The effects of benzodiazepines are often likened to alcohol. Benzodiazepines are a synthetically-produced family of drugs and are by far the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs. They were introduced in the 1960s to replace the barbiturate-based products and at the time were considered to be safe. It soon became clear that many people were experiencing problems with addiction and over-dose.
Manufactured as powders they are supplied in tablets and capsules. The most common varieties are valium, librium and temazepam, the latter being a favourite drug of choice in Scotland and especially Glasgow.
Methods of Use Mostly the tablets and capsules are taken orally but some users prefer to inject. This is particularly so with temazepam. The contents of the capsule forms (known as jellies) are drawn up into syringes and in-jected directly into the vein. In recent years, there has been a change in the formula to make it more difficult to inject, but like many forms of physical prevention, those who still wish to use the substance have found a way to overcome this obstacle.
Effects of Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines relieve stress and anxiety, therefore the user feels calm and at peace. For some users this may be viewed as an euphoric state. The effects are not unlike the intoxicated state induced by alcohol.
Adverse Effects Like alcohol-induced intoxication, benzodiazepine users experience similar motor and cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines can bring disinhibition, thus bizarre and overtly sexual behaviour can be exhibited. In higher doses, they can induce drowsiness and sleep and this can persist into the next day as lethargy. There is a high risk of over-dose. Injecting benzodiazepines carries the risk of ulceration and clotting with the possibility of gangrene and loss of limbs
Long term use can result in mood and personality changes with the lethargy leading to personal neglect. There is a real potential for tolerance with regular use and dependence can be both rapid and severe. Withdrawal symptoms on the cessation of benzodiazepines is often perceived as unpleasant, involving anxiety, sleeplessness and irritability and may last up to three weeks.
