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Review
. 1998 Winter;69(4):251-61.
doi: 10.1023/a:1022125929946.

Addiction to benzodiazepines

C Salzman  1
Affiliations
Review

Addiction to benzodiazepines

C Salzman. Psychiatr Q. 1998 Winter.

Abstract

Benzodiazepines are sedative hypnotic medications that can induce a state of dependence. Dependence however is not the same as addiction. The development of dependence is a predictable phenomenon, influenced by dose, duration of treatment, and a number of other factors including individual characteristics of the benzodiazepine user. It is unclear whether there are meaningful differences among benzodiazepines in producing a state of dependence. Benzodiazepine dependence is also characterized by a predictable discontinuation syndrome. Benzodiazepines are rarely abused by non-substance abusers. The regulation of benzodiazepines although the legitimate therapeutic use has been significantly reduced.

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