Addiction to benzodiazepines.
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.
Salzman
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Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA., USA.
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D006801:Humans; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines