Drugs – Benzos

Benzodiazepines

Benzos, temazies, jellies, eggs, moggies, vallies

 

Benzies are used to both counter the effect of ‘uppers’ like cocaine, speed and E and “downers” like heroin and booze.

 

Benzodiazepines are doctor-prescribed drugs for reducing stress and anxiety, promoting calmness, relaxation and sleep and as anti-depressants.

 

 

Examples include:

 

Estazolam (ProSom)

 

Flurazepam (Dalmane)

 

Quazepam (Doral)

 

Temazepam (Restoril)

 

Triazolam (Halcion)

 

Alprazolam (Xanax)

 

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

 

Clorazepate (Tranxene)

 

Diazepam (Valium)

 

Halazepam (Paxipam)

 

Lorazepam (Ativan)

 

Oxazepam (Serax) and

 

Prazepam (Centrax)

 

Used as a ‘chill out’ drug on the club scene or as a downer, the drug comes in tablet form, although it can be injected (introducing the risk of septicaemia, abscesses and attendant perils of using shared needles – see our safer drug use guide)

 

 

 

 

Side effects:

Users can experience forgetfulness, confusion and drowsiness – so don’t drive on them. And if you work in an industrial crushing plant, perhaps it’s not a good idea to come in buzzing on benzies!

 

 

 

 

Health risks:

Always see your doctor before getting repeat prescriptions. Try not to use benzodiazepines for long periods – restrict use to a 2-3 week period and if you’re using them as sleeping tablets, give yourself the occasional break of a few days.

Benzodiazepines can cause physical addiction. Benzies can become less effective as sleeping tablets after only 2 weeks of solid use and ineffective on controlling anxiety after 4 months of regular use – so users run the risk of taking ever increasing doses. Overdose is rarely fatal unless mixed with booze or smack.

US reports state that approximately 50 percent of people entering treatment for narcotic or cocaine addiction also report abusing benzodiazepines.

 

 

 

Getting off benzies:

Don’t try and stop overnight – it is best to come off the drug gradually. Ask your doctor or drug service for advice – swapping from short-acting benzodiazepines (e.g. xanax) to long acting ones (e.g. diazepam) can be helpful. Withdrawal symptoms can drag on for weeks or months and come in the shape of anxiety attacks, agitation, insomnia, nausea and convulsions. A change of scene and diet can help, along with increased exercise and relaxation techniques – check out some of the new age stuff – it might help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law:

It is not illegal to possess benzodiazepines without a prescription – except Temazepam which carries a 2 year prison sentence and/or unlimited fine. Supplying any benzodiazepines is illegal, with a maximum punishment of up to 5yrs in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

 

 

 

Special note:

Urban75: This site is all about harm reduction. We realise that some people will take drugs no matter what advice they are given. This guide is to be for information purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you are being coerced into taking drugs, or are in any doubt about taking a substance, our advice is to always refuse.

 

 

Source:Urban75