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. 2016 May 6;6(3):120-126.
doi: 10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120. eCollection 2016 Jun.

Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review

Allison Schmitz  1
Affiliations

Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review

Allison Schmitz. Ment Health Clin. .

Abstract

Benzodiazepine (BZD) abuse has reached epidemic levels and results in poor outcomes, particularly when combined with concomitant central nervous system depressants. BZDs are abused most commonly in combination with opioids and alcohol. Emergency department visits and related deaths have soared in recent years. In the absence of other medications or illicit substances, BZDs are rarely the sole cause of death. Prescription drug abuse has received more attention in recent years, yet much remains unknown about BZD abuse. BZDs have low abuse potential in most of the general population. A subset is at elevated risk of abuse, especially those with a history of a substance use disorder. Education, prevention, and identification are vital in reducing BZD abuse.

Keywords: abuse; benzodiazepines; dependence; misuse; overdose; polysubstance abuse.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Fargo Veterans Affairs Health Care System. The contents do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the US government.

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