Treatment For Benzodiazepine Addiction On The Rise

People seeking treatment for addiction to benzodiazepine is skyrocketing, nearly tripling over ten years in the United States.

Benzodiazepines, better known by such brand names as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, Ativan and Librium, are used to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizure disorders.

According to a new study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 1998 just 1.3% of overall addiction admissions were for benzodiazepine. In 2008 that number jumped to 3.2%.

Of the patients who abused benzodiazepines, 95% also abused other substances.

“The misuse of benzodiazepines along with other prescription drugs is fueling the rise of treatment admissions,” SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said.

She added, “Prescription drug misuse is dangerous and can even be deadly. Everyone has a role to play in helping to prevent prescription drug misuse. Simple steps such as locking up medications and proper disposal of unused medications are easy ways people can contribute to reducing the problem.”