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Prescription Drug Abuse UK

Tranquillisers (benzodiazepines) are prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia. They are most commonly available as tablets or capsules while temazepam, in particular, is sometimes injected in order to intensify its effects. Tranquillisers are often taken to counter the effects of stimulant drugs such as speed or ecstasy. Those sold on the street have usually been acquired through a prescription from a doctor or have been stolen from a pharmacy or hospital.

Tranquillisers are sedatives. In small doses, they reduce anxiety, encourage relaxation and improve sleep. If taken in larger quantities, they can cause drowsiness and forgetfulness. The effects can last anything from three to six hours, depending on the amount taken.

It is possible to become both psychologically and physically addicted to tranquillisers with some people reporting withdrawal symptoms after taking the drug for only four weeks. Tolerance can develop with repeated use, leading to the user increasing their dose in order to get the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, nausea, headache, and insomnia. Sudden withdrawal after having taken large doses has been known to cause panic attacks and even convulsions. It is important to remember that such dependency can happen whether the drug is taken under the supervision of a doctor or illegally.

There are many risks associated with the use of tranquillisers. They are depressants and should not be mixed with other depressive drugs such as heroin and alcohol as this can lead to a fatal overdose. Moreover, it is extremely dangerous to inject crushed tablets or melted down gel capsules. If the gel solidifies inside the blood vessels it can be fatal, while injecting crushed tablets can damage veins, leading to infection and abscess. There has also been recent evidence suggesting tranquillisers can cause short-term memory loss.

Some tranquillisers, such as rohypnol, have acquired a reputation as ‘date rape’ drugs. They can easily be dropped into someone’s drink and are undetectable, leaving no taste or odour. If mixed with alcohol, the drug can cause blackouts, leaving a person unable to defend themselves against a sexual assault.