Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures.
Benzodiazepines are only legally available through prescription. Many users maintain their drug supply by getting prescriptions from several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying them illicitly.
Alprazolam and clonazepam are the two most frequently encountered benzodiazepines on the illicit market.
Drugs that cause similar effects include: Alcohol, barbiturates, sleeping pills, and GHB.
Benzodiazepines are controlled in Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act.