What Is Benzo Dope and Will It Replace Fentanyl?
Fentanyl was introduced to the drug supply in the U.S. in the late 2000s. Since then the drug has fueled most of the 100,000 fatal overdoses across the country. Despite its stronghold on the illicit drug scene, drug dealers, manufacturers, and users continue to look for the next best high. This has led to several drug combinations like fentanyl with synthetic cannabinoids (SCRA dope), fentanyl with xylazine (tranq dope), and fentanyl with benzodiazepines (benzo dope).
Using benzo dope poses high risks to a person’s health due to the combined effects of the two CNS depressants. Here are some things you need to know about this dangerous new substance.
Drug testing and samples from overdose cases revealed a new drug combination now known as benzo dope. The illicitly manufactured substance may contain fentanyl, and benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax among other illegal drugs. Its prevalence is increasing rapidly in the U.S. and has a significant impact on the high rates of fatal overdose.
Benzos (benzodiazepines) are prescription drugs that relieve muscle spasms and anxiety. They are also used to treat insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and epilepsy. It is a central nervous system depressant that produces sedation by slowing down the messages between the brain and body.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence and addiction. Even with short-term use, benzos may cause withdrawal symptoms after sudden discontinuance of the drug. When used with alcohol or other drugs, the risk of overdose is significant.
Street names for benzodiazepines include:
The most commonly used benzodiazepines are:
Doctors typically prescribe benzodiazepines for short-term use only.
Like any other drug, benzodiazepines have a long list of potential side effects. Although the drug affects each person differently, typical side effects can appear, including:
Long-term side effects of benzodiazepines include:
Injecting benzodiazepines can cause vein damage, infection, hepatitis B and C, HIV, and AIDS.
The effects of benzodiazepines are greatly enhanced when combined with fentanyl or alcohol.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid initially developed to treat severe or chronic pain. It works by blocking pain receptors in the brain. The CDC reports that it is the driving force behind the thousands of drug overdoses in the U.S. Fentanyl creates a euphoric feeling within minutes making it the most widely abused illicit drug today.
Short-term side effects of fentanyl include reduced pain, relaxation, and euphoria. Other effects include:
Signs of fentanyl overdose to watch for:
People addicted to fentanyl suffer psychosocial effects as well. They struggle with relationship problems, mood changes, and depression.
Combining fentanyl with other drugs or alcohol greatly increases the risk of overdose and death.
Naloxone counteracts the effects of opioids, including fentanyl. However, it does not reverse the effects of benzos without consequences like withdrawal or seizures.
It’s important to note that due to complications of benzo withdrawal, some people who test positive for benzo use will be refused treatment at some treatment centers.
As drug dealers and users seek more potent substances, benzo dope may eventually saturate the illicit opioid market. However, it is too soon to say that it will actually replace fentanyl as the most deadly drug available today.
Due to the potency of benzo dope, professional treatment is required for successful detox and recovery. Not only do you need to break the physical dependency, but you also need to address the underlying reasons for your drug use. A treatment program that focuses on your unique needs is the best option.
At Design for Change Recovery, our programs are client-centric, meaning we customize a plan that is right for you. We offer a range of options and different levels of care. We are in-network with major insurance companies and provide a JCAHO-accredited program to ensure you get the most effective program possible.
Here are some of the therapies we provide in our comprehensive, full continuum of care:
Reach out to our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about our programs. One of our treatment advisors will assist you in getting started on a rewarding new path in life.
Sources:
cfsre.org – Benzo-Dope: An Increasingly Prevalent Drug Combination of Significant Toxicologial Relevance
dea.gov – Benzodiazepines
dea.gov – Fentanyl