Retention Detection
Retention/Detection Time: Drugs of Abuse*
Drug Type Approximate Detection Time Clinical Effects
STIMULANTS
Amphetamine/ In urine: 1–2 days Increased heart rate; elevated blood pressure; appetite suppres-
Methamphetamine sion; elevated temperature; heart palpitations; restlessness;
euphoria; heightened sense of well-being; depression; sedation
Cocaine In urine: 2–4 days Central nervous system stimulation; rapid heart rate; elevated
blood pressure; dilated pupils; mood elevation; inflated self-image;
paranoid delusions; impaired performance because of overestimation
of abilities; euphoria followed by anxiety and drug craving;
paranoia and delusions; depression; heart failure; seizures
HALLUCINOGENS
Marijuana Light smoker (1–2 joints/week): 2–3 days Increased cardiac output; increased pulse rate increased appetite;
Moderate smoker (4 times/week): 5–7 days decreased coordination; euphoria; apathy; hallucinations; intoxicated
Heavy smoker (daily): 10–15 days appearance
Chronic use (more than 5 joints/day):
14–30 days
LSD 2–5 days Vomiting; diarrhea; flashbacks; dilated pupils; salivation; tremors;
decreased coordination; visual illusions; panic attacks; euphoria
Phencyclidine (PCP) 14 days Elevated blood pressure; sweating; involuntary rapid movements of
Chronic users: up to 30 days the eyeball; nausea and vomiting; extreme aggressive behavior;
euphoria; intoxicated appearance
NARCOTICS/ANALGESICS/OPIATES
Opiates (including heroin, 3 days Central nervous system depression; dizziness; lightheadedness;
morphine, codeine) May be longer for chronic users sedation; weakness; nausea and vomiting; euphoria; drowsiness
Methadone 3 days Central nervous system depression; suppressed pain sensation;
lightheadedness; dizziness; urinary retention; reduced respiratory rate
Propoxyphene 6 hours to 2 days Blurred vision; headache; nausea and vomiting; euphoria; intoxication;
(Darvon, etc.) mild depression; seizures; confusion; hallucinations; delusions
DEPRESSANTS/SEDATIVES/HYPNOTICS
Barbiturate In urine: 2–4 days and up to 30 days Central nervous system depression; decreased heart rate; euphoria;
In serum and plasma: 2–3 days decreased mental acuity; slowed speech
Benzodiazepine In urine: up to 30 days Depression; drowsiness; dizziness; lightheadedness; nausea; dry
Chronic users (1 or more years): 4–6 weeks mouth; lethargy; fatigue
In serum and plasma: 12 hours to 2 days
Methaqualone 14 days Decreased myocardial contractility; headache; dry mouth; loss of
appetite; nausea and vomiting; euphoria; depression of brain’s
emotional inhibitory centers
Ethyl Alcohol In urine: 1–24 hours Intoxication; depression of reflexes; depression of heart rate; lethargy;
In serum and plasma: 1–12 hours loss of inhibitions; sleepiness; insomnia; aggressive behavior; coma
- Detection times are based on the use of standard cutoffs.