Benzodiazepines By Jenny, Zheng, Rohit

What is it? Works as a central nervous system depressant. Physicians may prescribe them as: Muscle relaxants Treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders Alcohol withdrawal Sleeping disorders. There are 45 types of Benzodiazepines.

Street/Slang names Benzos Tranxs Downers Sleepers

How is it used by the takers? Come in mostly capsule form, and come in different colours and shapes. Intended for oral use only Some people inject Benzodiazepines to get ‘high’ or to increase the effects of other drugs. Injecting benzodiazepines is increasing,even though the effects aren’t very satisfying Whether taken orally or intravenously, it is absorbed into bloodstream.

Effects Effects vary from person to person Effects depends on an individual’s health, weight and size. Effects depends on how it is taken, how much is taken and whether the person has taken it before. Effects depends on the environment in which it is taken. Quality and purity of drug also influence effects.

Short term Effects relaxation, calmness drowsiness, tiredness, lethargy dizziness slurred speech, stuttering mild impairment of thought processes and memory feelings of isolation and emotional depression

Short term Effects In greater quantities drowsiness, sleep confused, slurred speech poor co-ordination impaired judgement loss of memory, blurred or double vision mood swings and aggressive outbursts

Long term Effects drowsiness difficulty thinking clearly changes in emotional responses anxiety, irritability difficulty sleeping headaches, nausea skin rash menstrual problems sexual problems greater appetite increased risk of accidents

Impact on Hauora Social Loss of friends Relief of tension and anxiety Lack of motivation, lazy Personality change Mental/Emotional Feelings of isolation and depression Mood swings Personality change Aggressive outbursts

Impact on Hauora Physical Headaches Skin rash Weight gain Spiritual Loss of memory e.g. Religion forgotten Difficulty with thinking Increased risk of accidents

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