💊 Benzodiazepines
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs commonly prescribed to relieve stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Benzodiazepine (pronounced ben-zoh-die-AZ-apeen) or 'Benzos' for short - are a group of drugs with depressant effects, commonly prescribed by doctors as medication to relieve stress, anxiety, and assist with problems sleeping or to help with the withdrawal effects of other depressants (alcohol, opioids). Being a 'depressant' type drug means that it slows down the activity of the central nervous system making your body and mind more relaxed. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for 'fun' or recreational purposes.
Sometimes they are used to counter the effects of certain stimulating or psychedelic drugs. There are three types of benzos: Long, Medium and Short acting. As a general rule, short-acting benzos have stronger withdrawal or 'come down' effects and can be more addictive than long-acting ones.
Benzodiazepines are usually known by their brand name ie. Xanax® or Valium® but can sometimes be known by their chemical name.
Safer Using
Try to use in comfortable environments with people you trust to look out for you if you overdo it. Avoid eating prior or wait at least 30mins after eating. Dosage can vary greatly between different types of benzos & between different people.
Do your own research on what might be a safe dosage for you personally. A single pill will generally contain a dose within the effective therapeutic range. When ingesting or swallowing: Follow the directions on packaging if available – it might be something else if it's not in the sealed pharmaceutical packaging.
When snorting: Crush into fine powder (crystals can cause little cuts). Snort water before & after to protect your nose. Use your own straw/spoon (& not bank notes) to avoid infection or blood borne virus transmission (HIV/HepC).
Repeated snorting can damage your nose, switch nostrils regularly and take breaks. When shelving (dry) or plugging (wet mix): Use lubrication to avoid tearing the skin. Use a condom or latex/vinyl gloves to avoid scratches.
Wash your hands thoroughly before & after. Use sterile water to mix with powdered pills. When injecting: Use your own, new & sterile injecting equipment (inc.
water). Where it isn't possible to get sterile water, use filtered or cooled down boiled kettle water. Bottled water is NOT sterile!
AVOID sharing any of your equipment (water, spoon, filters, etc), not just needles. Wash your hands AND injecting site thoroughly before & after with soap & water or a fresh alcohol swab. Wipe down the mixing up area with a fresh swab or if available, warm soapy water.
Avoid vein damage by rotating injection sites. Keep hydrated & warm up your body to make veins more visible. Dispose of syringes & equipment responsibly.
⚠ Avoid Combining With
Opioids, alcohol, ketamine, GHB or other depressants – Can cause overdose, loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing leading to respiratory failure and possible death. Stimulants (MDMA, Cocaine, etc) – benzos will partially mask the effects of any stimulants. Although you don't feel the effects as much, the drugs will still be active in your system and can still cause side effects.
Psychedelics - can counter the effects of psychedelic substances. Antipsychotics - can cause excessive sedation, production of saliva and ataxia (impaired body control). Antihistamines - possible excess sedation.
Taking Benzos can be particularly dangerous if you have or are at risk of: Liver problems, Sleep apnea syndrome, Severe breathing problems, Myasthenia, Narrow angle glaucoma.
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Benzodiazepines are not tested for in roadside drug tests, however always follow your prescribing doctor's instructions regarding driving. Any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. Long term use runs the risk of physical dependence.
Physical tolerance can happen quickly with benzos, sometimes causing a dependence within a couple of days. Withdrawal side effects from benzodiazepines can be extreme, & even fatal. Withdrawal should ideally be managed in a hospital setting.
If not available please do your research before ever trying to go 'cold turkey'. Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges. KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAWS.
Effects
Euphoria Decrease of tension, anxiety, sadness, panic Relaxation Increased confidence and aloofness Feelings of isolation Reduced social inhibitions Decreased concentration Confusion Impaired or slowed thinking & response Reckless behaviour Agitation - especially the days after taking Muscle relaxation Sleepiness Slowed breathing rate & heart rate Decreased body temperature Decreased motor skills & lack of coordination Increased clumsiness Slurring of speech or stuttering Dry mouth Nausea & vomiting Headache Seeing double or blurry eyesight Physical dependence Tremors (shakiness) Vertigo Unconsciousness Constipation Hypotension or hypertension Risk of suffocation due to unconsciousness
Dose & Duration
Most commonly swallowed, but in some cases is snorted, shelved or injected (either intravenously or intramuscularly). Standard doses: Alprazolam (Xanax®) – 0.5-1mg daily, Diazepam (Valium®) - 2-5mg, 2-3 times per day, Temazepam (Temaze®) - 7.5mg-30mg daily, Lorazepam (Ativan®) - 1-3mg, 2-3 times per day. Many benzos have an incredibly long half life.
Even though it feels like the effects may wear off after a few hours, the drug is still active in your system for up to 1-3 days after you have taken it.