Tranquillisers

The Effects

• Tranquillisers are a sedative & work by depressing the nervous system, slowing the body down.
• They relieve tension and anxiety, making the user feel calm and relaxed.
• Large doses can make a user forgetful and send them to sleep.

The Risks

• Benzos in particular are highly addictive
• Tranquillisers depressants and if taken with other depressants like alcohol, can lead to an accidental overdose
• Can cause short-term memory loss
• Injecting crushed tablets or melted down gel capsules is extremely dangerous, sometimes fatal.
• Chalk in tablets is a major cause of collapsed veins & can lead to infection and abscess.
• Injecting gel capsules can also be fatal when the gel solidifies inside the blood vesselsWithdrawal can cause unpleasant symptoms, pounding headache, nausea, anxiety & confusion.
• Some people report withdrawal symptoms after only four weeks' use. This can be dangerous & require medical help.
• There has been an increase in the abuse of prescription drugs which are often seen as a safe option i.e. “they were prescribed…so they must be safe”

The Law

• Tranquillisers can only be prescribed by a pharmacist.
• They’re controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• It's illegal to possess benzodiazepines, including temazepam, without a prescription.
• Unauthorised possession could result in a prison sentence of up to 2 years & an unlimited fine. Supplying, i.e. giving some to your friends, could mean up to 14 years in prison & an unlimited fine

Street Names

• Benzos
• Bennies
• Downers
• Eggs
• Jellies
• Norries
• Roofies
• Rugby Balls
• Tamazzies
• Tams
• Vallies