Street Names: Downers, Nerve Pills, Tranks

Description: The benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) was the first benzodiazepine produced. Diazepam (Valium) was the next to be developed and until the early 1980's this was the most widely prescribed tranquillizer in the world. Today, newer benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) account for most tranquillizer prescriptions.

DRUG INFO CHART

The widespread availability of benzodiazepines has made them common as drugs of abuse. Long-term users typically develop a tolerance to the drugs, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects. A psychological and/or physical dependence can develop, making it difficult to discontinue use. Some drug abusers take benzodiazepines to bring them down after using stimulants such as ecstasy or cocaine. Others take them to enhance the effects of alcohol. They are also commonly used as replacement drugs when a user's drug of first choice is not available.

During the early 1990's, Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) became notorious as the date rape drug. Rohypnol is 7 to 10 times more potent than valium and initial effects appear within 15 to 30 minutes of consumption. These factors are responsible for Rohyphnol's use as a date rape drug. Though never legal in the United States, Rohypnol became readily available in the black market from sources in Mexico, Latin America, and Europe. In 1996, the U.S. Treasury Department banned all Rohypnol prescriptions from entering the country. Since then, Rohypnol use in the United States has declined.