How Far Back Can a Urine Test Detect Drugs?
In today’s environment, employers and schools are demanding drug tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were one million visits to the Emergency Department because of drugs.
Drugs and alcohol vary with their windows of detection because some of them are deposited in fat stores. For example, THC can be detected in urine for up to two weeks because THC is deposited in fat cells.
How Far Back Can a Urine Test Detect Drugs
How Long Does Each Drug Stay in Your System
| Substance | Urine | Hair | Oral Fluid | Sweat |
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| Alcohol | 10-12 hours | N/A | Up to 24 hours | N/A |
| EtG — Up to 48 hours | ||||
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| Amphetamines | 2 to 4 days | Up to 90 days | 1-48 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Methamphetamine | 2 to 5 days | Up to 90 days | 1-48 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Barbiturates | Up to 7 days | Up to 90 days | N/A | N/A |
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| Benzodiazepines | Up to 7 days | Up to 90 days | N/A | N/A |
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| Cannabis (Marijuana) | 1-30 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 24 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Cocaine | 1 to B days | Up to 90 days | 1-36 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Codeine (Opiate) | 2 to 4 days | Up to 90 days | 1-36 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Morphine (Opiate) | 2 to 5 days | Up to 90 days | 1-36 hours | 7-14 days |
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| Heroin (Opiate) | 2 to 3 days | Up to 9 days | ||
Marijuana Drug Test Detection
Drugs can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, hair, sweat, and bodily fluids. When drugs are taken, they are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Substances that are inhaled or injected are immediately deposited into the tissues. The majority of drugs have to go to the liver to be metabolized.
Hair Drug Test Detection
Hair testing can be useful in studies with moderate-risk drug users, but the potential for under-identification of low-frequency use suggests that researchers should consider employing low detection cut-offs and using hair testing in conjunction with self-report.
How Far Back Can a Urine Test Detect Drugs- Drug Treatment
No one has to be afraid of taking a urine test because they are afraid of being fired or expelled from school. There are a plethora of places where people can go for help. Here is a website of all the state-funded treatment centers.
Conclusion
If you are afraid of taking a urine drug test because you are afraid of an employer finding out, you really need to do some self-evaluation and seek help if you are unable to stop. Drug abuse is becoming one of the leading causes of death.
Not only are employers asking employees to perform a urine drug test, but many schools are also asking for it.
My name is Phyllis Robinson MSN, RN. I have been a Registered Nurse for 27 years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. I am passionate about cardiac care and heart disease. I also want this blog to be an educational tool that people can refer to for traditional and alternative treatment. I will blog on heart disorders such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and high cholesterol.
I received my Nursing degree from Baltimore Community College.
I went on to receive my Masters in Nursing from Walden University
I have worked for almost 30 years in Critical Care with a focus on heart health. I am an advocate of preventive healthcare.
