How Long Do Different Drugs Stay in Your System?

An important stage of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is attaining knowledge about the substances as a whole to help evaluate what the rehabilitation process might look like. Different drugs have vastly different effects on the body and mind, which require varying treatment routes for attaining complete sobriety.

One aspect to consider when learning about drug effects is how long the substance stays in the body. This duration may impact not only the drug treatment plan but could also influence other life factors, such as applying for jobs.

The length of time a certain drug stays in your system depends on several factors, including age, weight, dosage, sex, etc. Below are the estimated durations:

How Long Does Alcohol Stay in You System?

Alcohol will typically be detectable in urine for 3-5 days, or 10-12 hours in blood. This largely depends on the alcohol content in the drink consumed – the higher the alcohol content, the longer it will take to leave the body.

How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?

Marijuana has one of the longest lifespans in the body and will typically show up in a urine test 7-30 days and up to two weeks in a blood test. This range depends greatly on frequency of use. Cannabis will be detected for a shorter amount of time in first time users versus daily users.

How Long Does Cocaine Stay in Your System?

Cocaine excretes the body fairly quickly and will be present in the body 1-3 days in urine and 1-2 days in the bloodstream. However, certain metabolites in cocaine will be detectable for longer periods of time.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

Heroin, one of the most dangerous drugs in Colorado, will show up in a urine test 3-4 days after use and up to 12 hours in the bloodstream. Similar to cocaine, heroin metabolites will stay in the liver longer than that.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Methamphetamine (also known as crystal meth) will stay in the body 3-6 days in urine and 1-3 days in the blood. The neurological effects of meth will last for much longer, though.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Not all drug addictions come from illegal substances. Xanax use can start harmlessly and then develop into an addiction overtime. This particular benzodiazepine is detectable in the urine for about five days after use.

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

Adderall is a stimulant like Ritalin and can easily be abused even if its original use was intended for medical purposes. Adderall is typically detectable in a urine test for about three days after use.

Regardless of the type of drug, all drug and alcohol abuse will have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Learn how our Boulder drug treatment center can help you find new beginnings: 720-577-4422 or jordan@choicehouse.com.

Table of Contents

Questions About Treatment?

Choice House is your comprehensive guide to lasting sobriety and wellness. Reach out to us today to see how we can support you on your journey toward sustainable well-being.

ready to choose a life worth living?

Don’t let addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions keep you from leading the happy, healthy, and empowered life you deserve. Contact Choice House today and embrace recovery.

"*" indicates required fields

Full Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Choice Logo