[Abuse of benzodiazepines and similar substances].

Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like substances belong to the drugs prescribed and consumed most frequently. While acute toxicity is low in comparison to other hypnotics, physical and psychological dependence can develop during continuous ingestion of these drugs over months. Withdrawal symptoms can therefore develop, if the ingestion of these drugs is stopped abruptly. If a withdrawal of benzodiazepines is considered, this should be discussed in detail with the patient and be performed gradually over months. Faster withdrawals or withdrawal in polytoxicomanic patients should be performed in a specialized unit. After a successful withdrawal, patients should have psychological support in order to prevent relapses.