OxyContin is a powerful pain-relieving drug that is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is a highly addictive controlled substance that is only available by prescription. It is an opioid meaning that it is a synthetic chemical compound not derived from plants.
While OxyContin has a high potential for abuse, many people may have legitimate reasons for asking, “How long does OxyContin stay in your system?” Sports professionals, workplace professionals, and drug rehabilitation staff can all benefit from knowing the answer to this question. Let’s dive a little deeper to find out more about the prescription drug OxyContin and the length of time it stays in the system.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) because it is a powerful opioid pain killer with a high potential for abuse. It is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone that is used to treat moderate to severe pain when other remedies are not effective. OxyContin is the brand name for controlled or extended-release oxycodone medication. It is only available by prescription and should only be taken for a short time.
OxyContin works on the brain’s pleasure center causing a euphoric effect in addition to blocking out pain. The body can quickly become dependent on this highly addictive drug, making it difficult to stop taking. Withdrawals can also be harsh, requiring a tapering method or medical intervention to safely stop taking OxyContin.
How long does OxyContin stay in your system?
The length of time OxyContin stays in your system depends on many variables, including the length of time and dosage taken. A person’s age, health, liver function, weight, and other medications can also affect how long OxyContin stays in your system. The type of test taken also helps determine how long OxyContin can be detected in the system.
A blood test and a saliva test can both detect OxyContin for about a day after last ingestion while a urine test can detect trace amounts of OxyContin up to 4 days after it was last taken. A hair follicle test can usually detect the drug up to 90 days after it was last taken. Of course, OxyContin can be detected in the system for a longer time if it was taken in high doses or for a long period of time.
Factors That Extend Detection
There are multiple factors that can extend the amount of time OxyContin can be detected in your system. When answering the question, “How long does OxyContin stay in your system?” It’s important to consider weight. OxyContin can build up in fatty tissue over time. Heavier people who have been taking the drug for an extended period may take longer to detox.
Drinking alcohol while taking OxyContin is dangerous and also slows the expelling process. When a user regularly drinks alcohol while taking OxyContin, it also slows the amount of drug expelled from the system. This means a drug test can detect the drug for a longer period in the user’s system.
OxyContin is Highly Addictive- Talk to a Professional Today
OxyContin is a powerful pain killer which is highly addictive and closely controlled by the DEA. It can cause severe withdrawal symptoms which require medical intervention. OxyContin should only be taken for a short time under close medical supervision and after much consideration. If you’ve been prescribed OxyContin for pain, talk to your physician, and take it exactly as prescribed. Misuse can lead to a dangerous addiction that requires medical intervention to safely detox.
