This month's edition in the DNA ongoing series about the legal and personal implications of drug abuse focuses on opioid drug testing. Some of our most recent articles focused on MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, cocaine, and tramadol misuse.
Opioids are controlled drugs typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe acute or chronic pain by mimicking the effects of the poppy plant's naturally derived morphine. Not to be confused with opiates, like morphine, these are drugs formed using synthetic or partly synthetic ingredients for prescription use, meaning they're created chemically. They do, however, mimic the effects of opiates (more on that below).
And in the UK, things are about to change. They’ll add six new synthetic opioids under the strictest control measures in an attempt to prevent drug misuse-related deaths in the UK. The six new synthetics added to the list will be:
- 2-Methyl-AP-237
- AP-237
- Para-Methyl-AP-237
- AP-238
- Azaprocin
- Para-Nitroazaprocin
Earlier in the year, the UK government took further preventative measures by adding 15 other synthetic opioids (including 14 nitazenes) to the list of controlled class A drugs. Read more about it here. The government is particularly interested in nitazenes after the number of deaths soared above 100 in a short space of time. In the UK, nitazenes are commonly mixed with heroin to make a potent and powerful drug - there’s also evidence found in some illegal diazepam tablets.
Opioids work by activating a portion of nerve cells within the brain and central nervous system known as opioid receptors. These receptors then block pain signals to the rest of the body.
The most common prescriptions of opioids and opiates are:
- Codeine (opiate)
- Morphine (opiate)
- Tramadol (opioid)
- Dihydrocodeine (semi-synthetic opioid)
- Oxycodone (semi-synthetic opioid)
- Oxymorphone (semi-synthetic opioid)
Fentanyl and buprenorphine (both synthetic opioids) are also common in-hospital prescriptions - both are rarely prescribed for community-based use.
Opioids and opiates are class A drugs, meaning the possession, supply, or production of the medication/substances without a prescription is illegal.
Most synthetic opioids and opiates are class A drugs, except codeine when in low-strength forms, which is a class B drug. Possession of class A opioids without a prescription would result in up to 7 years in prison and an unlimited fine, whereas for class B codeine, it's up to 5 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The Difference Between Opioids and Opiates
Opiates like morphine and codeine are derived naturally from the opium poppy plant. Opioids range far beyond opiates. These include synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs like heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. All types have analgesic properties (or misuse) and are highly addictive and abused.
Common Opioids Tested For in The UK
Commonly, in the UK, when testing for drug misuse, various opioids are usually considered. These include:
- Heroin: A very addictive morphine-derived drug
- Morphine: The original opiate - a strong painkiller used in hospitals that is often misused.
- Codeine: A less efficacious but most frequently prescribed analgesic with some 8-milligram (mg) per pill, weak over-the-counter co-codamol versions available.
- Oxycodone: A prescribed opioid for severe pain treatment having a high addiction potential.
- Fentanyl: A synthetic opioid many times stronger than morphine and used for medicinal purposes besides being sold on illicit drug markets.
Will Opioids Show on a Drug Test?
Most standard 5 and 10-panel drug tests will show positive results for opioid misuse. However, some factors can influence the results - these include the type of test and the detection window.
How Long Will Opioids Stay in Your System?
Various factors determine how long opioids stay within your body, such as the type of opioid, frequency of use, metabolism, and the specific drug test taken. Below is an outline of general detection time frames for different types of drug tests:
| Body System | Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 3 days |
| Blood | Up to 3 days |
| Saliva | Up to 36 hours |
| Fingernails | Up to 6 months |
| Hair | Up to 90 days (or more) |
Note: These times are approximate and can vary based on individual factors, as mentioned above. In some cases, drug use may be identified from hair samples after more than 90 days.
What Tests Will Detect Opioids?
The various tests have different accuracy rates and periods of detection. These are the standard methods that are used when testing for opioids:
Urine Test:
The urine test is the most popular method of drug testing in all cases of substance abuse. Opioid use can be detected within several days, making it a preferred option due to its accuracy and ease of use.
Blood Test:
A blood test has very short detection times and is mainly used in cases where recent usage needs to be detected, like in accidents. Such tests may also go hand in hand with rapid saliva tests.
Saliva Test:
The rapid saliva test is great at detecting the presence of drugs taken within up to 3 days, giving results within 30-60 minutes. However, compared to urine tests, it has a short detection time frame – this type wouldn't typically appear during any ongoing court session.
Fingernail Test:
Fingernail tests are common in assessing chronic drug misuse as they can detect drug intake even up to six months ago. That's because traces of opioids get entrapped in keratin fibres that form nails over many months, indicating potential long-term drug involvement.
Hair Test:
Like fingernails, hair drug tests can discover if an individual had drugs for up to 90 days (sometimes more) as traces of the substances remain trapped within keratin fibres. In a child custody case - where there is suspected long-term misuse - a hair drug test might be requested. A positive result would demonstrate neglectful parenting or endangerment of children's well-being. A single centimetre segment reveals about one month of misuse, depending on monthly hair growth.
Legal and healthcare professionals would have to wait 2-3 weeks after substance misuse for the test to be accurate.
What Factors Influence Opioid Detection?
Some factors can affect the detection of opioids in the body:
Usage Regularity: Greater use leads to lengthier periods for detecting them.
- Metabolism
- Body Weight
- Hydration Level
- Age
- General Wellness
- Amount Consumed
Why Might a Court-Ordered Opioid Test Be Necessary?
There are many different legal circumstances in which opioid tests are court-ordered, such as:
- Child Custody Cases: If opioid misuse is suspected, it could indicate a child's welfare is endangered and that a parent or guardian is not fit to safeguard the child.
- Criminal Cases: Sometimes, a legal case must prove drug misuse at the time of an offence, like general bodily harm or drunk driving.
- Rehabilitation Monitoring: Checking whether or not the person is following through on their court-mandated rehabilitation and how well they are doing.
What Happens if an Opioid Test Comes Back Positive?
The legal implications of a positive opioid test are dependent on the circumstances surrounding the case. For example, like the child custody case example we've been using, a positive test could lead to limited access or even loss of custody.
In criminal cases, it could culminate in longer jail terms, larger fines and the possibility of being put in an involuntary treatment plan. Or, any workplace testing that shows up as positive may force employers to end contracts or discipline their employees.
How DNA Legal Can Help
DNA Legal is well-positioned to assist individuals and legal practitioners seeking drug testing services. Our competent staff members deliver dependable tests with privacy, ensuring accurate outcomes with guaranteed necessary assistance.
We do understand that undergoing a drug test can be stressful, more so when involving court cases. Our professionals are here for you at every stage, whether you require testing done privately or to back up your legal issues.