Often referred to as benzos, benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications and sleep-aids, and for some forms of epilepsy treatment. Gaining popularity in the 1970s, these drugs were found to be far less chemically addictive than their predecessors; barbituates. Sadly, however, many people who’ve been prescribed benzodiazepines find themselves struggling with addiction. Tolerance is quickly built to these medications, and with prolonged use, more is often needed for achieving the same mood-enhancing benefits. As tolerance and use continue to progress, it is not uncommon for people to lie to their doctors to increase their access, purchase benzodiazepines illegally and/or manipulate or steal to get additional pills from family members or friends. Currently, there are over 15 kinds of benzodiazepine medications being used for anxiety, epilepsy, and sleep disorder treatments. In fact, nearly 50 million adults are presently using benzodiazepines for the management of mental health issues and general medical concerns, or they’ve used these product in the past. Although many patients use these medications exactly as their doctors have prescribed, a surprisingly large number of people increase their doses, mix their medications with other drugs and drug classes, and engage in other forms of prescription drug abuse. Given their high rate of chemical dependency, and the painful effects that benzodiazepine detox entails, when addicted individuals are unable to obtain more sources via legal, medical channels, they often turn to products that can be purchased on the street.