Information compiled from the North Western Regional Drug Misuse Database showed that approximately 16 percent of 4,213 drug users reported to the database during 1988 and 1989 were using benzodiazepines, a much lower figure than that found in previous studies. A high rate of benzodiazepine use was observed among those whose main drug was either methadone or other opiates such as dihydrocodeine, dextromoramide, or buprenorphine. This contrasted with much lower benzodiazepine use rates among users whose main drug was heroin, amphetamines, or cocaine. Benzodiazepines were prescribed more often in the case of prescribed opiate users than in the case of nonprescribed opiate users. Principles to facilitate the management of benzodiazepine use by illicit drug users are outlined that focus on inpatient detoxification and long-term followup and management. 11 references and 4 tables