Reducing the harm
The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. We also realise that there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. Thus, in order to keep New Zealand’s communities safe, we provide information about proven methods of drug harm minimisation.
The combined effects of benzodiazepines and other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol can be very dangerous, leading to unconsciousness, and on rare occasions, to death. Anyone taking benzodiazepines should not drink alcohol and should check with their physician before using any other central nervous system depressants.
Benzodiazepines are intended for oral use only, unless other instructions are given by the prescribing doctor. Benzodiazepines are generally not water soluble and cannot be readily prepared for injection. However benzodiazepines for recreational use are injected by some people to achieve a feeling of 'euphoria', increase the effects of other drugs or help alleviate the come down effects of other drugs.
Severe health problems can occur from this method including:
- collapsed veins
- clotting of veins
- red, swollen, infected skin
- amputation of limbs due to poor circulation
- stroke or even death.
