Blood testing methods will only be able to detect morphine use for a short amount of time: 12-24 hours.
Other drug tests that can screen for morphine use include:
- urine tests: one to three days
- saliva tests: 48 to 72 hours
- hair follicle tests: up to 90 days
If you’re suspected of misusing morphine, a blood test may be ordered to monitor your drug use.
Detecting Morphine Through Blood Tests
On average, morphine can be detected in the blood for between 12 and 24 hours after its last use.
What Factors Affect How Long Morphine Stays In Blood?
Blood tests will typically be able to detect morphine for 12 to 24 hours after your last dose. This is the average amount of time for the general population.
Factors that can affect this average timeframe include:
- amount taken
- frequency of use
- drug formulation (i.e. immediate vs. extended-release)
- method of use (e.g. morphine injection)
- use of multiple drugs
- metabolic rate
Personal factors—such as age, liver and kidney function, and body fat—may affect the process of drug metabolism. This can potentially result in a longer detection window.
How To Get Morphine Out Of Your System
The only way to get a negative result for morphine use is to stop taking it. If you’re physically dependent on morphine, this may cause uncomfortable morphine withdrawal symptoms.
Stopping morphine all at once can be difficult, or even dangerous to attempt if you’ve been abusing morphine or have become addicted. In this case, a detox program is recommended.
Inpatient detox programs can offer:
- 24-hour medical supervision
- treatment for withdrawal symptoms
- recommendations for additional substance abuse treatment
If you’re addicted to morphine, additional treatment may be recommended. Many detox centers work with drug rehab centers to coordinate additional care for people overcoming addiction.
Treatment For Morphine Addiction
Millions of people in the United States misuse prescription drugs like morphine each year. If this describes you, you’re not alone.
Treatment services for morphine abuse and addiction include:
- medical detox
- medications for opioid addiction (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone)
- behavioral therapy
- mental health counseling
- chronic pain management services
Getting off morphine and staying off it is possible. Most people can’t do it alone. Finding an opioid treatment program that’s right for you can help you build a future that’s addiction-free.
We know how difficult it is to live with drug addiction. You don’t have to face it alone. If you or a loved one is addicted to morphine, call our helpline today to find treatment near you.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Redwood Toxicology Laboratory—Laboratory Testing Reference Guide
https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/Programs/CIP/events/redwood/LAB_Reference_Guide.pdf - U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse—Prescription Opioids DrugFacts
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids - U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Morphine
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682133.html - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolism and morphine/codeine ratios in blood: was it codeine or heroin?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18334103/
