What is it?
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term anxiety, sleep problems and some medical conditions. Illicit tablets sold as benzodiazepines often contain different or stronger chemicals than expected.
Common forms
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Liquids
- Illicit tablets of unknown content
How it affects the body
They increase the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, producing sedation, reduced anxiety and muscle relaxation.
Short-term effects
- Sedation and reduced anxiety
- Poor coordination
- Memory gaps
- Disinhibition
Long-term effects
- Tolerance and dependence, sometimes quickly
- Persistent memory and concentration problems
- Falls and injuries
- Low mood
Dependence and addiction
Dependence can develop when the body and brain adapt to regular use. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Signs people describe include needing more to get the same effect, difficulty cutting down, spending more time thinking about use, and continuing despite harm. Support is available at any stage — you do not need to have reached a crisis point. Dependence can develop even with prescribed use over time.
Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically dangerous, including seizures. Do not stop suddenly. Any reduction should be planned and supervised by a clinician.
Overdose risks
Risk is greatest when combined with opioids, alcohol or other sedatives. Emergency signs include unresponsiveness and slow, shallow breathing. Call 999.
Mixing substances
Combining with opioids or alcohol is a leading factor in drug-related deaths. Illicit tablets make strength unpredictable.
Harm-reduction information
- Never combine with opioids or alcohol
- Assume illicit tablets are of unknown strength and content
- Do not stop long-term use abruptly — seek medical advice
- Keep naloxone available if opioids may also be involved
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 999 if someone is unconscious or cannot be woken, is having difficulty breathing, has a seizure, has chest pain, becomes very confused or agitated, or you are worried they may have overdosed. For urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call NHS 111. You will not get someone into trouble by calling for medical help.
Treatment and recovery options
- Talking therapies and structured psychosocial support
- Community drug and alcohol services, including self-referral where available
- Medication-assisted treatment where clinically appropriate
- Medically supported withdrawal, arranged and monitored by clinicians
- Peer support and recovery communities
- Residential rehabilitation for some people, usually via assessment
- Support for related needs — mental health, housing, family and welfare
UK support resources
- NHS — health information and service finders (nhs.uk)
- Talk to FRANK — UK drug information service (talktofrank.com)
- Your local community drug and alcohol service — many accept self-referrals
- Local pharmacy teams, who can offer advice and signposting
Sources / references
This page is a plain-language summary written for education. For clinical or legal detail, use authoritative UK sources: NHS (nhs.uk), Talk to FRANK (talktofrank.com), NICE (nice.org.uk), UK Government and devolved government publications, and guidance from UK professional bodies. Each page on this site carries a review date, and we welcome corrections.