What Drugs Test Positive for Opiates?

Mark Halsey

Chief Editor of - Cleanbreak Recovery

Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands...Read more

If you’ve ever been drug tested for a job or for any other reason, you may be wondering what drugs test positive for opiates. Opiates are a class of drugs that are derived from opium, and they are often used to treat pain and other medical conditions. While not all drugs that are commonly used test positive for opiates, there are some that might show up on a drug test, and it’s important to be aware of what they are and how they might affect a drug test. In this article, we’ll explore what drugs test positive for opiates and how to avoid a positive result if necessary.

Overview of Drugs that Test Positive for Opiates

Opiate drugs are natural or synthetic substances which are derived from opium, which is a poppy plant product. Opiate drugs include both legal and illegal substances and can be used to manage pain or induce a feeling of euphoria. Drug tests, such as urine tests, are often used to identify the presence of opiates in a person’s system. Knowing what drugs test positive for opiates can help one understand the consequences of using opiates and help prevent addiction.

Drug tests typically identify the presence of opiates in a person’s system by detecting the opiate metabolites in their urine. Metabolites are the chemical compounds created when the body processes opiates. Common opiate drugs that are tested for include morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Other types of drugs like methadone and heroin can also test positive for opiates.

Prescription Drugs That Test Positive for Opiates

Prescription drugs that contain opiates are commonly used to manage pain or treat coughing, diarrhea, and other medical conditions. These drugs are available by prescription from a doctor and include common opiate medications like morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Morphine is an analgesic, or pain reliever, and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is typically prescribed to patients who are recovering from surgery or who are experiencing pain due to cancer. Morphine is available in both short- and long-acting formulations.

Oxycodone is another pain reliever that is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by blocking the pain signals that travel to the brain. Oxycodone is available in both immediate release and extended release formulations.

Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used to treat cough and other medical conditions. Hydrocodone is available in both immediate release and extended release formulations.

Illegal Drugs That Test Positive for Opiates

Illegal drugs that contain opiates are often used to induce a feeling of euphoria or to create a “high.” These drugs are typically obtained from street dealers and include heroin, methadone, and codeine.

Heroin is an illegal drug that is derived from morphine and is typically smoked, snorted, or injected. It produces a feeling of euphoria, but can also lead to serious health complications, such as addiction and overdose.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat opioid addiction. It is typically prescribed to patients who are trying to break an addiction to heroin or other opiate drugs. Methadone produces a feeling of euphoria and can lead to addiction if abused.

Codeine is an opioid analgesic that is typically prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain. It is sometimes used to treat coughs and colds as well. Codeine is also available in illegal forms, such as cough syrup, which can lead to overdose if abused.

Synthetic Drugs That Test Positive for Opiates

Synthetic drugs that contain opiates are often manufactured in clandestine laboratories and are sold on the streets. These drugs are typically used to induce a feeling of euphoria and can be dangerous if abused. Common synthetic drugs that test positive for opiates include fentanyl, buprenorphine, and carfentanil.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is typically prescribed to treat severe pain. It is also used as an anesthetic. Fentanyl is highly potent and can be fatal if abused.

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that is typically prescribed to treat opioid addiction. It is also used to treat pain in some cases. Buprenorphine is available in both immediate release and extended release formulations.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is not approved for medical use. It is typically used to sedate large animals, such as elephants, and is highly potent. Carfentanil is sometimes used as a recreational drug and can be fatal if abused.

Testing Positive for Opiates

When a person tests positive for opiates on a drug test, it typically means that they have recently ingested one or more of the drugs listed above. The presence of opiates in a person’s system can lead to serious health complications, such as addiction and overdose.

It is important to understand the risks associated with opiate use and to seek help if needed. Addiction treatment programs can help individuals learn how to manage their addiction and live a healthier life.

It is also important to remember that drug tests can detect the presence of opiates in a person’s system for up to several days after ingestion. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the drugs that can test positive for opiates and to avoid using them.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Opiates?

Opiates are a group of drugs derived from opium. This includes both natural and synthetic drugs. Natural opiates are derived from the poppy plant and include morphine, codeine, and thebaine. Synthetic opiates are created in laboratories and include drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine. All of these drugs are used to treat pain, but they can also be abused or used recreationally.

What Drugs Test Positive for Opiates?

Drug tests that screen for opiates can detect a variety of drugs, both natural and synthetic. Natural opiates such as codeine, morphine, and thebaine are all detectable on a drug test. Synthetic opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and buprenorphine can also be detected. Even some over-the-counter medications, such as cold and cough medicines that contain codeine, can cause a positive result on an opiate drug test.

How Are Opiates Detected in a Drug Test?

Opiates can be detected in a drug test by looking for the presence of opioid metabolites, which are the breakdown products of these drugs. These metabolites can be detected in urine, saliva, or blood samples. Urine tests are the most common, as they are relatively inexpensive and provide quick results.

How Long Can Opiates Be Detected in a Drug Test?

The length of time opiates can be detected in a drug test depends on the drug itself, the amount taken, and the frequency of use. Generally speaking, opiates can be detected in a urine test for up to four days after the last dose. In a saliva test, opiates can be detected for up to two days after the last dose. In a blood test, opiates can be detected for up to 24 hours after the last dose.

What Are the Consequences of Testing Positive for Opiates?

The consequences of testing positive for opiates depend on the context. For example, if you are tested as part of a criminal investigation or court case, you could face jail time and fines. If you are tested in the workplace, you could face disciplinary action, including suspension or termination. Additionally, if you are prescribed opiates and test positive for them, you may be required to go through a drug rehab program.

Are There Any False Positives for Opiate Drug Tests?

Yes, there is a possibility of false positives for opiate drug tests. Certain over-the-counter medications, such as cold and cough medicines that contain codeine, can cause a false positive for opiates. Additionally, certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat depression, can also cause a false positive. If you believe you have received a false positive, you can request a confirmatory test from the lab.

5 ways you could falsely test positive for drugs

Opiates are a class of drugs that can be detected through drug testing. While opiates can be used for medicinal purposes, they can also be abused and lead to addiction. Understanding which drugs can test positive for opiates is important for those who are undergoing drug testing, as a positive test can result in serious consequences. By educating oneself on the drugs that can cause a positive opiate test result, individuals can better understand the danger of opiate abuse and the importance of getting help if needed.

Mark HalseyChief Editor of - Cleanbreak Recovery

Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions.

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