Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, often called benzos, are medicines prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders and severe insomnia. When prescribed and used correctly, they can be helpful in the short term.

However, street benzos are illegal and can be far more dangerous. They are often much stronger than expected, unpredictable, and commonly involved in overdoses across the UK and North West.

Street names you might hear

Benzodiazepines are often referred to by brand names or slang, including:

  • Benzos

  • Valium (diazepam)

  • Xanax (alprazolam)

  • Temazepam

  • Rohypnol

  • Blues

  • Yellows

  • Whites

Newer and very strong substances such as etizolam, flubromazolam and phenazepam are sometimes sold as diazepam or Xanax but are much more potent.

What do benzodiazepines look like?

Benzodiazepines can come as:

  • Tablets or pills

  • Capsules

  • Liquids or injections

Street benzos are often sold in blister packs to look legitimate, but this does not mean they are safe. Many do not contain the drug they are sold as and may include much stronger substances or other chemicals.

There is no reliable way to tell what a street benzo contains by appearance alone.

How do people use benzodiazepines?

Most people take benzodiazepines by swallowing tablets or capsules.

Some people crush tablets to inject them. This is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of:

  • Rapid overdose

  • Severe infections and abscesses

  • Vein damage

Benzodiazepines are often used:

  • To manage anxiety or panic

  • To help with sleep

  • As a “comedown” after using stimulants like cocaine, speed or ecstasy

How benzodiazepines can make you feel

Benzodiazepines slow down the brain and nervous system.

Effects can include:

  • Feeling calmer or more relaxed

  • Reduced anxiety

  • Drowsiness or sleepiness

  • Slowed thinking and reactions

At higher doses, or with strong street benzos, people may experience:

  • Extreme sedation

  • Confusion

  • Memory loss or blackouts

Risks to physical health

Benzodiazepines are especially dangerous when mixed with other substances.

Mixing benzos with:

  • Alcohol

  • Heroin or other opioids

  • Pregabalin or gabapentin

greatly increases the risk of overdose, slowed breathing and death.

Other physical risks include:

  • Severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping suddenly

  • Tremors, nausea, headaches and panic attacks

  • Seizures or fits during withdrawal

  • Hospitalisation

Street benzos are unpredictable in strength and content, which has led to serious harm and deaths in the UK.

Mental health risks

Benzodiazepines can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.

Risks include:

  • Worsening anxiety over time

  • Depression or low mood

  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults

  • Memory problems and confusion

  • Emotional numbness

Large doses can cause people to become very forgetful, disoriented or excessively sleepy.

Dependence and withdrawal

Benzodiazepines can cause both physical and psychological dependence.

Over time, tolerance builds up, meaning people may need higher doses to feel the same effect or to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal can include:

  • Anxiety and agitation

  • Headaches and nausea

  • Confusion

  • Sleep problems

  • Seizures or fits

Withdrawal can begin after relatively short periods of use and should never be managed alone without support.

Benzos and spiking

There are concerns about benzodiazepines being used in drink spiking, including drugs such as Rohypnol. These can make someone very drowsy or unconscious, leaving them unable to protect themselves.

If you think a drink has been spiked, seek help immediately and contact emergency services.

What benzodiazepines are often mixed with

Street benzos may be:

  • Stolen prescription medication

  • Illegally manufactured tablets

  • Counterfeit products

They often contain different or much stronger substances than the packaging suggests. This makes dosing unpredictable and increases the risk of overdose.

Staying safer

If someone is using benzodiazepines, harm reduction steps include:

  • Avoid mixing with alcohol, opioids or other depressant drugs

  • Avoid injecting

  • Use the smallest amount possible

  • Avoid using alone

  • Do not stop suddenly if using regularly, seek support first

If someone is extremely drowsy, unresponsive or breathing slowly, call 999. Getting medical help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by benzodiazepine use, as well as support for families and carers.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Support to reduce or stop safely

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Mental health and wellbeing support

  • Safer use information

  • Support around wider life issues

Support is personalised and focused on what you want to achieve.

Worried about someone else?

If you are worried about a friend, partner or family member, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to deal with this on your own.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and help is there when you’re ready.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026