Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepines are increasingly more popular amongst teens/young adults. There is an increase in counterfeit pills that are laced with fentanyl.
WHAT ARE BENZODIAZEPINES?
Benzodiazepines are a part of a larger group of medications that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression, impulse control disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. If abused, benzodiazepines are addictive and deadly.
Benzodiazepines can be deadly if mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other drugs.
Common Benzodiazepine Medications (pills):
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
HOW IS IT USED?
Benzodiazepine pills can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally as a pill.
STREET NAMES
Bars, Ladders, Z-bars, Zanies, Xanax, X, Bennies, Benzos
DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
Prescription bottles
Lighters
Straws or hallowed-out ballpoint pens (for snorting)
Bongs/pipes (commonly used to smoke marijuana) can be used to smoke the pills
Syringes/needles
Lose pills
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE IS ON BENZODIAZEPINES
Shortness of breath
Slurred speech
Watery eyes
Nausea
Dry mouth
Excessive talking
Irritability
Sedated
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF A BENZODIAZEPINE OVERDOSE
If you believe someone is experiencing an overdose from benzodiazepines, call 911 immediately.
Dizziness
Drowsiness that you can’t wake them up from
Muscle weakness and/or uncoordinated motor functions (stumbling)
Fainting
Low blood pressure
Shallow breathing
GENERAL HEALTH EFFECTS (the type of pill can cause different effects)
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dry mouth
Decreased motivation
Irritability
Decreased libido
Difficulty concentrating/memory problems
Confusion
Slurred speech
Paranoia
Hallucinations and strange dreams
Depression
Seizures
Organ damage (kidney, liver, stomach)
Ready to get Involved?
Organizations and community members involved in SUD/OUD are welcome to join!
Email Yara Castro at info@sosaheal.org or call 520-375-6050 for more information.