Do you consider codeine to be a harmful substance?
Since many people grew up taking cough and cold medicines with codeine in them, some people believe that the substance is safe. However, codeine is an opioid that comes from the poppy plant and can lead to dependency in some individuals. For this reason, along with the potential for respiratory complications, codeine is now a controlled substance.
From 2014 to 2019, 1,145,357 prescriptions for codeine and hydrocodone cough and cold medications were written. These numbers have dropped significantly since then, though there were still 55,000 prescriptions for opioid cough and cold medication dispensed to children and teens in 2019. This suggests that more efforts are needed to eliminate these prescriptions.
Wolf Creek Recovery is a recovery center located in beautiful Prescott, Arizona. We are committed to providing as much education to our clients and their families as possible. We understand how one prescription can change a person’s life, which is why we advocate for alternative coping strategies when possible.
If you or your child has ingested codeine, you may be wondering what the codeine detection time is. Understanding this information is important for health, safety, legal, and occupational considerations. Let’s explore.
How Codeine Is Processed in the Body
Codeine is processed in the body through a series of metabolic steps that ultimately lead to its therapeutic benefits and eventual elimination. When codeine is taken orally, it is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. After ingestion, it enters the bloodstream through the lining in the stomach and intestines.
Once codeine is absorbed into the bloodstream, it passes through the liver, where it undergoes first-pass metabolism. This process is responsible for reducing the amount of codeine before it reaches the rest of the body. In the liver, codeine is metabolized into metabolites by several enzymes. Some people are born with enzymes that convert codeine into morphine very quickly, while others convert codeine into morphine slowly.
After metabolism, codeine and its metabolites are distributed throughout the rest of the body via the bloodstream. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to reach the central nervous system and take effect. Codeine and its metabolites then bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. This is what leads to feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sedation.
In terms of cough prevention, codeine binds to the brain’s cough center to suppress the cough reflex. The majority of codeine and its metabolites are then excreted by the kidneys through urine.
How Long Codeine Is Detectable in Your System
Codeine detection time depends on several factors, including the type of codeine you took (liquid, pill, capsule), the dosage, and how often you use the substance. Your metabolism, liver and kidney function, and age also play a role. Understanding detection windows can be important for medical purposes and in situations where this type of testing is required.
Urine Testing
Codeine can usually be detected in urine for 2 to 3 days after the last dose. However, in cases of heavy or prolonged use, codeine may be detectable for up to 7 days. Due to urine’s non-invasive nature and longer detection period, it’s the most common way to test for codeine use.
Saliva Testing
Codeine can be detected in saliva for 1 to 4 days from the last use. Since this test can detect the substance shortly after consumption, it’s commonly used for roadside testing and other situations where recent use is suspected. Saliva tests are also non-invasive.
Blood Testing
It’s usually possible to detect codeine in blood for up to 24 hours after the last dose. Since codeine has a relatively short half-life of 3 to 4 hours, blood has the shortest detection period. For this reason, blood tests are primarily used in situations where recent use must be confirmed.
Hair Testing
Hair testing offers the longest codeine detection time, with codeine being detectable in hair follicles for up to 90 days or longer. As hair grows, traces of the drug are trapped in the hair shaft, making hair testing useful for detecting long-term or historical drug use.
The Potential for Codeine Misuse
When a person misuses codeine against medical guidelines or prescriptions, it’s considered “codeine abuse.” Misusing codeine can lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence, and other various short-term and long-term effects. Here are some characteristics of codeine misuse:
- Non-medical use. Codeine misuse often involves taking the substance for non-medical reasons in an effort to experience euphoria, relaxation, or sedation.
- Overuse. This can include taking larger doses than prescribed, taking doses more frequently than directed, or using the substance for longer periods than intended.
- Illegal acquisition. Obtaining codeine without a prescription is another form of misuse. Some people access codeine through illegal means, such as the dark web, or from someone else’s prescription.
- Recreational use. Codeine is sometimes mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or soda, to create recreational substances like “purple drank” or “lean.” This type of use is especially risky, as it can lead to dangerous interactions and overdose.
Getting Codeine Out of Your System
Getting codeine out of your system involves a combination of bodily processes, supportive measures, and possibly medical intervention. Codeine has a half-life of 3 to 4 hours, though complete elimination can take several days. You can support your body’s natural detoxification by staying hydrated with plenty of water, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and other substances.
If you have developed a dependence on codeine, you will likely need medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms. It’s usually best to gradually taper off codeine rather than stopping abruptly. If you’ve taken codeine only briefly or in low doses, it should clear from your system relatively quickly, usually within a few days. Using codeine longer than intended or in higher doses can cause the substance and its metabolites to linger in the body.
Get Help for Codeine Addiction in Prescott, AZ
A codeine use disorder is a treatable condition. You do not have to go through this alone. Detox is the first step in treating this disorder, and since codeine is an opioid, it’s recommended to detox under medical supervision. This way, you can manage symptoms such as muscle aches, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Medications may also be prescribed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to focus on recovery.
After detox, you will start codeine addiction treatment where you address the psychological components of your substance use. Individual counseling uncovers underlying issues, such as trauma or mental health disorders, while group therapy allows you to share your experiences with others who understand. Support groups can also be beneficial, offering tools and techniques for managing codeine use disorder and leading a balanced life. Treatment should also include lifestyle changes, aftercare, and the treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Wolf Creek Recovery is more than a place to receive treatment for codeine use disorder. We are a recovery center that focuses on healing the mind, body, and spirit. This is how clients are able to reach true healing, remove substances from their life, and commit themselves to bigger and better things. Outdoor therapy is a powerful tool in our program, as it teaches clients how to have fun without substances. To build a life you love, contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 today.
FAQs About Codeine Detection Time
How long is codeine detected in the body?
Codeine detection time depends on many factors, such as the dosage of the medication, the form that you took it in (liquid, tablet, capsule), and how often you take it. Individual factors, including your metabolism, also play a role. On average, you can detect codeine for up to 4 days in the body.
How can you test for codeine?
Urine and saliva tests are the least invasive ways to test for codeine. Blood testing is more invasive and best used for situations where you need to confirm recent use. Hair testing provides the longest detection window, going back 90 days or more.
Is there a way to get codeine out of the body fast?
Codeine is typically eliminated from the body within 15 to 20 hours after the last dose, though traces can remain detectable for a longer period. It’s metabolized in the body relatively quickly, with the substance’s half-life being about 3 to 4 hours.
