NCJ Number
128605
Date Published
1990
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Twenty five years after the introduction of the first benzodiapines (BZs) as anxiolytics in the treatment of anxiety disorders, the addiction potential of this class of drugs has finally been recognized.
Abstract
This potential is analyzed in terms of physical dependence, psychological dependence, and deleterious consequences or socially detrimental effects. Physical dependence, which can occur outside of or within the therapeutic context, is assessed through substitution tests, spontaneous withdrawal symptoms, and signs of precipitated withdrawal. The comparative physical dependence potential of BZs and non-BZ anxiolytics is discussed. Self-administration experiments on humans and animals have studied the psychological dependence potential outside and within the therapeutic context. Compared to their predecessor barbiturates, BZs have a far lower potential for psychological dependence and deleterious effects. 1 table and 30 references