Medical Providers:
Dr. Randy Gelow, MD, FASAM
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: August 19, 2025
Ativan, or lorazepam, is a type of benzodiazepine that doctors often prescribe for anxiety, trouble sleeping, or even seizures. While it can be effective, it also carries a risk of dependence and misuse, just like other medications in this class.
In fact, research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that benzodiazepine misuse has been on the rise. Worryingly, nearly 30% of opioid overdose deaths also involve benzodiazepines.
How long does Ativan stay in your system? The answer depends on a few different factors, including your metabolism, age, and overall health. On average, Ativan has a half-life of about 12 hours, meaning it takes that long for your body to clear half of the drug. But it doesn’t leave right away—since it takes several half-lives for complete elimination, Ativan can remain in your system for about 2–3 days before it’s fully cleared.
When asking how long Ativan stays in your system, it’s important to remember that the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Factors like your age, body weight, metabolism, and liver health all affect how quickly your body processes and clears the drug. Someone with a faster metabolism or a healthy liver may eliminate Ativan more quickly, while others may take longer.
For older adults, a naturally slower metabolism can make a big difference in how long Ativan stays in your system. It often lingers longer compared to younger people.
If someone is overweight or obese, their body may process medications more slowly. As a result, Ativan may stay in your system longer than it would for someone at a healthy weight.
Women usually metabolize drugs at a slower rate than men. This means Ativan can stay in a woman’s system longer, leading to extended detection times.
Everyone’s metabolism is unique. People with a faster metabolism may clear Ativan more quickly, while certain liver conditions or medications that affect liver enzymes can slow the process and make Ativan stay in your system longer.
When Ativan is misused or taken in higher doses, the body takes longer to eliminate it. In these cases, Ativan can remain in your system for an extended period of time.
To better understand how long Ativan stays in your system, it helps to look at its half-life. On average, Ativan’s half-life is about 12 hours. This means that after 12 hours, your body has cleared roughly half of the dose. Another 12 hours later, half of what’s left is gone, and the process continues until the drug is fully eliminated.
Keep in mind, though, that this timeline can vary. Factors like age, metabolism, liver health, and overall wellness can all influence how quickly—or slowly—Ativan leaves your system.
When it comes to drug testing, Ativan can show up in urine, blood, saliva, and even hair tests. The amount of time it remains detectable depends on the type of test being used.
These timeframes aren’t exact, though. Factors like your metabolism, how often you take Ativan, and your overall health can all affect how long Ativan stays in your system.
Here are the general detection windows:
Ativan can typically be detected in urine for up to 6 days after the last dose.
Ativan can usually be detected in the blood for up to 2-3 days after the last use.
Ativan can be detected in saliva for up to 8 hours after the last dose.
Ativan can be detected in hair samples for a much longer period, up to 30 days or more after the last use.
For most people, the calming effects of a single dose of Ativan usually fade within a few hours. That said, how long Ativan stays in your system doesn’t always match how long you feel its effects. Even after the drug has mostly cleared, some residual side effects—like drowsiness, slower reflexes, or problems with coordination—can still linger.
If you’re trying to figure out exactly when Ativan will be completely out of your system, the safest approach is to talk with a healthcare professional. They can take into account your metabolism, overall health, and medical history to give you guidance that’s specific to your situation.
Sometimes, drug tests for Ativan or other benzodiazepines can show a false positive—even if you haven’t actually taken the medication. This usually happens when other prescriptions interfere with the results. For example, certain medications like Efavirenz (used for HIV), Sertraline (commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety), or Oxaprozin (a pain reliever) may trigger a positive test.
If you ever receive a positive result and you know you haven’t used Ativan, it’s important to follow up with your doctor. They can review your medications and may order a more accurate confirmatory test to rule out a false positive and give you peace of mind.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with Ativan addiction, getting professional support can make all the difference. At The Hope House, a premier residential treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, we provide compassionate and effective care for those ready to take back control of their lives.
Our holistic approach goes beyond treating symptoms—we work to uncover the root causes of addiction while creating personalized treatment plans for every client. With a team of experienced medical professionals, we recognize that no two recovery journeys are the same, and we tailor our therapies to support each person’s unique path to lasting healing.
At The Hope House, we’ve created a peaceful, private setting where healing truly begins. Our comfortable accommodations and calming environment make it easier for clients to focus fully on recovery without outside distractions.
For those looking for the highest level of privacy and personalized care, we also offer a Luxury Rehab Program. This exclusive track is designed for executives and professionals who need discretion, along with tailored therapies that meet their individual needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ativan addiction, now is the time to take the first step toward freedom. The Hope House is here to guide you with compassionate, proven care. Contact us today to explore our programs and begin your path to lasting recovery.
The answer to the question “how long does cocaine stay in your system” is, cocaine is typically detectable in urine for about 2-4 days after use, although its metabolites can be detected for a longer period, often up to several weeks. The exact duration of detection can vary based on factors such as the amount used, frequency of use, metabolism, and individual differences.
The answer to the question “how long does ecstasy stay in your system” is that Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, can stay in your system for around 2 to 4 days. This means that traces of the drug can be detected in your urine, blood, or saliva during this time frame after taking it. Remember, factors like your metabolism and the amount you take can influence how long it lingers in your body.
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. This means it can be found in your urine, blood, or saliva during this time after use. Remember, the exact duration can be influenced by factors like how much you take and your body’s 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, but it might be detectable for up to a week in some cases. This depends on factors like how much you’ve used, your metabolism, and the type of drug test being used.
The answer to the question “how long does alcohol stay in your system” can vary depending on factors like the amount consumed, your metabolism, and other factors. On average, alcohol can be detected in your urine for up to 48 hours and in your blood for about 12 hours. However, it’s important to note that heavy drinking can lead to longer detection times.
The answer to the question “how long does xanax stay in your system” is that Xanax, a medication for anxiety, typically stays in your system for about 4 days. This means that after taking it, it can be detected in your body for up to four days through tests like urine or blood samples.
The answer to the question “how long does suboxone stay in your system” can vary. Suboxone can be detected in urine tests for up to several days, and sometimes even longer. But its effects might last even beyond that. Naloxone leaves the system faster, 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 be detectable in urine for around 1-2 days after use. However, this detection window can vary depending on factors like the dosage, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and the specific drug test being employed.
The answer to the question “how long do opioids stay in your system” can vary widely depending on the specific opioid, the dosage, individual metabolism, and the type of drug test being used. Generally, opioids can be detectable in urine for around 2 to 4 days after use, but some opioids with longer half-lives can be detected for a longer period.
The answer to the question “how long does weed stay in your system” is that marijuana can stay in your system for different lengths of time depending on factors like how often you use it and your metabolism. Typically, it can be detected in urine for up to 30 days, but for infrequent users, it might only be detectable for a few days to a week.
The answer to the question, “how long does ambien stay in your system” is that Ambien (zolpidem) typically stays in your system for about 8 hours, with its effects diminishing after that time. However, it may be detectable in urine for up to 72 hours after use, depending on factors like dose, frequency of use, and individual metabolism.
The answer to the question, “how long does methadone stay in your system” is that methadone can typically be detected in urine for up to 7-10 days after the last dose, but this duration can vary depending on factors like individual metabolism and the frequency of use. In some cases, it may be detectable in hair follicles for several months.
The answer to the question, “how long does percocet stay in your system” is that Percocet can typically be detected in urine for about 3-4 days after the last dose. However, the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as individual metabolism, dosage, and the sensitivity of the drug test used.
