Opiate for Pain Management

[Eddie1111]

My mother has been prescribed many opiates for pain management for several years now.  It has caused her some severe health issues, central sleep apnea, all kinds of stuff.  Now they are checking for brain damage due to long term opiate abuse.  She has been off all opiates for 22 days but had a 1 week suboxone taper.  So now she has been off everything for 2 weeks.  They did a drug test and she tested positive.  Is it possible for some of this stuff to still be showing up on drug tests.  She is in a residential rehab center so it is very difficult for her to get drugs and she claims she doesn't want to take anything now she is sober anyway.  What do you think this could be causing her to test for drugs.
Thanks

[sandee1818]

It would depend on what type of medications she was taking such a short acting or extended release and her metabolism. Some medications will take longer to leave the body completely. I am not sure if the suboxone would show a positive result.

[Mollyrae]

Hi Eddie:

Your question is asked by many members in the forum. I have listed in my Journal why a person might or might not have a false-positive, negative drug screen. This may be of some help...I don't know but may be worth looking at. Please take care,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hi Eddie,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. Your question is interesting and puzzling. It is also one I cannot answer to any certainty.

Some meds do have a long half life but I would think that it was taken into consideration when they did the drug screen. Also knowing what other meds she may be on as Sandee asked would be helpful.

Mollyrae does have a good informational article on her journal. I think you will find it interesting. You ma also want to ask this question on the Substance Abuse Forum. You will find knowledgeable members there also and they may have other suggestions or information. Please know that you are always welcome here.

Best of luck to you and your Mom. She is lucky to have a son that is caring and interested in her health.

Take Care,
Tuck

[Eddie1111]

Hey there,  thank you all for your response.  We are just so worried.  I posted something in the substance abuse area.  It turned out to be some sort of benzodiazaprine or something like that.  They think it could have been from her Clonidine patch.  She has had a huge psychotic break and is really struggling.  She does not know her family right now and it is tearing us up.  We only wanted her to get off opiates and so did she.  She was very mentally strong and loving 3 weeks ago and now she is a mess.  Any advice?  Read my post on the substance abuse forum and please help/