Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that can be detected in the body for different amounts of time. The detection window ranges from about 1 day to 30 days, depending on the specific medication, how much is taken, how often it is used, and what kind of drug test is used. People often ask about detection times when they are managing a prescription, concerned about medication safety, or starting a recovery journey.
Understanding how long benzodiazepines stay in the system is important for anyone using these medications, whether prescribed or not. At Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, we offer support and information for people who have questions about prescription drugs, substance use, and recovery. Our team helps individuals and families make informed decisions about their health and treatment options, including benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
What are Benzodiazepines, and Why are They Prescribed
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that slow down activity in the brain and central nervous system. Doctors prescribe these medications to help people with conditions like anxiety, panic disorders, trouble sleeping, and certain types of seizures.
Some of the most common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (brand name Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin). In 2020, more than 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were filled in the United States. About 12.5% of adults in the U.S. reported using benzodiazepines in the past year.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, muscle spasms, and to control seizures. These medications are usually taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider, since they can have side effects and may lead to dependence if used for long periods.
How Benzodiazepines Affect the Brain and Body
Benzodiazepines affect the brain by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA helps slow down nerve activity, which results in a calming effect throughout the body and brain. This is why benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety and related problems.
Therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines include reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and sedation. Some people may feel sleepy or less tense after taking them.
However, the short and long-term effects of Xanax can extend beyond immediate sedation.
Physical effects can include slower breathing, a lower heart rate, and problems with coordination. These effects can make activities like driving unsafe.
Using benzodiazepines for a long time can lead to tolerance, where the body gets used to the drug and higher doses are needed to get the same effect. Dependence can also develop, meaning the body relies on the medication to function normally. Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, which may be uncomfortable or serious.
What Determines How Long Benzos Stay in Your System
The time it takes for benzodiazepines to leave the body is called the half-life. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be removed from the body. Even if the effects are no longer felt, benzodiazepines may still be detected by drug tests. Several key factors influence how long benzos remain in the body.
Each benzodiazepine has a different half-life. For example, alprazolam (Xanax) has a half-life of about 11 hours, while diazepam (Valium) has a half-life of up to 48 hours or longer. The specific medication and its half-life play a major role in how long it can be detected in the body.
How often and how long someone has been taking benzodiazepines also affects detection time. Daily or long-term use can cause the drug to build up in the body, making it detectable for a longer period. One-time or occasional use is usually cleared from the body more quickly.
Each person’s body processes benzodiazepines differently. Age can slow down how quickly the body removes the drug, especially in older adults. The liver is the main organ that breaks down benzodiazepines, so liver function is important. People with higher body fat may store the drug longer. Kidney function also affects how quickly drug metabolites leave the body.
How Long Do Benzos Stay in Urine, Blood, Hair, and Saliva
Urine tests are commonly used to find out if benzodiazepines are present in the body. The amount of time benzodiazepines can be detected depends on the type of test, which medication was taken, and how often it was used. The table below shows average detection windows for short-acting and long-acting benzodiazepines.
| Test Type | Short-Acting Benzos | Long-Acting Benzos
|
| Urine | 1-5 days | 5-30 days |
| Blood | 12-24 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Saliva | 1-3 days | 1-10 days |
Urine testing is the most commonly used method for detecting benzodiazepines. Short-acting benzodiazepines are usually found in urine for 1 to 5 days after use. Long-acting benzodiazepines may show up in urine for 5 to 30 days. In people who use benzodiazepines regularly, the drugs may be detected for several weeks. Detection times can vary based on the drug and pattern of use.
Blood tests can detect benzodiazepines for a shorter period. Most benzodiazepines can be detected in blood for 12 to 24 hours after use. Long-acting benzodiazepines may stay in the blood for up to 48 hours. Blood tests are often used to check for recent use or in medical situations.
Hair tests can show benzodiazepine use for up to 90 days. This type of test does not show drug use that happened in the past 5 to 7 days, because hair takes time to grow. Hair testing is less common and is usually used to look for long-term or repeated use.
Saliva tests can find most benzodiazepines in the body for 1 to 3 days after use. Some long-acting benzodiazepines may be found in saliva for up to 10 days. Saliva testing is being used more in places like roadside checks or workplaces.
Similar testing applies to other drugs, including how long marijuana stays in your system.
Short-acting vs. Long-acting Benzodiazepines Detection Times
Short-acting and long-acting benzodiazepines are cleared from the body at different rates. Short-acting benzodiazepines leave the system more quickly, while long-acting benzodiazepines remain detectable for a longer time. The length of time a benzodiazepine stays in the body depends on the medication’s half-life and other individual factors.
1. Short-acting benzodiazepines
Triazolam (Halcion) can be detected in urine for about 1 to 2 days after use.
Midazolam is also detectable in urine for about 1 to 2 days.
Alprazolam (Xanax) may be found in urine for 1 to 5 days, depending on how often and how much is taken.
Repeated misuse can result in addiction to Xanax, which poses additional health risks.
2. Long-acting benzodiazepines
Diazepam (Valium) can be found in urine for 5 to 10 days or longer, especially with repeated use.
Clonazepam (Klonopin) may show up in urine tests for 5 to 14 days.
Chlordiazepoxide may remain detectable for up to 30 days in people who use it regularly or in high amounts.
Factors That Can Extend or Shorten Detection Times
Beyond metabolism, other factors can change how long benzodiazepines stay in the body.
1. Liver and kidney function
Liver and kidney function play a large role in how quickly benzodiazepines are processed and removed. If the liver or kidneys are not working as well as usual, the body may take longer to break down and clear these drugs. Some medications can also affect the enzymes in the liver, making benzodiazepines stay in the body longer or leave more quickly.
2. Drug interactions and other substances
Other substances, including alcohol and certain drugs, can change how long benzodiazepines last in the system. Alcohol may slow down the breakdown of benzodiazepines, while some drugs can either increase or decrease the rate at which these medications are cleared. Using benzodiazepines with other substances can increase the risk of side effects or overdose.
Mixing benzodiazepines and alcohol intensifies sedation and heightens the chance of serious complications.
Why Do People Get Tested for Benzodiazepines?
Testing for benzodiazepines happens for several reasons. One common reason is medical monitoring. In this situation, a healthcare provider uses drug testing to check if a person is taking their medication correctly and as prescribed.
Workplace testing is another reason. Some jobs, especially those that involve safety-sensitive tasks like operating machinery or driving, require regular drug testing to maintain a safe environment.
Legal requirements can also lead to benzodiazepine testing. Courts may order drug tests for people on probation or involved in child custody cases to monitor drug use.
In treatment programs, benzodiazepine testing helps track progress during recovery from substance use. Regular tests allow treatment providers to adjust care as needed.
When looking at a drug test panel, benzodiazepines are sometimes labeled as “BZO.” This label indicates the test is checking for the presence of benzodiazepines in the sample.
Understanding Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and the Importance of Medical Supervision
Stopping benzodiazepines quickly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include anxiety, trouble sleeping, sweating, shaking, and in some cases, seizures. Because of these risks, stopping benzodiazepines without medical supervision can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Many people ask if you can die from withdrawal, reflecting the importance of professional help during detox.
Medical supervision is important during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Trained professionals can create a plan to slowly reduce the amount of medication, which helps lower the risk of severe withdrawal effects. Westwind Recovery® provides medically supervised detox programs to help guide people safely through this process. If someone is considering how long for benzos to leave the system, professional care is recommended.
1. Medically supervised tapering
A medically supervised taper means the dosage of benzodiazepines is reduced gradually over time. The schedule for reducing the dose is personalized based on the person’s medical history and how long they have been taking the medication. The tapering process may last several weeks or months.
2. Professional treatment programs
Treatment programs for benzodiazepine withdrawal often include therapy, counseling, and regular monitoring. Westwind Recovery® uses a holistic approach, which means care is provided for both physical and emotional needs during recovery. Ongoing support is included to help address any challenges that come up during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzodiazepine Detection
There are no proven or safe ways to make benzodiazepines leave the body more quickly. Trying to force the process without medical help can be harmful.
Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Medical supervision is required to stop taking them safely.
Not all drug tests find every type of benzodiazepine. Some tests may miss medications such as lorazepam or clonazepam unless the test is designed for those specific drugs.
At-home drug tests for benzodiazepines are less accurate than tests done in a laboratory. They can show false positives or false negatives, so laboratory testing is more dependable.
Find comprehensive support for benzodiazepine concerns at Westwind Recovery®
Westwind Recovery® provides information and support for people who have questions or concerns about benzodiazepines. The center is JCAHO-accredited and offers programs that include medical care, therapy, and ongoing support for people interested in recovery or learning more about how long benzos stay in the body.
Services are designed to address both medical and emotional aspects of benzodiazepine use or withdrawal. Contact us today to learn more and start your recovery.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
