How Long Do Benzos Stay in Your System?

Benzodiazepines or benzos are a large class of drugs primarily used in the treatment of severe anxiety, but they are also prescribed for several other purposes such as treating symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, panic, seizure disorders, and muscle tensions or spasms. Medications like Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are well known benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines work by affecting a specific brain chemical, a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it suppresses the functioning of specific neurons within the brain. Xanax, for example, works by lowering the amount of normal excitement in the brain.

Although they are similar, all benzodiazepines will differ slightly in:

• How fast they take effect (rate of onset)
• How long their effects last (duration)
• Their potency (how much of the drug causes an effect)
• Their tendency to remain in the system

How Long Do Benzodiazepines Remain in Your Body?

Different benzos have different durations and different half-lives.

This means that some are eliminated from your system relatively quickly while others may remain longer.

People who take benzos regularly will typically have traceable amounts of the drug in their system for several days.

• Valium is a longer lasting benzo and may be detectible in your system for up to 10 days after use.
• Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin have an intermediate duration, traceable for as many as 5 days.
• Halcion is a short duration benzo, detectable for just a couple days.

The amount of time any medication is detectible in your system is also impacted by several personal factors like your age, weight, health, and frequency of use.

How Long Do Benzos Stay in Blood?

How long benzos stay in blood, traces will be found for several hours after last use.

Benzos can be detected in types of drug tests that include:

• Urine Screening: This type of test is the most used, because of its simplicity and accuracy. Urine screenings usually show results from the past one to three days.
• Saliva Swab: Oral swab tests can detect benzos for up to 24-36 hours after last use.
• Hair Test: Hair follicle screenings can detect substances up to 90 days after last use. This type of test is more complex and is not administered as often as other types.

Benzodiazepines are addictive. If you or someone you love is abusing benzos, we can help.

Call to speak confidentially with one of Honey Lake Clinic’s addiction professionals, right now.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Benzos?

Most benzo withdrawal symptoms start within 24 hours and can last anywhere from a few days to months, depending on the length of abuse and dosage. Prolonged withdrawal is not uncommon.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Hand tremors
• Headache
• Muscle stiffness or pain
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss
• Palpitations
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Benzodiazepines can be dangerous when taken with other drugs, especially combining them with alcohol or opioids. Mixing benzos with other central nervous system depressants can result in overdose and/or death.

The most severe symptoms usually occur when an individual is on a high dose of the medication and abruptly stops all intake.

As such, a medically supervised detoxification period tapering dosage over stopping cold turkey on your own is highly recommended.

Detox and withdrawal are infamous for being very uncomfortable experiences, physically and psychologically.

Don’t go it alone.

At Honey Lake Clinic, you’ll have professionals walk the path to recovery with you.

They know what to expect, how to respond, and have the necessary tools and medications to help alleviate some of your symptoms if needed, allowing you to concentrate on the hard work at hand—your recovery.

Beyond Detox: Help and Hope

With proper treatment, you can put benzo (abuse and/or addiction behind you. Our doctors and staff at Honey Lake Clinic understand that substance abuse is a complex and dangerous mental health concern, affecting not only the individual in its grip, but also others.

Honey Lake Clinic’s program offers support for our clients and their families through the recovery process.

Don’t delay any longer.

You don’t have to face this struggle alone.

Substance abuse and addiction doesn’t have to have the last word. Call Honey Lake Clinic to speak with someone who not only cares … but who also understands what you are going through and can help.