bentso

Bentso is a Finnish slang term for benzodiazepines, a class of psychoactive medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. The word is widely used within Finland’s substance-using communities and youth culture. Bentso can refer to legitimate prescription pills used as directed, as well as diverted or counterfeit tablets obtained outside medical supervision.

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, producing calming, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle-relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects. Commonly encountered examples include diazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, temazepam, and oxazepam. While effective for many patients, these drugs carry a risk of tolerance and dependence with regular use. Withdrawal can be challenging and may include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, tremors, sweating, and, in severe cases, seizures. The danger of overdose increases when benzos are taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Legal and social context in Finland treats benzodiazepines as prescription-only medications; possession without a valid prescription is illegal, and distribution or sale can incur criminal penalties. The term bentso in everyday use is often associated with non-medical use and informal markets, where pills may be counterfeit or of unknown strength, posing additional health risks.

Harm reduction and treatment efforts emphasize seeking medical advice for use, limiting dosage and duration, avoiding mixing with alcohol, not sharing medications, and securing prescriptions. Help is available through healthcare providers, addiction services, and crisis or poison information lines for those affected.