Associated names
'Benzos' are in the minor tranquiliser group (tranx) and are prescribed for a variety of reasons.

The group includes the following trade names (street names in brackets):

• Nitrazepam/Mogadon (Moggies)
• Flunitrazepam/Rophypnol (roofies)
• Temazepam/Normison (eggs, temazzies, jellies)
• Diazepam/Vallium (Vallies, Yellows).

 

Appearance
Varies depending on the producing pharmaceutical company. It is possible to get ampoules and liquid forms of Benzodiazepine drugs but they are usually in tablet form.

 

Legal status
Class C. It is illegal to possess them without a prescription and it is illegal to supply them without the due authority.

 

Cost
Around 50p-£1 a tablet.

 

Quality
If pills are correctly identified then quality will be guaranteed, on the street however no guarantee can be given and the user may buy over-strength tablets.

 

Methods of use
Orally.

 

Effects
Physical relaxation, drowsiness and can induce sleep. Some users experience a loss of co-ordination and become forgetful and vague.

 

Health implications
Tolerance builds quickly and withdrawal can be a dangerous process - it is possible to die from withdrawal. After a few months at a stated dose they cease to be effective without an increase in dose. Indeed they can actually cause sleeplessness anxiety and, in some cases, convulsions.