Benzodiazepines (often called benzos) can help some people manage anxiety, sleep or withdrawal symptoms. Some people are prescribed them by a doctor, and others buy them from the street. However you use them, you deserve to be safe and supported.
During the festive period, routines can change and substance use can increase. Drug supplies may be different too. All of this can raise risks, especially when it comes to benzos.
Why benzos can be risky
Benzos slow your body and brain down. They can relax your muscles, make you feel calmer and help you sleep. But taking too much or mixing them with other drugs can dangerously slow your breathing, leading to overdose.
Risks increase when you:
• Mix benzos with alcohol or opioids
• Use higher doses than usual
• Do not know what strength you are taking
• Take unfamiliar pills or powders
• Use alone without someone to check on you
Many benzos available illegally contain strong or unexpected ingredients, including synthetic versions that can act much more powerfully than prescription medication.
Go low and go slow
If you choose to use benzos:
• Take the smallest amount possible to start
• Wait to feel the effects before taking more
• Avoid using if you are already tired or unwell
• Try not to take them to “catch up” after drinking
Giving your body more time to respond helps you stay aware and reduces the chance of overdose.
Avoid mixing substances
Combining benzos with alcohol, methadone, heroin, tramadol or other depressants is especially dangerous. These combinations increase the risk of stopping breathing.
Even small amounts can become unpredictable when mixed.
If you have already used another substance and want to stay safer:
• Use less than planned
• Tell someone what you have taken
• Stay somewhere safe and comfortable
• Have someone check on you
It is always OK to change your mind and stop.
Look for changes in strength or effects
Benzos bought illegally can vary a lot, even when they look identical. If something feels too strong, unfamiliar or uncomfortable, that is important information.
Trust yourself. Your safety comes first.
Try not to use alone
If you can, use around someone you trust. If you would rather be alone, you could arrange:
• A check-in text or call with a friend
• A set time where someone knows to message you
• A plan for what to do if you feel unwell
Being connected keeps you safer.
Know the signs of overdose
Call 999 immediately if someone shows:
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Blue or pale lips and fingertips
• Unable to wake up or respond
• Limp, cold or unusually quiet
• Gurgling or choking sounds
Stay with them until help arrives. You will not get in trouble for calling.
Naloxone saves lives
If opioids might be involved, give Naloxone if you have it. It will not harm someone if they have only taken benzos. It can buy vital time and help restart breathing.
Anyone can carry Naloxone. It is free and easy to use.
You deserve support
If your benzo use feels harder to manage, or you are worried about how the holidays might affect you, please know that support is there.
You can:
• Speak to Wirral Ways about safer use or making changes
• Get support with anxiety, sleep or coping differently
• Access groups and one-to-one sessions
• Learn about prescriptions or tapering safely
You are not alone in navigating this. There is no pressure or judgement — just compassionate help when you want it.
Your safety matters. Your wellbeing matters. And we are here for you when you are ready.