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Benzodiazepines & Anxiety Medications 101

What you need to know:

Benzodiazepines are primarily used for treating anxiety or mood disorders and are prescribed by a doctor. Some of the most common benzodiazepines are Xanax, Serax, Ativan and Klonopin. The risks include a physical dependence, which is why doctors typically have people taper off from them rather than stop them completely.

What are the risks?

If benzodiazepines are not used as prescribed, they can have dangerous side effects. It is not safe to drive a car or any other machinery while on benzodiazepines. These medications have also been found to be used in combination with opioids, alcohol, and other drugs, which increases the risk for an overdose.

 

Know the data:

NATICK HIGH SCHOOL DATA:

No data available currently for benzodiazepine misuse.

MASSACHUSETTS DATA:

No data available currently for benzodiazepine misuse.

NATIONAL DATA:

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.0% of people over the age of 12 reported misuse of a benzodiazepine.

(source: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017.pdf ).

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