Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs which slow down a person’s reactions, making them feeling drowsy and lethargic. The drug can be used to relieve stress and anxiety and make the user feel more relaxed, however large doses can make a user forgetful and sleepy.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can develop relatively quickly which may result in an increase in dosage, leading to psychological and physical dependence. Withdrawal from regular use can cause intense irritability, insomnia, nausea and headaches. There is a risk of accidental overdose if taken with other depressive drugs such as alcohol.

Benzodiazepines are often used on the club scene as a ‘come down’ off LSD, amphetamine or ecstasy.  Effects begin within fifteen minutes and can last up to six hours without repeating the dosage. A governmental review of international evidence concluded that drugs other than alcohol were "not uncommon" among drivers involved in serious road crashes; with benzodiazepines the second most commonly found substance.

As there is no known illicit manufacture of benzodiazepines any which circulate on the illicit market are from either from legitimate prescriptions or by theft. NHS figures suggest that there are 200,000 illicit benzodiazepine users in the UK.

As a depressant benzodiazepines can be used in conjunction with a variety of drugs to reduce the after effects of other drugs such as ecstasy, LSD or amphetamines. Benzodiazepines can also be used in conjunction with Heroin. Up to 90% of problem drug users also use benzodiazepines as part of a cycle of polydrug misuse.

Concateno can offer a test for Benzodiazepine in oral fluid, hair and urine

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