Individuals with a substance abuse history are at an increased risk of misusing benzodiazepines. Several (primary research) studies, even into the last decade, claimed, that individuals with a history of familial abuse of alcohol or who are siblings or children of alcoholics appeared to respond differently to benzodiazepines than so called genetically healthy persons, with males experiencing increased euphoric effects and females having exaggerated responses to the adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Whilst all benzodiazepines have abuse potential, certain characteristics increase the potential of particular benzodiazepines for abuse. These characteristics are chiefly practical ones—most especially, availability (often based on popular perception of 'dangerous' versus 'non-dangerous' drugs) through prescribing physicians or illicit distributors. Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic factors are also crucial in determining abuse potentials. A short elimination half-life, high potency and a rapid onset of action are characteristics which increase the abuse potential of benzodiazepines. The following table provides the elimination half-life, approximate equivalent doses, speed of onset of action, and duration of behavioural effects. Drug Name Common Brand Names* Onset of action Duration of action (h)** Elimination Half-Life (h) active metabolite Approximate Equivalent Dose*** Alprazolam Xanax, Xanor, Tafil, Alprox, Niravam Intermediate 3–5 6–12 hours 0.5 mg Chlordiazepoxide Librium, Tropium, Risolid, Klopoxid Intermediate ??? 5–30 hours 36–200 hours 25 mg Clonazepam Klonopin, Klonapin, Rivotril, Iktorivil Intermediate 10–12 18–50 hours 0.5 mg Clorazepate Tranxene Intermediate ??? 36–100 hours 15 mg Diazepam Valium, Apzepam, Stesolid, Vival, Apozepam, Hexalid, Valaxona Fast 4–6 20–100 hours 36–200 10 mg Etizolam**** Etivan Fast 5-7 6-8 h 1 mg Estazolam ProSom Slow 6–8 10–24 h 1–2 mg Flunitrazepam Rohypnol, Fluscand, Flunipam, Ronal Fast 6–8 18–26 hours 36–200 hours 1 mg Flurazepam Dalmadorm, Dalmane Fast 7–10 40–250 hours 15–30 mg Lorazepam Ativan, Temesta, Lorabenz Intermediate 4–6 10–20 hours 1 mg Midazolam Dormicum, Versed, Hypnovel Fast 0.5–1 3 hours (1.8–6 hours) 5 mg Oxazepam Seresta, Serax, Serenid, Serepax, Sobril, Oxascand, Alopam, Oxabenz, Oxapax Slow 4–6 4–15 hours 30 mg Prazepam Lysanxia, Centrax Slow ??? 36–200 hours 20 mg Quazepam Doral Slow 6 39–120 hours 20 mg Temazepam Restoril, Normison, Euhypnos, Tenox Fast 5–6 8–22 hours 20 mg Triazolam Halcion, Rilamir Fast 0.5–1 2 hours 0.25 mg Nitrazepam Mogadon, Nitrosun, Epam, Alodorm, Insomin Intermediate 5-10 16-38 hours 10 mg Not all trade names are listed. Click on the drug name to see a more comprehensive list. The duration of apparent action is usually considerably less than the half-life. With most benzodiazepines, noticeable effects usually wear off within a few hours. Nevertheless, as long as the drug is present it will exert subtle effects within the body. These effects may become apparent during continued use or may appear as withdrawal symptoms when dosage is reduced or the drug is stopped. Equivalent doses are based on clinical experience but may vary between individuals. Etizolam is not a true benzodiazepine but has similar chemistry, effects, and abuse potential.
Benzodiazepine use disorder
Benzodiazepine dependence
Amphetamine dependence
Stimulant use disorder
Cannabis use disorder
Opioid use disorder
Drug withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal