How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Your System?

Benzodiazepines, otherwise known as “benzos” are recognized as a class of drugs used to address conditions such as insomnia, seizures, and generalized anxiety. Considered as a CNS depressant, benzodiazepines have a similar calming effect to opioids. Intake of the drug is only recommended for short-term periods, as there is a risk of misuse and contraindication with other substances.

Given the nature of the drug and how some formal organizations require substance tests, many people wonder how long benzodiazepines can stay in the body.

How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay In Your System?

Many people wonder how long do benzodiazepines last in the body. There is no single answer to this question because there are several factors that determine the amount and timeline of the substance in the body. However, there are also timeline averages, which will be discussed further. Common factors that impact how long benzos stay in your body include:

• Height and weight: People who are taller and heavier are more likely prescribed higher doses of the drug. Thus, it will take a longer time for the body to process and eliminate the substance.
• Metabolism: Each individual is different when it comes to how fast it digests the drug, experiences its effects, and processes it within the excretory system. Those with faster metabolisms are likely to rid of the drug faster.
• Type of benzodiazepine and dosages: If you are taking higher doses of benzodiazepines or are abusing the drug, there is a chance that the substance will stay longer in the body. Additionally, some benzodiazepines are short and long-acting. The long-acting drugs will last in the body for quite some time compared to short-acting variants.
• Other health and medical conditions: If you have other conditions that affect your digestion, circulatory system, or are taking more substances, this will also affect how you process benzodiazepines.

How long do benzodiazepines stay in your urine?

Since the most common drug tests are urinalysis, this is another common question that people ask about benzodiazepine drug test detection time. Given that the factors mentioned above, here are some information on the typical timelines for drug detection tests:

How long are benzodiazepines detectable in urine?

• Valium: This benzodiazepine variant has long-acting features. Thus, it is still detectable in the body for up to 10 days.
• Halcion: A benzodiazepine that is recommended for short-acting use. The drug is typically detected in tests for up to 2 days.
• Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, Restoril, and Librium: Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines such as the variants mentioned can still be detectable in tests for up to 5 days.

Do benzodiazepines show up in a drug test?

If you are taking a urinalysis targeted for benzodiazepines and you have taken them before the mentioned timeline averages, then yes. Benzodiazepine detection will likely yield a positive result. Ideally, you want to go past these average days if you want a drug test clear from benzodiazepine detection.

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Benzodiazepines and Substance Use Disorder

Another important factor to consider if you are taking a drug test is if you are presently misusing benzodiazepines. Abusing the drug can lead to higher traces of the substance which do not reflect the average timelines.

Signs of benzodiazepine abuse

• Intense cravings for the drug
• Physical, mental, and emotional discomfort when the drug is not taken
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as fever, nausea, chills, and other bodily discomforts
• Disruption of daily routines and responsibilities due to drug abuse
• Isolation and secretive behavior related to drug use
• Increasing intake of the drug than prescribed

How long do benzodiazepines stay in the system for those who have substance use disorder problems?

Benzodiazepine abuse can lead to longer timelines which can be unpredictable. When you are also abstaining from the drug by quitting cold turkey, there is a risk of a life-threatening withdrawal.

For those who are dependent on the substance, it is not recommended to suddenly abstain from benzodiazepines in order to pass a drug test. Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills may appear and lead to discomfort, but there is also a high risk of deadly effects similar to alcohol withdrawal such as seizures and delirium.

Benzodiazepine addiction and abuse must be addressed professionally with appropriate treatment methods. This will allow the individual not only to yield a clean drug detection result but also allow to recover from the negative effects of substance use disorder.

How to treat benzodiazepine abuse

Overcoming benzodiazepine abuse may appear challenging, but it is possible with evidence-based treatment and the right support from healthcare professionals as well as loved ones.

Commonly, benzodiazepine abuse treatment centers have the following model of rehabilitation:

• Assessment: Patients are asked about their history of abuse, stress triggers, and if they have other health conditions that are related to substance dependency. This assessment is done to find appropriate treatment options.
• Treatment: Upon recommendation and personal preferences, the patient will undergo substance use disorder treatment through various methods such as 12-Step, Medication-Assisted, Non-12 Step, Holistic, and many more. A personalized program will be given to each patient’s unique needs.
• Aftercare: After the intensive rehab period, the patient will be given resources to prevent relapse and succeed in long-term sobriety.

If the patient goes through these three stages properly, they are likely to stay empowered in overcoming substance use disorder, which leads to clean drug tests and a healthier body free from the negative effects of addiction.

Benzodiazepines Drug Detection

When it comes to knowing how long do benzodiazepines stay in your system, it is essential to consider all the factors mentioned above. Understanding the averages, and finding a solution to potential abuse can help you not only present clear drug tests but become addiction-free.