Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most prescribed and consumed medication groups in the world. Although BZDs are used in the treatment of several psychiatric and nonpsychiatric disorders and are generally safe and well-tolerated, the potential for misuse and abuse is considerable. Although the adverse effects, except for drowsiness, are usually minor compared to those of other psychiatric and nonpsychiatric drugs, there is concern over the risk of dependence associated with chronic use for both medical and nonmedical purposes. Epidemiological studies in Brazil indicated that, at least in some areas (particularly those with relatively higher standards of living), there was a higher prevalence of BZD use than would be expected from the international literature; however, simple documentation of this fact was not sufficient to guide health care policies, since increased BZD use might be due both to overprescription by physicians and/or to over-the-counter acquisition of unprescribed drugs. Relevant studies suggested that stricter laws on the prescription of BZDs were probably not required; ensuring that the current legislation is correctly applied is probably the best way to control over-the-counter acquisition. The most important effort should be to ensure that physicians are aware of the benefits and risks of BZD use. The high rates of BZD prescription, the inadequate duration of use, and the lack of information on the possibility of dependence indicate that physician awareness is a significant problem. 38 references