Benzos
A.K.A: Benzos, Tranks, Downers, Xannies, Valium
Benzodiazepines are a group of depressant drugs. There are several prescription benzos that are used to treat conditions such as anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. There are also many illicit benzos that are often more potent.
Benzos can make you feel relaxed, calm, and drowsy. They can also make you feel confused, uncoordinated, and unable to stay awake. If someone uses benzos regularly, stopping suddenly can cause seizures and can be dangerous if it is not managed with the help of a medical professional.
Caution
There are many fake benzos that are sold from outside of New Zealand on the illegal market. They are sometimes made to look like prescription benzos but can contain dangerous ingredients and uneven doses.
How to be safer when using benzos
- Get support if going through withdrawal. It can be dangerous to stop taking them suddenly. Your doctor can help you with this.
- Know which type of benzo you are taking – they all have different strengths.
- Use drug checking services to know what you have and see if it is mixed with anything else.
- They are usually taken orally (swallowed) because some pills have fillers that are dangerous to snort or inject.
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