Etizolam, the most popular designer benzodiazepine(DBDZ) on social media, continues to rise in popularity due to its undetectability and easy accessibility. Discover the dark side of the “legal high” epidemic: from prolonged seizures to withdrawal lasting months.
From Medical Use to Dangerous Social Media Epidemic
First developed and introduced in Japan during the 1980s, Etizolam gained approval for medical use in Japan, India, Italy, and several other countries. Despite its acceptance elsewhere, it has not been approved for use in the United States due to associated risks. Nevertheless, Etizolam has surged in popularity as a “designer benzodiazepine (DBDZ)” or “legal high,” exploiting regulatory loopholes and often avoiding detection in drug tests.
People are drawn to Etizolam for its powerful anti-anxiety effects, as well as its ability to induce euphoria and sedation for recreational use. Many also turn to Etizolam as a self-medication for their anxiety symptoms.
However, this false sense of relief comes at a steep price – Etizolam is significantly more potent than Valium, with a potency six to ten times greater. The real danger lies in how quickly dependence can develop. Regular use of Etizolam can lead to physical and psychological addiction in as little as one to two weeks.
Etizolam is known by various names such as Tizzies, Etilaam, Etizest, Depas, Etizola, Sedekopan, and Pasaden.
Increasing Trends in Misuse and Addiction
The market for designer benzodiazepines(DBZDs) like Etizolam is rapidly expanding, fueled by discussions on social media platforms such as X and Reddit.
According to National Institutes of Health research, ‘Etizolam has been a major topic of discussion, accounting for 59% of all posts related to designer benzodiazepine (DBDZ) across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit from 2016 to 2023.
Despite the introduction of new variants, Etizolam remains highly popular and is frequently discussed in terms of its effects and emerging trends in combination drug use.
This ongoing conversation is boosting demand for Etizolam, even though it’s a powerful drug with significant risks, including potentially life-threatening effects.
Pro-drug communities on social media are increasingly promoting positive discussions about the use and misuse of DBZDs, which is driving up the demand for Etizolam. This trend is concerning as it facilitates easier access and greater acceptance of these potent substances without sufficient control or understanding of their risks.
Data from the National Poison Data System revealed that between January 2014 and December 2017, the most common exposures were to etizolam among designer benzodiazepines, with a significant 330% increase in cases each year.
Consumption Forms of Etizolam: From Powder to Blotter
Etizolam is available in various forms, including powder, tablets, and even blotter paper, making it easily adaptable for different consumption methods.
Etizolam Powder
In its powdered form, etizolam can be dissolved and mixed into concoctions like the notorious “Dirty Sprite” – a dangerous cocktail often made from soft drinks, prescription painkillers, and candy, which is particularly popular among teenagers.
Etizolam Tablet
The tablets, commonly referred to as “street valium,” “blues,” “vallies,” “benzos,” or “scoobies,” come in different colors and textures, typically found in white or blue with either a fuzzy or smooth finish.
Etizolam’s Undetectability Fueling Its Popularity
Etizolam use spans a broad range of populations, including youths, young adults, and older adults. One concerning trend is the purchasing of etizolam via the internet and so-called “head shops,” where it is often promoted as a “research chemical”.
Drug users are drawn to etizolam and other “research chemicals” because they do not show up on standard drug tests, leading to fears that etizolam could become the next date rape drug, especially with its growing presence on college campuses.
Highly Addictive and Dangerous
Etizolam, also known as Tizzies, can have severe consequences including; diminished inhibitions and false perceptions of sobriety which may result in risky behaviors and compulsive re-dosing. Additionally, it can lead to addiction and a severe resurgence of initial symptoms following abrupt withdrawal.
As highlighted in a report by CBS News, one individual experienced severe, prolonged seizures lasting nearly 10 minutes due to Etizolam use.In the report, his mother mentioned that he had ordered 10 boxes of Etizolam.
Etizolam Disguised as Xanax: The Dangers of Counterfeit Alprazolam
Xanax and Diazepam, two commonly prescribed medications, are frequently sold on social media platforms.
Individuals looking for Xanax without a prescription often end up buying counterfeit versions online that are, in reality, etizolam—a potent and banned substance.
Laboratory tests on these pills typically reveal that they have been re-pressed, stamped, and dyed to look like legitimate medications but are significantly stronger than Valium and were previously marketed as a “legal high.”
While etizolam is used medically to treat anxiety, much like Xanax, it carries severe risks including addiction and potentially fatal outcomes when mixed with substances like alcohol.
The JAMA Internal Medicine article reports that between October 15 and December 31, 2015, the California Poison Control System identified 8 patients who experienced adverse effects from ingesting counterfeit alprazolam tablets that contained etizolam instead of alprazolam.
From Legal High to Controlled Substance: The Shift in Etizolam’s Status
A “Legal High” refers to substances that replicate the effects of illegal drugs but aren’t classified as controlled substances. Etizolam fits into this category as a designer benzodiazepine among novel psychoactive substances that remain unregulated by drug enforcement agencies. These substances, including etizolam, are designed to mimic traditional benzodiazepines but escape strict legal controls. This loophole has driven the sales and popularity of etizolam, facilitating its use as a legal high, despite its associated risks.
However, this status has shifted.
On July 26, 2023, the DEA temporarily placed five synthetic benzodiazepines, including etizolam, under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), highlighting a significant move towards tighter control and oversight of these potent substances.
How Much Etizolam is Too Much?
Numerous cases have surfaced involving coma, seizures, blackouts, and memory loss due to excessive Etizolam consumption. Given its non-medical status, individuals procure the drug online and self-administer based on social media guidance, often leading to hospitalization and overdose.
“One sniff and I blacked out instantly,” said the individual, whose memory of the next few days remains blurry. “He awoke 24 hours later in an aggravated state,” according to the CBC News report.”
The VICE article recounts a harrowing experience, stating: “My partner had run downstairs scared to death, because I was convulsing violently and sweating profusely in my ‘sleep’. On my bedside table was a bag of red pills, each containing 2mg of etizolam – an extremely potent sedative available legally at the time as a ‘research chemical’. As soon as they mention ‘those red pills’ the fragments of the night return to me. So too does the creeping blackout dread.”
Etizolam Overdose and Symptoms
An etizolam overdose can occur when someone consumes too much of this illegal benzodiazepine, either intentionally or accidentally. As we know fake Xanax tablets sold only can be etizalom which is 10 times stronger than Xanax, particularly in combination with other depressants like opioids or alcohol, which can amplify its effects and further increase the likelihood of an overdose.
As reported on Science Direct, Etizolam has been a significant factor in drug-related fatalities. In 2021, for example, 58% of drug-related deaths.
The symptoms of an etizolam overdose can include:
- Extreme drowsiness and sedation
- Confusion and disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Shallow or labored breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish skin, lips, and nails)
- Coma or unresponsiveness
If you suspect someone is experiencing an etizolam overdose, it’s crucial to act quickly and follow these steps to help ensure their safety:
Call Emergency Services Immediately: Always call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. An Etizolam overdose is a medical emergency that requires prompt professional intervention.
Provide Clear Information: When emergency services arrive, provide them with as much information as possible, including any known drug consumption, the amount taken, and the time of ingestion.
Do Not Leave the Person Alone: Stay with the person until help arrives. Monitor their breathing and responsiveness. If they are unconscious, try to keep them on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking.
Administer CPR if Necessary: If the person stops breathing or if you cannot detect a heartbeat, and you are trained in CPR, begin administering it immediately and continue until medical help takes over.
Avoid Inducing Vomiting: Do not try to induce vomiting because it could lead to further harm, especially if the person’s gag reflex is impaired due to sedation.
Follow Up: After the immediate crisis is handled, consider following up with addiction treatment resources. Overdose can be a powerful signal that someone needs help with substance use disorder.
The Risks of Combining Etizolam and Opioids
The concurrent use of benzodiazepines such as Etizolam with opioids has been linked to an increase in overdose fatalities. ,
As of March 2023, 9% of blood samples from suspected opioid overdoses also had benzodiazepines. Etizolam was found in 22% of these cases.
Etizolam Withdrawal Can Take Months
Etizolam withdrawal can be an extremely challenging and dangerous process that can last for months. Users have reported that the drug is highly addictive, and the withdrawal symptoms are among the worst they have ever experienced.
The dangers of etizolam withdrawal cannot be overstated. Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to life-threatening complications, including seizures and coma.
One Reddit user shared, ‘Dependency occurred within a couple of weeks with me and the withdrawals are the worst thing I’ve ever put myself through. I’ve tried tapering (on 3rd attempt now to kick them) but I have to dose daily or I get tingling/cold limbs and tremors that will bring thoughts in your head that maybe you don’t want this and looking for an escape”
Quitting Etizolam abruptly, also known as “cold turkey,” can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including suicidal ideation. It is recommended to taper off etizolam gradually under the guidance of healthcare professionals to minimize discomfort and ensure a safer withdrawal process.
Why Medical Detox is Vital for Etizolam Withdrawal
The importance of medical detox for Etizolam withdrawal lies in its critical role in managing risks such as severe seizures and suicidal ideation. It is vital to undergo this process in a supportive environment where:
- Healthcare professionals can monitor and promptly address severe withdrawal symptoms or medical emergencies.
- Immediate assistance is available for intense symptoms like seizures or suicidal ideation.
- Psychological support is provided for anxiety, depression, and other emotional effects of withdrawal.
- The structured and supportive setting of a detox facility reduces the risk of relapse.
- Comprehensive services including counseling, therapy, and aftercare planning cater to both physical and emotional recovery needs.
Opting for a medically supervised detox significantly enhances safety and increases the chances of successfully overcoming Etizolam dependency.
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