Benzodiazepines

Medical use

• Prescribed mainly for anxiety and insomnia
• Produce an immediate effect
• Intended for short term use
• Meant for the patient to take it only when needed

Effects on brain

• It enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter 
• This reduces the activity of neurons 
• These neurons cause stress and anxiety 
• The effect keeps the brain in tranquilized state

Potential for abuse

• Prolonged use can lead to dependency  
• When tolerance is built there is a loss of desired effect
• Leads to seeking more of the drug
• Mixing drug with alcohol to get desired effect
• The drug is also commonly mixed with other prescrition drugs