• Chemical names include: diazepam, flunitrazepam, nitrazepam, temazepam (mazzies) – they are all known as benzodiazepines.

• Trade names include: Valium, Ativan, Mogadon (moggies), and Rohypnol.

• Sometimes tranquillisers are called downers.

• They are available as tablets, capsules, injections or suppositories.

• Tranquillisers are prescribed by GPs as short-term treatment for anxiety, depression and sleep problems.

• Benzodiazepines are the most community prescribed minor tranquillisers.

• Tranquillisers are misused by some people to counter the effects of stimulant drugs, or taken in combination with alcohol or heroin.