Depressant Trends In 2000

Depressant trends continue to increase in the Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG) cities, specifically the following drugs: 

Clonazepam (Klonopin or Rivotril) and alprazolam (Xanax).  Various combinations have been reported in Boston, where diverted prescription drug seizures have increased sharply after a recent rash of pharmacy break-ins. Those two depressants have replaced flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) among adolescents in Miami; similarly, in parts of Texas, clonazepam continues to replace flunitrazepam, especially in combination with alcohol, specifically beer.

Flunitrazepam continues to be a problem among treatment admissions in Texas, particularly among young Hispanic males along the Mexican border, and it has been involved in numerous poison control calls. It also remains available in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and New Orleans. Recent deaths in Seattle have involved concomitant injection of heroin and a depressant, typically diazepam.

Information released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse

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