It all depends on what you consider the definition of being "high" is.
This sums it up perfectly.
The "high" that everybody applies to ANY psychoactive drug, is usually a "high" in name only. I've tried very, very few pharmaceuticals that actually produced what I would call a "high".
I'd say out of at least 20+ pharmaceuticals (all narcotics, legally speaking BTW) I've tried which people often rate highly, I almost always (9 times/10) find these so called "high"s QUITE underwhelming.
Benodiazepines (valium, Xanax, Temazepam((best IME)) are certainly quite potent psychoactive drugs. That said, just because something is a "potent psychoactive drug" doesn't necessarily mean it's worth taking, ESPECIALLY if your intended objective is to in fact get "high".
Benzos are downers, IMO they go well in certain combinations (amphetamines, marijuana, certain psychedelics etc...), but by themselves....I'd honestly rather have a shot & a joint.
They do have medical uses, and they are often exemplary at treating the symptoms which they're intended to. When I kick other drugs, I LOVE to have some Temazepam on hand. (Temezepam is pretty much the most ACTIVE, best metabolite of Valium).
Works great...but when i'm on my other drugs, I don't want nor need downers.