Lader M
Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, U.K.
J Subst Abuse Treat. 1991;8(1-2):53-9. doi: 10.1016/0740-5472(91)90027-8.
The benzodiazepines were developed in the 1950s, some introduced in the 1960s, and many more since then. Pharmacologically, they are sedative/hypnotics akin to alcohol, chloral, the barbiturates, and meprobamate. All have been widely used both within and outside the licit medical context. Usage of benzodiazepines increased dramatically during the 1960s and early 1970s; tranquilizer but not hypnotic usage has since declined. Both abuse and misuse were documented early, but the incidence was deemed low in view of the widespread prescription. Normal-dose physical dependence was first suspected in the early 1970s but it was not until the early 1980s that scientific evidence was adduced to establish its reality and frequency. Further studies have revealed the complex nature of the withdrawal syndrome. A reaction has set in against these drugs, with attempts to limit them to short-term use.
苯二氮䓬类药物于20世纪50年代研发出来，一些在60年代上市，此后又有更多品种问世。从药理学角度来看，它们是类似于酒精、水合氯醛、巴比妥类药物及甲丙氨酯的镇静/催眠药。所有这些药物在合法医疗背景内外都得到了广泛应用。20世纪60年代和70年代初，苯二氮䓬类药物的使用量急剧增加；从那以后，其作为镇静剂而非催眠药的使用量有所下降。苯二氮䓬类药物的滥用和误用情况很早就有记录，但鉴于其广泛的处方量，当时认为发生率较低。20世纪70年代初首次怀疑存在常规剂量的身体依赖性，但直到80年代初才提出科学证据来证实其存在及频率。进一步的研究揭示了戒断综合征的复杂性。人们对这些药物产生了抵制反应，试图将其限制在短期使用。
