Benzodiazepines are sedative and anti-anxiety drugs that are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms and epilepsy.

There are different types of benzodiazepines. Often each type will have a generic and brand name. For example, diazepam is the generic name and Valium the brand name. Likewise, alprazolam (Xanax), temazepam (Restoril) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Most benzodiazepines are prescribed by a doctor. But an increasing number of people are using illegally obtained so-called ‘street benzos’ or ‘street Valium’, which are diverted from legitimate prescriptions or purchased online. 

How are benzodiazepines used?

Most benzodiazepines are tablets and capsules. Some people crush tablets to inject them. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to skin infections and abscesses and potentially, an overdose, which can be fatal.

What are the effects of benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines will stay in your body for different lengths of time. Generally, short-acting benzodiazepines are used as sleeping pills and long-acting benzodiazepines are used for anxiety and muscle spasms. For example, temazepam effects last for 7-8 hours and is used to treat sleeping problems while diazepam effects last for 12 hours or more and is used to treat anxiety.

The different brands of benzodiazepines are usually of different strengths. For example, temazepam 10mg is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg.

What are the problems with benzodiazepines?

For people who have been prescribed a benzodiazepine by a doctor, the most common side effect is feeling drowsy. But like many other medicines there are many potential side effects including light-headedness, confusion, dizziness and headaches.

Links have been noted between benzodiazepine use and depression and, in some cases, the emergence of suicidal thoughts.

Evidence suggests that higher benzodiazepine dosages may be associated with an increased risk of depression. Reducing or discontinuing use can help deal with the feelings.

It's possible to get addicted to benzodiazepines. However, you are less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your health condition. It is not recommended to use benzodiazepines for longer than 4 weeks.

Street benzos

Illicit or fake benzodiazepines often called ‘street benzos’ or ‘street Diazepam’ are benzodiazepines bought online or obtained without a prescription.

Among street drug users, benzodiazepines have long been part of the drug ‘mix’ along with heroin, crack and alcohol. However, in recent years, a range of illicitly produced benzodiazepines have become widely available across the UK.

The content and potency of street benzodiazepines are unpredictable. Street benzos can include unknown substances or substances that are dangerously stronger than that displayed on the packaging. The unpredictable content and potency make street benzodiazepines particularly dangerous and are causing an increase in overdose, hospitalisation and deaths.

Reducing risks

• Do not use benzodiazepines for longer than 4 weeks.
• If you take benzodiazepines and feel sleepy, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking benzodiazepine. It can make you sleep very deeply. You may have breathing problems, difficulty waking up and depending on the amount of alcohol and benzodiazepinestaken a fatal overdose.
• It's possible to get addicted to benzodiazepines, but you're less likely to get addicted if you take it at the lowest dose that helps your symptoms, for up to 4 weeks.
• If you have used benzodiazepines for more that 4 weeks on a daily basis, you should not stop using them suddenly.
• Cutting down or stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Always reduce your use gradually and seek advice from your doctor, drug worker or other health professionals.
• Avoid buying benzodiazepines online. 
• Counterfeit benzodiazepines and other drugs, such as illicit oxycodone and synthetic cannabis (spice), are increasingly mixed with synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes. These substances significantly increase the risk of overdose. If using benzodiazepines, start with a small amount before taking more, and avoid using drugs alone so someone can help if something goes wrong.

Benzodiazepines and the law

If you have a prescription for benzodiazepines and have obtained them from a pharmacist, you have nothing to worry about.  But if you have bought them from the internet, been given them, or sold them to another person, they become a Class C drug and they are unlawful to possess.
Unlawful possession of benzodiazepines is a Class C drug. It is illegal to possess, produce or supply the drug.
Possessing benzodiazepines is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine. 
 
Supplying benzodiazepines (including giving some to a friend) is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
 
For more detailed information about the law, visit the Release website.