Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: October 8, 2025
Valium (diazepam) is a commonly prescribed medication from the benzodiazepine family, often used to manage anxiety, muscle spasms, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
However, Valium and other benzos carry a significant risk of dependence. Between 1996 and 2013, deaths from benzodiazepine overdoses quadrupled, with nearly a third of the 23,000 fatal prescription drug overdoses in 2013 linked to these medications.
Valium has an average elimination half-life of about 48 hours, which means it can take several days for the drug to fully leave your system.
That said, Valium’s byproducts can linger longer and show up on drug tests. For example, it may be detectable in urine for up to six weeks after your last dose.
Valium is part of the benzodiazepine family, which works by boosting the effects of a brain chemical called GABA. This neurotransmitter slows down brain activity, helping to produce a calming, relaxing effect. Valium comes in several forms, including tablets, liquid solutions, and injectable options.
Like any medication, Valium can cause side effects. Some of the most common include drowsiness, fatigue, trouble with coordination, memory lapses, confusion, and slurred speech.
How long Valium stays in your body largely depends on its elimination half-life—the time it takes for half of the drug to be cleared. Because Valium has a relatively long half-life, it can take around 10 to 12 days for the medication to be fully eliminated.
That said, the exact timeframe can vary from person to person, influenced by factors like metabolism, age, and overall health. Additionally, Valium’s metabolites may remain detectable in drug tests for an even longer period.
With long-term Valium use, the medication can build up in the body, often causing extended drowsiness and memory or concentration issues. Over time, people may develop a tolerance, needing higher doses to feel the same effects, which raises the risk of physical dependence and addiction.
How quickly Valium leaves the body can differ from person to person. Age and metabolism matter—young people usually process the drug faster than older adults. Healthy liver and kidney function is also key, since any impairment can slow down elimination.
Genetics can play a role as well, with certain variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes affecting how efficiently Valium is broken down.
Other medications can impact how quickly Valium is cleared from your system. Drugs that slow down the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down Valium may cause it to build up in the body, increasing the risk of harmful effects.
Some substances that may interact with Valium include:
It’s important for healthcare providers to know all the medications and supplements you’re taking to help prevent dangerous interactions.
Keeping properly hydrated helps your body eliminate drugs more efficiently. Drinking enough water supports kidney function, helping to flush Valium and its byproducts from your system. That said, overhydrating can be risky, as it may cause dangerously low sodium levels in the blood.
Drug tests are often used to check for the presence of controlled substances, including Valium. How long Valium can be detected depends on the type of test being used. Here’s a general guide to its detection windows across different tests:
Valium and its byproducts can show up in urine for as long as six weeks after the last dose, though in most cases it’s typically detectable for around 5 to 7 days.
Valium can be detected in the blood for up to 48 hours after it’s taken.
Valium can show up in saliva for roughly 1 to 10 days after use.
Valium can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days—or even longer—depending on the length of the hair being tested.
As noted, Valium and its active byproducts can appear in urine for up to six weeks after the last dose. In most cases, though, it’s usually detectable for about 5 to 7 days. How long it stays in your system can vary based on factors like metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and overall health.
Like other benzodiazepines, Valium carries a risk of abuse and addiction—especially when taken recreationally or in higher doses than prescribed. Anyone struggling with Valium dependence can benefit from professional support, therapy, and structured treatment programs.
At Arizona IOP, we understand that overcoming addiction is a challenging journey. Our outpatient program in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides personalized care and practical strategies to help individuals regain control of their lives while continuing daily responsibilities.
If you or a loved one is facing Valium addiction, reaching out for help can be a transformative first step. Arizona IOP is here to guide you toward recovery, offering support, tools, and a path to renewed well-being.
When it comes to how long cocaine stays in your system, it’s usually detectable in urine for about 2 to 4 days after use. Its metabolites, however, can linger longer—sometimes for several weeks. The exact detection window depends on factors like dosage, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual differences.
Ecstasy, or MDMA, typically stays in the system for about 2 to 4 days. During this time, traces of the drug can be detected in urine, blood, or saliva. How long it remains in your body can vary depending on factors like metabolism and the amount taken.
The answer to the question “how long does heroin stay in your system” is that heroin usually stays in your system for around 2 to 3 days. During this time, it can be detected in urine, blood, or saliva. Keep in mind that the exact duration can vary based on factors like the amount taken and your individual metabolism.
The answer to the question “how long does meth stay in your system” is that methamphetamine, or meth, can stay in your system for about 2 to 4 days, though in some cases it may be detectable for up to a week. How long it lingers depends on factors like the amount used, your metabolism, and the type of drug test.
The answer to the question “how long does alcohol stay in your system” can vary depending on factors like how much you drank, your metabolism, and other individual factors. On average, alcohol may be detectable in urine for up to 48 hours and in blood for around 12 hours. Keep in mind that heavy drinking can extend these detection times.
The answer to the question “how long does xanax stay in your system” is that Xanax, a medication commonly used for anxiety, usually remains in your system for about 4 days. This means it can be detected in urine or blood tests for up to four days after use.
The answer to the question “how long does suboxone stay in your system” can vary. Suboxone may be detected in urine tests for several days, and sometimes even longer, while its effects can linger beyond that. Naloxone, on the other hand, leaves the system more quickly—usually within a day or so.
The answer to the question “how long does fentanyl stay in your system” is that fentanyl and its metabolites can usually be detected in urine for about 1–2 days after use. However, this window can vary based on factors like dosage, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test being used.
The answer to the question “how long do opioids stay in your system” can vary greatly depending on the specific opioid, dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test. In general, opioids are detectable in urine for about 2 to 4 days, though some longer-acting opioids may remain detectable for a longer period.
The answer to the question “how long does weed stay in your system” is that marijuana’s presence can vary depending on factors like usage frequency and metabolism. Generally, it can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, while occasional users might only test positive for a few days to a week.
The answer to the question, “how long does ambien stay in your system” is that Ambien (zolpidem) usually remains in your system for about 8 hours, with its effects wearing off after that period. However, it can be detectable in urine for up to 72 hours, depending on factors like dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
The answer to the question, “how long does methadone stay in your system” is that methadone is usually detectable in urine for about 7–10 days after the last dose. However, this can vary depending on factors like metabolism and how often the drug was used. In some cases, methadone may also be detectable in hair follicles for several months.
The answer to the question, “how long does percocet stay in your system” is that Percocet is usually detectable in urine for about 3–4 days after the last dose. The exact duration can vary based on factors like metabolism, dosage, and the sensitivity of the drug test.
