Opioids

Drugs that act on opioid receptors in brain. This includes pain killers such as oxy or codeine, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. Opioids can be taken in different ways, depending on the type. They can be swallowed in tablet form, a film can be dissolved under the tongue, they can also be injected, snorted, or smoked.

This is a guide only – know more, be safer.

Effects on the Brain

How Opioids makes you feel

You may feel relaxed, drowsy, confused, clumsy, happy, or unable to concentrate.

Effects on the Body

What Opioids does to your body

Depends on your size/weight and health, if you’re used to taking it, if other drugs are taken around the same time, amount taken and drug strength. 

You might experience slow breathing and heart rate, pain relief, constipation, reduced sex drive, or sweating.

Drug Duration Calculator
Staying Safe

How long does Opioids last?

Effects last
Varies depending on the type
Stays in your system for
In system
Saliva test: less than 24 hours. Urine test: 2-4 days
No longer detectable in your system
Clear
4+ days

Depends on:

  • Your Size/Weight
  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Drug Strength
  • Type of test. These time frames are based on saliva and urine drug tests. Testing equipment can vary - this is a guide only.

Depends on type of opioid, and how much is taken.

Calculate the duration of other substances

How do you stay below 0.05? (This is a guide only)

Men average size: No more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that.

Women average size: No more than 1 standard drink per hour.

Mixing Substances

Risks of mixing Opioids with other substances

Mixing opioids with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

Low risk icon

Lower Risk Substances

Moderate risk icon

Moderate Risk Substances

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High Risk Substances

Potential Side Effects

When you take too much Opioids

Seizures

Shallow breathing

Hallucinations

Coma

Risk of death

Staying Safe

Risks when taking the substance

  • Opioid medications prescribed for pain relief can cause addiction
  • If overused or combined with other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, like alcohol or benzos, they can cause death.
Staying Safe

Harm reduction

  • Always take prescription opioids as prescribed
  • Strength varies for illegal opioids, always test small amount first
  • Because there is a high risk of overdose, avoid using alone
  • Always carry Naloxone for emergencies
  • Know how long opioids stay in your system so you’ll know when it’s safer to drive, be on site or work machinery.

If injecting:

  • Always try a small amount first.
  • Always use sterile injecting equipment and sterile water
  • Use a wheel filter to prevent vein damage
  • Don’t share needles or equipment, sharing increases the risk of transmitting blood borne viruses
  • Make sure you wash or sanitise your hands beforehand
  • Think about snorting or smoking instead to reduce your risk of overdose.