Last updated : December 23, 2024
The amount of time that various drugs stay in the system and are detectable in drug tests varies by the type of drug, frequency of use as well as the hydration of the patient.
The following drugs are the most commonly tested for in a drug test.
Alcohol – includes hard liquor, wine and beer. Alcohol is detectable in urine for two to 12 hours depending on how much is consumed.
Barbiturates – known as downers with prescription names such as Amytal, Fiorinal, Nembutal and Donna. Short acting drugs are detectable for two days, long-acting for one to three weeks based on a half-life.
Benzodiazepines – known by prescription names such as Valium, Ativan, Xanax and Serax. A therapeutic dose is detectable for three days, while long-term use can last four to six weeks.
Cocaine – a stimulant known as crack or coke, it stays in urine for up to four days.
Codeine – an opiate that stays in urine for two days.
Marijuana – a hallucinogen known as pot, dope or weed, a single use stays in the system for two to seven days. Chronic use stays for one to two months or more.
Methadone – an opiate with a prescription name of Dolophine, it stays in urine for three days.
Methaqualone – a sedative, it stays in urine for up to 14 days.
Oxycodone – an opiate detectable for two to seven days depending on frequency of use.
Phencyclidine – a hallucinogen known as PCP or angel dust, it stays in the urine for eight to 14 days on average, but up to 30 with chronic use.
Propoxyphene – an opiate that stays in the urine anywhere from six hours to two days.
Synthetics (K2, spice, etc.) – stay in the urine for around three days, usually less time than regular marijuana.
