How Long Does Valium Stay In Your System? - Addiction Group

Key Takeaways

• Valium can be detected in urine for 1 to 6 weeks - Jump to Section
• Age, liver health, and dosage affect Valium's elimination time - Jump to Section
• Valium can cause addiction, tolerance, and breathing problems - Jump to Section

Valium can offer relief and stability for anxiety and other conditions. However, it's crucial to understand its duration in your system and the associated risks.

This article looks into the complexities surrounding Valium's presence in your body, the factors influencing its duration, and the potential dangers of its misuse. We'll also explore the available treatment options for someone struggling with Valium addiction.

How Long Does Valium Stay in Your System?

Valium is the brand name for diazepam, which is a type of benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. Typically the half-life of Valium is approximately 48 hours.

However, how long it stays in your body depends on the test that you’re taking. Here’s how long Valium can stay in your body on average:

Type of test	Time
Urine	Can detect Valium for 1 to 6 weeks
Blood	Valium can be detected for 6 hours to 2 days after the last dose
Hair	Can detect valium in hair follicles for up to 90 days
Saliva	Valium can be detected from 1 to 10 days after the last dose

Remember, Valium accumulates in the body. This means that if someone takes multiple doses over time, the half-life will be extended, keeping the Valium in the system longer.

Factors That Influence How Long Valium Stays in Your System

The half-life of Valium can depend on various factors. For example, it can be up to 8 hours for children and 20 hours for the elderly. If you have an underlying liver condition, the half-life of Valium can be more than 100+ hours.

Other factors that determine how long Valium stays in your system include:

• Body fat and composition
• Dosage
• Other drugs
• Genetics
• Gender
• Route of administration 
• Mood
• Tolerance
• Diet

How Long Does Valium’s Effects Last?

You’ll typically start to feel the effects of Valium within 15 minutes after taking an oral dose. It’ll be strongest about one hour after ingestion.

The actual effects of Valium will wear off after 4 to 6 hours. However, Valium is a long-lasting benzodiazepine, so it stays in your body for much longer.

Possible Risks of Taking Valium

Valium can be dangerous if overused or misused. Because of this, it should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription.

Some of the potential risks of Valium use include:

• Depressed breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or confusion
• Impaired motor functions
• Memory loss
• Sleeping disorders
• Depression
• Addiction, increased tolerance, and diazepam dependence

Valium Addiction

Valium is an addictive drug, and you can develop a physical dependence after short-term use.

People with a history of mental health issues or substance abuse are more likely to develop a substance use disorder with valium, but everyone is susceptible to it.

Most Valium addiction symptoms are non-specific. Common signs of Valium abuse and addiction include:

• Increased tolerance to Valium
• Increased stress or agitation
• Increased cravings for Valium
• Increased risk of severe side effects 
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Treatment for Valium Addiction

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for those struggling with Valium addiction. Talk to a doctor or addiction specialist for tailored treatment options.

Available treatment options for Valium addiction include:

• Medical detox: Helps treat and manage the effects of valium withdrawal
• Inpatient care: Addiction or treatment centers that provide 24-hour medical care and supervision
• Outpatient treatment: Offers treatment without overnight stays, providing flexibility for people who cannot devote 24 hours to treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with Valium addiction, don’t hesitate to get help. Speak with an addiction specialist to review your treatment options.

• Key Takeaways
• How Long Does Valium Stay in Your System?
• Factors That Influence How Long Valium Stays in Your System
• Possible Risks of Taking Valium
• Valium Addiction