Many people want to know how long benzodiazepines, sometimes called “benzos,” stay in the body. This is a common concern for those facing drug tests for work, legal reasons, medical procedures, or personal health questions. Benzodiazepines can remain detectable in a person’s system for a few days or, in some cases, several months. The exact length of time depends on factors such as the specific medication, its frequency of use, and the type of test being administered.
At Wisconsin Recovery Institute, we see many people who have questions about benzodiazepines and drug testing.
As part of these concerns, benzodiazepine addiction is often addressed to clarify dependence risks and treatment options. Our team helps individuals and families understand the facts about medications, drug screening, and the path to recovery.
What are benzodiazepines, and why does detection time matter
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that doctors use to treat anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, and sleep problems. Some of the most common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
People often look up how long benzodiazepines stay in the system due to reasons related to health, work, or legal matters. For example, a doctor may need to know if benzodiazepines are present before surgery. Employers sometimes require drug testing when hiring new staff or during random screenings. Legal requirements, such as probation or court-ordered testing, also check for benzodiazepine use. Some individuals are also concerned about possible dependence or addiction.
In cases of prolonged use, benzo detox in Wisconsin may provide medical support for withdrawal and recovery.
Detection time refers to the period during which a drug can be detected in the body using a test. This period varies depending on the type of drug, how much is taken, how often it is used, and the type of test (such as urine, blood, saliva, or hair). For benzodiazepines, urine tests are the most common and can usually detect use for several days to several weeks after the last dose. Hair tests can sometimes detect benzodiazepines up to 90 days later.
Knowing the detection window for benzodiazepines helps individuals understand what to expect during testing and can be important in various situations.
Short, intermediate and long-acting benzodiazepine detection windows
Benzodiazepines can be categorized by their duration of action in the body. This grouping affects how long benzos last in urine, how long benzos are in your system, and how long benzodiazepines stay in urine according to the drug test type.
| Benzodiazepine Type | Examples | Urine Detection | Blood Detection | Saliva Detection | Hair Detection |
| Short-acting | Triazolam (Halcion) | 1–24 hours | 6–12 hours | 1–2 days | Up to 90 days |
| Intermediate-acting | Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan) | 1–5 days | 12–24 hours | 1–2 days | Up to 90 days |
| Long-acting | Diazepam (Valium), Clonazepam (Klonopin) | 5–30 days | 2–8 days | 1–2 days | Up to 90 days |
The “half-life” is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be removed from the body. Each benzodiazepine has a different half-life, and this can also change from person to person. If someone uses benzodiazepines more than once, the drug can build up in the body, which makes detection times longer. In addition, drug tests often detect not only the original drug but also the breakdown products, called metabolites, which can stay in the body longer than the drug itself.
When multiple substances are used simultaneously, polysubstance abuse greatly increases the complexity of detection and potential health risks.
Recent studies from the NIDA and NIH have shown that these detection windows are not uniform for everyone. Factors such as the specific medication, dosage, and individual metabolism can all affect detection times.
Factors that affect how long benzos stay in your system
The amount of time benzodiazepines remain in a person’s system depends on several factors.
Age plays an important role. As people age, their bodies process benzodiazepines more slowly because liver function typically decreases with age.
Body weight and composition matter because benzodiazepines are stored in fat tissue. Individuals with higher body fat percentages may retain benzodiazepines in their system for a longer period.
Liver health is a key factor. If a person’s liver is damaged or not working well, the body takes longer to break down and remove benzodiazepines.
Kidney function also affects how quickly benzos leave the system. If the kidneys are not healthy, elimination through urine is slower.
The dosage amount influences detection times. Taking higher doses of benzodiazepines means it will take more time for the body to clear them completely.
The frequency of use changes how long benzodiazepines are detectable. Daily or regular use leads to accumulation in body tissues, which extends detection times compared to occasional use.
Individual metabolism varies from person to person. Some people process medications quickly due to genetic differences, while others do so more slowly.
Other medications can interact with benzodiazepines. Some drugs can slow down how the body eliminates benzos.
Research shows that the time it takes for benzodiazepines to leave the system can differ by as much as 50% between individuals because of these factors.
How long do benzodiazepines stay in urine, blood, saliva, and hair
Urine tests are the most common way to check for benzodiazepines. The amount of time benzos are detected in urine depends on the type of medication. Short-acting benzodiazepines can show up for about 1 to 24 hours after the last use. Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are usually detected for 1 to 5 days. Long-acting benzodiazepines may be found for 5 to 30 days, especially if use has been ongoing for a long time. People who use benzodiazepines regularly or in high amounts over time may test positive for several weeks after stopping.
Urine testing is frequently used for workplace checks and legal situations because it is sensitive and widely available.
For example, understanding how long alcohol stays in your system can highlight how various tests differ in sensitivity and duration.
Blood testing is less frequently used than urine tests, but is considered more accurate for showing recent benzodiazepine use. Most benzodiazepines can be detected in blood for 12 to 24 hours after use. Some long-acting benzodiazepines might be found in the blood for up to 8 days. Blood tests are often used in medical emergencies to quickly determine if a person has taken benzodiazepines.
Saliva tests are increasingly used in certain settings, such as roadside checks or workplaces. Most benzodiazepines can be detected in saliva for about 1 to 2 days after the last dose. Saliva collection is a non-invasive method that is harder to falsify compared to some other test types.
Hair testing provides the longest window for detecting benzodiazepines. Standard testing can find evidence of use for up to 90 days after exposure. In some cases, hair tests can detect benzodiazepines for up to 6 months. Hair tests usually do not detect very recent use, as it can take 5 to 7 days after use for the drug to appear in hair samples. Research shows hair testing is over 90% accurate for identifying chronic benzodiazepine use.
Benzo drug test: what you need to know
On a drug test report, the abbreviation “BZO” is used to indicate benzodiazepines. Most drug tests for benzodiazepines start with an immunoassay screening. This type of test provides quick results and is commonly used because it can efficiently process a large number of samples.
If the initial immunoassay screening shows a positive result, a confirmation test is performed. Confirmation testing uses more specific laboratory methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), to accurately identify and measure benzodiazepines in the sample.
Sometimes, false positives can occur in benzodiazepine drug tests. These are uncommon but can happen if certain other medications or substances are present in the body.
Having a valid prescription for a benzodiazepine is a recognized defense if a drug test comes back positive. Documentation from a healthcare provider or proof of a current prescription is usually required to verify legitimate use.
Each drug test has cutoff levels, which are the minimum amounts of a substance that must be present for the test to be considered positive. Most workplace drug testing for benzodiazepines is based on federal guidelines. Recent data shows that over 60% of employers in the United States include benzodiazepines in their employee drug screening programs.
Understanding substance abuse in the workplace can help employers and employees navigate policies and supportive measures.
How many days do benzos stay in your system for different users
How long benzodiazepines, or benzos, stay in the body depends on how often and how much is taken.
For individuals who use benzodiazepines (benzos) occasionally—about one to three times per month—most benzos are cleared from the system within three to five days. Short-acting benzodiazepines, such as triazolam or alprazolam, may be cleared in one to two days.
For individuals who regularly use benzodiazepines, meaning several times a week, the detection window extends to one to two weeks. Long-acting benzos, such as diazepam or clonazepam, may be found in the body for two to three weeks.
Daily users, or those who use benzos chronically, may test positive for more than thirty days after stopping. Long-acting benzos in particular can be detected for several months in some cases.
For heavy users who take high doses every day, benzos may remain detectable for six to eight weeks. In these situations, stopping benzo use is often done with medical supervision due to possible health risks.
Being informed about what detox feels like can better prepare individuals for the withdrawal experience.
These timelines are general estimates, and actual detection can vary from person to person.
Risks of trying to speed up benzo elimination
Many people search for ways to quickly eliminate benzodiazepines from their system. However, trying to speed up how long benzodiazepines stay in your system can be risky.
Some methods that people use are dangerous. Drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to water intoxication, disrupting the body’s salt balance and potentially causing harm. Using detox products or supplements that claim to remove drugs from the body is not supported by scientific evidence. Extreme exercise can put stress on the body, especially during withdrawal, and may lead to serious health problems. Sitting in saunas or exposing the body to high heat can increase the risk of dehydration.
There are several supportive practices that can help support the body’s normal processes. Drinking water in normal amounts helps maintain hydration. Eating foods that support liver health, such as fruits and vegetables, gives the body the nutrients it needs to function. Adequate sleep helps the body recover and process medication. Light exercise is generally safe for many people, as tolerated, and can support overall wellness.
There is no reliable way to significantly speed up the elimination of benzodiazepines from the body.
However, knowing how to help someone going through withdrawal can ensure a safer, more supportive environment during this challenging period. Most detox products and quick-fix methods do not work for benzos, according to government research.
Getting help for benzodiazepine dependence
If you are experiencing benzodiazepine dependence, help is available. Wisconsin Recovery Institute uses a dual-diagnosis approach, which means treatment addresses both substance use and any mental health concerns at the same time.
This comprehensive model can include specialized anxiety and addiction treatment to address co-occurring conditions effectively.
- Tapering schedules are used to gradually lower the dose of benzodiazepines, which reduces the risk of severe withdrawal.
- Medical monitoring provides 24/7 supervision while stopping benzodiazepines to watch for and manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Medication assistance includes the use of other medications to help with withdrawal symptoms when appropriate.
- Emergency intervention is available if any serious health problems happen during withdrawal.
- Treatment addresses co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, in addition to substance use issues.
- Integrated treatment combines care for both mental health and addiction in one setting.
- Personalized plans are developed for each individual, based on their unique health needs and circumstances.
- Individual therapy offers one-on-one counseling to help people understand and work through issues connected to their substance use.
- Group therapy provides support from peers who share similar experiences.
- Family involvement includes therapy or meetings that help repair and strengthen relationships affected by substance use.
- Holistic supports may include activities such as yoga, mindfulness, or nutrition counseling to promote overall wellness.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), people who receive integrated treatment for benzodiazepine addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders have a 30% greater chance of achieving long-term recovery.
FAQs about benzodiazepines and drug testing
In most cases, documentation of a valid prescription for a benzodiazepine can excuse a positive drug test result for employment or legal purposes.
Benzodiazepine drug tests are highly accurate. Confirmation testing in certified laboratories can achieve an accuracy rate of over 99%.
One-time use of a benzodiazepine can show up on a drug test. In urine, detection is possible for about 1 to 3 days, depending on the medication and individual factors.
Long-acting benzodiazepines, such as Valium, may be detected for several weeks after stopping, especially with frequent or long-term use or in individuals with slower metabolism.
Not all drug tests check for benzodiazepines. Standard 5-panel tests do not include them, while 10-panel and more comprehensive tests usually do.
Your path to recovery with Wisconsin Recovery Institute
Recovery from benzodiazepine dependence involves a process that can include medical support, therapy, and ongoing care. Wisconsin Recovery Institute offers programs that address both substance use and mental health conditions at the same time. The care team is trained in helping people manage withdrawal safely and in supporting mental health during recovery.
Treatment approaches may involve gradual dose reduction, 24/7 monitoring during withdrawal, and therapy that focuses on both individual and group experiences. Family involvement is an integral part of the recovery process, and additional support services, such as nutrition and holistic therapies, may be available. Wisconsin Recovery Institute encourages anyone interested in learning more or beginning treatment to contact the team. Seeking help is recognized as a crucial step in the recovery process.
