About
Benzodiazepines come in tablet, capsule and injectable liquid forms. They are used illicitly by people to get intoxicated (or 'high'); by heroin users who can't get heroin, when they are trying to get off heroin or to increase the effects of heroin; and by amphetamines and ecstasy users when they are coming down from a 'high' and to help them sleep. On the street they are known as moggies, vals, V, normies, benzos, tranks, sleepers, rohies, temazzies or serries.
Immediate effects
The effects of Benzodiazepines may last from a few hours to a few days and include feeling relaxed; feeling drowsy, sleepy or tired; having no energy; becoming confused or dizzy; feeling really good; having mood swings; slurring your words or stuttering; having trouble judging distances or movement propoerly; having blurred or double vision; short-term memory loss.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms include panic attacks, vomiting, depression and paranoia.
Side effects
Lack of energy/lack of interest in participating in normal activities; crankiness; nausea; headaches; bad dreams; skin rashes; increased appetite and weight gain; menstrual problems; depression.
Effects related to injecting the drug including the risk of developing hepatitis , HIV, blood poisoning and skin abscesses. Overdosing on Benzodiazepines (mixing Benzodiazepines with other drugs and/or alcohol) can lead to death.
Health care
Treatment options for Benzodiazepines include individual counselling, group therapy, medication, and supervised/home withdrawal.
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