Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryon McQuirt
November 4, 2025
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as “benzos,” are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms.
Drugs like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin are among the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States.
One of the most common questions people ask is, “How long do benzos stay in your system?”
The answer depends on several factors, including which benzodiazepine was used, how often it was taken, and the individual’s metabolism.
Our Atlanta, Georgia detox center specializes in safe prescription drug withdrawal, providing clients with the foundation they need to thrive in their new lives in recovery.
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
This neurotransmitter slows down brain activity, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. That’s why benzos are often prescribed for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, or insomnia.
Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:
Because these drugs act quickly and provide a strong sense of relief, they can easily become habit-forming, especially when taken for extended periods or at higher doses than prescribed.
When you take a benzodiazepine, it is absorbed through your digestive system (or bloodstream, if taken intravenously), then metabolized by the liver and eventually excreted through urine, sweat, or feces.
Each benzo has a different half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be cleared from your body.
For instance:
Drug tests can detect benzodiazepines long after the last dose. The detection window depends on the test type and several personal factors (which we’ll get into below).
Urine testing is the most common method for detecting benzodiazepines.
Short-acting benzos like Xanax can be detected in urine for up to 4 days, while long-acting benzos like Valium may be detectable for up to 6 weeks after the last use.
Benzodiazepines typically remain detectable in the blood for up to 24 hours for short-acting types and up to 48–72 hours for long-acting ones.
Blood tests are generally used in hospital or emergency settings rather than for routine drug screenings.
Saliva testing offers a shorter detection window, usually up to 2 days after the last dose.
However, it’s less commonly used because saliva tests are not as accurate as urine or blood tests.
Hair tests can detect benzodiazepines for the longest period—up to 90 days—because drug metabolites become embedded in the hair shaft. While hair tests are expensive, they provide a detailed picture of long-term use patterns.
Everyone metabolizes substances differently. Here are a few factors that affect how long benzodiazepines linger in your body:
If you or someone you love is struggling with benzodiazepine dependence, help is available. Detoxing from benzos is not something you should do alone—professional care ensures safety, comfort, and the best chance at lasting recovery.
Verify your insurance now or call us at the number below.
Because benzodiazepines alter brain chemistry, stopping them suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms—including anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, muscle tension, tremors, and even seizures.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24–48 hours after the last dose for short-acting benzos and may start 3–5 days later for long-acting types. Symptoms can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the individual.
Attempting to quit cold turkey is risky, especially after long-term use.
Medically supervised detox programs, like those offered at Peachtree Detox, provide the safest environment for withdrawal. Medical professionals monitor symptoms, administer supportive detox medications when necessary, and help clients transition to the next phase of recovery.
At Peachtree Detox, benzodiazepine detox is a carefully monitored, compassionate process. The goal is to help you stabilize both physically and emotionally.
Here’s what the process typically involves:
The detox timeline varies depending on the individual’s history of use and the type of benzodiazepine involved. Generally:
However, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS)—such as lingering anxiety, fatigue, or sleep issues—can last for several months. With continued support and therapy, these symptoms usually improve over time.
Many people start taking benzodiazepines for legitimate reasons like anxiety or panic disorders, and find themselves dependent over time or wondering how long benzos stay in your system. That’s why detoxing safely is only part of the recovery process. Addressing the underlying mental health condition is crucial to preventing relapse.
At Peachtree Detox, clients receive integrated care that treats both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder. This holistic approach helps clients heal the root cause, not just the symptoms.
At Peachtree Detox, our medical and clinical teams specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care for benzodiazepine withdrawal. We provide round-the-clock monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and a smooth transition into ongoing recovery programs.
Your journey toward freedom from benzodiazepines starts with one call. Contact Peachtree Detox today to learn more about our medically supervised detox program and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Verify your insurance now or call us at the number below.
Skip to content
