Drugs are synthetic products which can be used as medicines or narcotics. They are of different types and are differentiated on the basis of their effect on human beings. For e.g., certain drugs and medications are classified as depressants, while some others are stimulants. Prescription drugs are taken for medicinal purposes to overcome depression or physical or psychological disorders. However, certain drugs, mostly, narcotics, are consumed illegally and are termed as drugs of abuse.
Drug Duration Chart
The duration, any drug stays in the body, varies, and can last for hours to days to even more than a couple of weeks. With the use of modern methods of drug testing, it is even possible to detect whether a person had a drug 2-3 months backs. Drug tests include urine test, blood test and hair test which also help in the diagnosis of the type of drug a person has taken. One also needs to take several other things into consideration like the amount of drug the person has taken, whether the drug was taken orally or injected in the body, the person's age, gender, etc. Secondly, a person's rate of metabolism (or metabolic rate) also plays an important role in determining the duration the drug stays in the body. If a person has a slower metabolic rate, it takes a longer time for drugs to get out from the body.
The frequency at which a certain drug is taken (drug abuse) and the drug tolerance capacity of the person also determine the duration of the drug in the body. Most commonly used drugs like codeine, used to relieve cough and pain, can also stay in the body for more than one day. The following is a chart showing the duration of drugs in the system, in case of prescription as well as drugs of abuse.
Prescription Drugs
| Type |
Minimum Duration in the Body |
Maximum Duration in the Body |
| Amphetamines |
1 day |
2 days |
| Anabolic steroids |
1 week |
3 weeks |
| Barbiturates |
2 days |
3 days |
| Benzodiazepines |
2 days |
8 days |
| Codeine |
1 day |
2 days |
| Dilaudid |
2 days |
90 days |
| Ketamine |
2 days |
4 days |
| Phenobarbital |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
| Suboxone |
2 days |
5 days |
| Oxycodone |
1 day |
2 days |
| Valium |
2 days |
7 days |
Recreational Drugs
| Type |
Minimum Duration in the Body |
Maximum Duration in the Body |
| Alcohol |
8 hours |
12 hours |
| Cocaine |
1 day |
2 days |
| Fentanyl |
1 day |
90 days |
| Heroin |
1 day |
2 days |
| GHB |
1 day |
2 days |
| LSD |
2 hours |
5 days |
| Marijuana |
2 days |
30 days |
| MDMA |
1 day |
5 days |
| Methadone |
1 day |
7 days |
| Methamphetamine |
2 days |
4 days |
| Methaqualone |
9 days |
15 days |
| Nicotine |
1 day |
2 days |
| Opiates |
1 day |
2 days |
| PCP |
1 day |
30 days |
| Quaalude |
1 hour |
90 hours |
As there are severe and even fatal effects of drugs on the body, people are advised not to abuse them. It should also be noted that drugs are more addictive as compared to alcohol or cigarette. However, all the three are equally harmful. If a friend, or a partner is found to suffer from drug abuse, he should be encouraged to go to drug rehabilitation where recovery is possible.
Drug abuse is a sure way to end life as it is addictive and life-threatening. So, it is wise to stay away from it. Take care!
