What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are depressants, working to suppress to central nervous system to help with managing mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia and more. They are also used -both by themselves and alongside other medications- to aid with seizures, alcohol withdrawal and more.
In summary, benzodiazepines are sedatives often used alongside other medications for both medical and illicit purposes.
What are street benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines can be misused for illegal recreational purposes and dependencies can be built from prolonged usage. Some benzodiazepines are sold illegally for this purpose and are often referred to as “Street Benzodiazepines” or “Street Benzos”.
In the UK, most Benzodiazepines are classified as Class C Controlled Substances that are subject to legal penalties for illicit distribution and misuse.
What are a few benzodiazepines?
Below is a list of some benzodiazepines. These are the generic names, not brand names. Here are a few of those benzodiazepines:
There are notable and definable risks from taking benzodiazepines, especially when they are taken without medical cause. Most risks from benzodiazepines come from the effect they have on the central nervous system.
Taking benzodiazepines can cause:
The above list includes dependency as a risk, given that improper and/or excessive use of benzodiazepines can lead to an individual building a reliance on benzos, one that is worsened as the body adapts to the effects and thus weakens them. Tolerance for and dependency on benzodiazepines can be built quickly, try to avoid this by taking breaks from frequent usage.
Withdrawal from dependency can be life-threatening if done suddenly or too quickly. If you plan on stopping, either speak to a professional (recommended) or take a gradual approach. This mitigates the risk of a life-threatening scenario and can help to reduce the discomfort from withdrawal.
There are methods to mitigate -not eliminate- the risks if you are taking benzodiazepines. First of all, start low and go slow. Benzodiazepines can vary in strength, so whilst one tablet could have a milder effect, another could be far stronger and more potent. As such, it’s recommended to take a cautious approach to prevent an accident.
We also recommend against any form of drug mixing, including with benzodiazepines. Drug mixing can be temperamental and risky, given the often unpredictable effects caused by mixing substances together, along with the more severe dependencies that such combinations can produce. Remember, alcohol is a substance and can have the same effects as any other substance, including those from drug mixing.
Whilst inconvenient, we suggest you research information about your specific medication before taking it. Knowing more about what you’re taking is key to understanding what risk it might pose to you and how to reduce that risk if you are taking that substance.
If you or someone else has taken benzodiazepines and exhibits the following, please contact 999 or get to A&E quickly:
Whilst naloxone doesn’t work to reverse an overdose caused by benzodiazepines, it is recommended that the substance be administered to anyone who is both unresponsive and showing the signs of an overdose as a safety precaution. Naloxone should do no harm if administered, even if it has no effect on a benzodiazepine overdose.
Barnsley Recovery Steps is a free, confidential service supporting people in Barnsley affected by alcohol and other drugs. This includes Benzodiazepine, along with its variants. Our information can be found below:
brs.referrals@waythrough.org.uk
01226 779066
McLintocks Building,
Summer Lane,
Barnsley,
S70 6BX
Click HERE To Register With Our Referral Form.
