Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are psychoactive drugs used to treat many different conditions including anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as Niravam, Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Halcion, Restoril, Tranxene, and Alprazolam. They work by making the nerves in the brain less sensitive to stimulation, creating a calming effect. Unfortunately, although benzos do a lot of good, the risk for abuse and addiction is very high. According to an article written by drugabuse.gov:
Among past-year benzodiazepine misusers, 46.3% reported that the motivation for their most recent misuse was to relax or relieve tension, followed by helping with sleep (22.4%). About 5.7% reported “experimentation” as their main motivation for misuse, and 11.8% reported using them to “get high” or because of being “hooked.’
Benzodiazepines are normally prescribed in tablet form and should only ever be taken as directed by a medical professional. Misusing these medications in any way other than prescribed — especially through attempts to alter how quickly the drug enters the body — is extremely dangerous. Such misuse dramatically raises the risk of overdose, severe health complications, and death.
Attempting to inject benzodiazepines is extremely unsafe. It can overwhelm the central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate to the point of cardiac arrest. Even a small amount taken this way can be life-threatening.
The Risks of Injecting Benzodiazepines
Injecting benzodiazepines drastically increases the risk of overdose and death. It also carries serious health hazards, including infections at the injection site, damage to blood vessels and internal organs, and long-term harm to the heart. In addition, unsafe injection practices raise the risk of contracting life-threatening illnesses such as Hepatitis C and HIV.
If you’re concerned about benzodiazepine misuse, common warning signs may include:
- Physical weakness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Lack of motor skills
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor decision-making ability
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Doctor shopping
- Mood changes
Help with Benzodiazepine Addiction
Injecting benzodiazepines is never safe. Whether the drug is diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or clonazepam (Klonopin), using them intravenously or through unsafe methods like snorting Klonopin or injecting Klonopin drastically increases the risks of respiratory depression, infection, and fatal overdose. This form of injecting drug use bypasses the body’s natural defenses, overwhelming the central nervous system and raising the likelihood of permanent damage or death.
Benzodiazepine misuse is often tied to broader patterns of drug use and substance use, especially when combined with other depressants such as opioids. People who develop dependence may need structured detoxification under the care of a medical clinician, since withdrawal can be severe and even life-threatening.
Fortunately, safe and effective treatment options are available. Many begin with medically supervised inpatient detox, followed by outpatient therapy, counseling, and long-term relapse prevention programs. At Garden State, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment designed to address not only benzo misuse but also related mental health and substance use challenges.
If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine misuse — whether from Klonopin abuse, injecting, or other unsafe methods — professional support is the safest path forward. Recovery is possible, and help is available today.
FAQ
Can You Inject Benzodiazepines?
Written by: The Garden State Treatment Center Editorial Team
Published on: March 30, 2020
Updated on: September 18, 2025
