Benzodiazepines

Benzos is a short name for Benzodiazepines (pronounced ben-zoh-die-az-a-peens). Benzos is a term that includes a number of different drugs. Benzos are legal (when prescribed) depressant.

They're also called diaz, tranx, sleepers, downers, serras (Serepax), moggies (Mogadon), normies (Normison) tranquillisers.

They mostly come as tablets and capsules but can be prescribed as a liquid for injection or suppositories. Benzos are usually swallowed but some people do inject them.

Benzos are legal if they are prescribed by a doctor for you (usually for anxiety or sleeping problems) but not legal if you use someone else’s or buy them off the street.

Effects of benzos include: a sense of calmness, relaxation and sleepiness.

An overdose of Benzos can cause slow breathing, cold and clammy skin, bluish lips, or an inability to be roused or woken. Call an ambulance if any of these symptoms occur.

Dependence on Benzos can result in strong withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, anxiety and depression and even seizures.

If you use benzos it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

• Don’t mix Benzos with other drugs especially other depressants like alcohol or heroin.

• Know what you’re taking - There is a huge difference between different types of benzos and how long the effects of each last.

• Try to avoid injecting but if you do, use safe injecting practices and get specialist advice for injecting pills.

• Call an ambulance if you think someone has overdosed

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts.