Use of the tranquilliser 'diazepam' among
drug users is increasing, according to a drug information charity.
DrugScope surveyed 20 UK towns and found in 15 of them that the popularity of diazepam (also known as Valium) is rising among drug users.
Drug users are turning to the tranquilliser as a substitute for heroine and are combining the drug with alcohol and methadone to ease their crack cocaine comedown.
The charity has warned that combining diazepam with other drugs increases the risk of an overdose.
The annual survey took place in 20 towns and cities across the UK questioning 100 drug services and Police forces. Diazepam is currently a Class C drug in the UK and is prescribed by doctors to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and tension.
DrugScope discovered that diazepam, known as 'blues' or 'vallies' is being sold for £1 per 10mg tablet and it's popularity is though to be down to availability and price against the shortage of quality heroine.
Diazepam is being smuggled in from sources in Europe and also bought over the internet from Asia where the latter contents are likely to be counterfeit, warned the charity.
Over one million people in Britain are addicted to prescribed tranquilisers. Therapies such as
counselling,
hypnotherapy and
Thought Field Therapy can help with addiction.
DrugScope surveyed 20 UK towns and found in 15 of them that the popularity of diazepam (also known as Valium) is rising among drug users.
Drug users are turning to the tranquilliser as a substitute for heroine and are combining the drug with alcohol and methadone to ease their crack cocaine comedown.
The charity has warned that combining diazepam with other drugs increases the risk of an overdose.
The annual survey took place in 20 towns and cities across the UK questioning 100 drug services and Police forces. Diazepam is currently a Class C drug in the UK and is prescribed by doctors to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and tension.
DrugScope discovered that diazepam, known as 'blues' or 'vallies' is being sold for £1 per 10mg tablet and it's popularity is though to be down to availability and price against the shortage of quality heroine.Diazepam is being smuggled in from sources in Europe and also bought over the internet from Asia where the latter contents are likely to be counterfeit, warned the charity.
Over one million people in Britain are addicted to prescribed tranquilisers. Therapies such as counselling, hypnotherapy and Thought Field Therapy can help with addiction.