substances taken and let them know if Narcan was administered.