How long do drugs stay in the body?
Amphetamines: 2-4 days. Amphetamines
are a stimulant and when abused can result in hallucinations,
paranoia, anxiety and psychotic behavior.
Barbiturates: Short acting
barbiturates: 3 days; Long acting barbiturates: 2 weeks.
These central nervous system depressants and when abused
can lead to physical dependence and tolerance.
Benzodiazepines: up to 2 weeks.
Benzodiazepines are an anti-anxiety/sedative. Abuse
of this drug can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal
symptoms can include convulsions.
Cannabinoids (THC): 10 days
to one month, sometimes longer. Marijuana has euphoric
effects and users of this drug often experience short-term
memory loss, impaired learning and bad judgment. Abuse
can lead to dependence, cancer and other health problems.
Cocaine: 2-3 days. Cocaine
is a stimulant that creates feelings of euphoria and
heightens alertness and pleasure. Use and abuse of cocaine
can result in physical dependence, insomnia, paranoia,
heart failure, convulsions, hallucinations and delusions.
Methadone: 2-4 days. Methadone
is a drug used to treat chronic pain. Although methadone
is commonly used to treat addiction to heroin and other
opiates, methadone can lead to dependence and painful
physical withdrawal symptoms.
Methaqualone: Up to 10 days.
Methaqualone is a sedative, hypnotic drug. Abuse of
this drug can result in delirium, convulsions, vomiting,
coma and possible heart and lung problems, which can
lead to death.
Opiates (Morphine & Heroin):
2-3 days. Opiates, derived from the opium poppy are
used as painkillers. Abuse of this drug results in higher
risk for infection such as HIV/AIDS, as well as psychological
and physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Phencyclidine (PCP): 3-8 days.
PCP is a hallucinogen, which was commonly used as an
anesthetic. Use and abuse of this drug may result in
delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms that are
similar to those of schizophrenia. Long-term use causes
flashbacks, memory loss, and psychological and physical
dependence.
Propoxyphene: 3-7 days. This
drug is commonly used as a painkiller. Abuse of propoxyphene
can result in physical and psychological dependency
as well as other uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA):
up to 10 days. These drugs are often used to treat depression,
however abuse of these drugs causes liver damage and
heart problems.
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