Benzodiazepine abuse develops from the long term use and misuse of the benzodiazepines. The addiction may involve psychological as well as physical dependence. This is characterized by the experience of withdrawal syndromes when there is decrease in the plasma levels of the benzodiazepines because of abrupt withdrawal or reduction of the dosages.
The physical dependence to benzodiazepines occurs when the person that is using or abusing the drugs becomes tolerant. Tolerance refers to the condition in which the body becomes used to the effects of the drug. The patient will thus be forced to take unusual high dosages of the drug in order to feel any effect.
