Benzodiazepines (BZOs) are a class of prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They can be extremely effective when used as prescribed by a doctor.
Because they can be misused and are potentially addictive, drug tests for BZOs are common. It’s important to understand what a BZO drug test can tell you and what the implications of a positive result may be.
This article will give you a complete overview of BZO drug testing, including how long they stay in your system, what factors can affect detection, and the legal ramifications that may arise.
What are Benzodiazepines (BZOs)?
Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos,” are a class of psychoactive drugs. Because they can be misused or lead to dependence, they’re classified as Schedule IV controlled substances.
Benzos are often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They’re also prescribed as muscle relaxants and to ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Common examples of benzos include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Benzos are classified as short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting, depending on their half-life and how long their effects last.
- Short-acting: triazolam
- Intermediate-acting: alprazolam, lorazepam
- Long-acting: diazepam, clonazepam
Why are BZO drug tests performed?
BZO drug tests are used in a variety of settings for different reasons:
- Workplace drug testing: To make sure employees are safe and productive on the job.
- Medical monitoring: To ensure patients take medication as prescribed and to prevent dangerous drug combinations.
- Rehabilitation programs: To monitor abstinence and prevent relapse into drug use.
- Legal and forensic purposes: As ordered by a court in cases like child custody battles or traffic accidents.
Types of BZO drug tests and detection windows
If you’re being screened for benzodiazepines, the type of test and how far back it can detect drug usage will depend on the testing method.
Urine tests
Urine tests are the most common way to screen for benzos. How long a urine test can detect BZOs depends on the half-life of the drug:
- Short-acting: 1 to 3 days
- Intermediate-acting: 3 to 5 days
- Long-acting: up to 30 days
Blood tests
Blood tests can only detect BZOs for a short period, typically 12 to 24 hours. Because of this short window, blood tests are usually used to detect very recent drug use.
Saliva tests
Like blood tests, saliva tests can detect drug use only in the very recent past, typically around 2.5 days. Saliva tests are easy to administer and provide rapid results.
Hair tests
Hair tests can detect drug use going back as far as 90 days, and in some cases, 12 months. Because hair grows at a rate of about 1 cm per month, analyzing a longer strand of hair can give a historical record of drug use.
Fingernail tests
Fingernail tests can detect BZOs for up to 3 to 6 months.
What affects how long benzodiazepines stay in your system?
How long benzos show up on a drug test depends on a few things:
- The type of benzo: Short-acting benzos leave your system faster than longer-acting ones.
- Dosage and frequency: The more you take, and the more often you take it, the longer it will be detectable.
- Metabolism: Everyone’s body processes drugs at different rates.
- Age: Older people tend to have slower metabolisms, which can increase detection times.
- Body fat: Benzos can be stored in body fat, potentially increasing detection times.
- Hydration: Dehydration concentrates drugs in your urine, which may make them easier to detect.
- Kidney and liver function: If your kidneys or liver aren’t working well, it can take longer for your body to eliminate drugs.
Interpreting BZO drug test results
A negative result means the test didn’t detect any benzodiazepines above the set threshold. A positive result means that benzodiazepines were present in your sample.
If you test positive, you will likely need to take another, more specific test, such as a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test. The second test can help to rule out false positives.
If the test is positive, the legal consequences depend on the circumstances:
- Workplace: You could be fired or suspended.
- Legal matters: You could face fines, imprisonment, or limited visitation with your kids, especially if you’re misusing the medication.
- Child custody: A positive test could affect custody arrangements.
If you have a prescription for benzodiazepines, tell the testing facility. You may also need to provide proof of your prescription.
What to do if you test positive for BZO
If you test positive for BZO, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:
- Review your medications: Could anything you’re taking have caused a false positive?
- Request confirmatory testing: Insist on GC-MS testing. This is the most accurate way to confirm the initial result.
- Consult with a doctor: A medical professional can help you understand the results and what they might mean for your health.
- Seek legal advice: If you’re facing legal trouble because of the test, talk to a lawyer.
In Summary
BZO drug tests screen for benzodiazepines, a class of prescription drugs. How long they stay in your system depends on a number of factors. If you’re facing a drug test, it’s important to understand how long BZOs can be detected. Responsible use of benzodiazepines and honesty with your healthcare provider are key.