Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are depressants prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
Common types of benzodiazepines include Valium®, Ativan® and Xanax®. Users might call them downers, downs, benzos, or xanies.
Misuse
Any non-medical use of benzos is misuse. Examples include the following:
- Using someone else’s prescription
- Taking more or differently than prescribed
- Taking for a purpose other than prescribed
Benzodiazepines can be swallowed in the form of pills or crushed and snorted. Users may feel euphoric, dizzy, forgetful or calm.
Risks Associated with Benzodiazepine Misuse
Benzodiazepines slow down brain activity and can cause sleepiness and loss of coordination. Other effects may include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing. Heavy use of benzodiazepines and using with alcohol or other drugs can change the heart rate and slow breathing enough to cause death.
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: FindTreatment.gov
- Drug Enforcement Administration Benzodiazepines Drug Fact Sheet
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drug Facts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
- Above the Influence: Prescription Drugs