Addiction to Drugs/benzo

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Expert: Caroline West - 10/28/2010


Question
My Dr. put me on valium in April and again in August. I took my last one about 2 an a half weeks ago and went today for therapy today and had a drug test and it came up positive for Benz....I am really confused as to why?? I take Duloxetine, Prilosec,Vitamin D,hydrocodone for pain,and visceral no Benzedrine so why is my test positive... i don't understand how come something i took almost 3 wks ago is still in my system...It was very embarrassing and i need to know why??

Answer
Hi Stacy,

From what I know,it can stay in your system weeks,sometimes months after stopping. Especially if you had been on them very regularly,very consistently and over a prolonged period of time.

I wouldn't worry and your drug tester should really know the longevity of Benzo's in the system. one guy had a drug test 28 day's after his last tablet and it showed up positive. One girl,the same,2 weeks later.

Some drugs like Heroin are out the system in 3 days,but drugs like Cannabis 120 days-and Benzos,again on how much and how long they have been taken for will show up for many days also.

You have been on them since August,so say 2 months,give it another 2 weeks and it may well be out of your system by then.

I hope this has helped. Don't worry and don't be embarrassed,your tester should know this information. Take care,Caroline.

Addiction to Drugs

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Caroline West

Expertise

My expertise in this area is in illicit/street drugs as well as some over the counter and prescription drugs/meds. I can answer questions about most illicit drugs and prescription drugs. I can offer advice on Opiate maintenance drugs like Methadone, Subutex and Suboxone,and the process of going through a Detox and/or Rehab. I understand the problems Drug use can cause regarding convictions and debt problems. There is a difference between recreational drug use and drug addiction and can answer questions on both. Relationship advice if you or your partner is using and can offer help there too. Drug addiction is no joke and it can shatter the lives of the family as well as the user so I can also offer help and advice to friends and family. Drug dependency creates a great deal of issues both mentally and physically and left untreated can lead to poor Mental Health, Psychological and Physical harm and worse. Life can become unmanageable in many ways including work and schooling alongside breakdowns in relationships,risk of convictions and a reduction in personal care. I can offer advice and support in all these areas having been in them and now out of them.

Experience

I have had multiple drug addictions in the past that have included Cannabis,Heroin,Crack,Benzo's,Codeine and over the counter tablets as well as prescription medicines and taken near enough everything. It caused a great deal of problems in my family and I also had suffered breakdowns,Hospitalizations,suicide attempts,convictions the lot. I had been in a 7 year drug using relationship which was tough. I've come out the other end now and haven't used illicit drugs for 5 years. I really do understand what it is like for the user and those around them.

Organizations
I am in 4 other categories here at All Experts: Abusive Relationships; Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT which can simultaneously help those with BPD and with Drug/Alcohol Problems; and Teenage Problems. I also belong to Care2.com which helps various causes all over the world.

Education/Credentials
I have schooling up to A-Level standard,College Diplomas and what I offer here is valuable 'life experience'.

Past/Present Clients
I have done this voluntary job here at All Experts for about 3 years now.

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