In recent years, patients, lay publications, and consumer groups have expressed concern about whether benzodiazepines are overprescribed. Psychiatrists have raised questions about the potential for these medicationsÂespecially some of the newer, high-potency, short half-life compoundsÂto produce serious side effects as well as to induce drug dependence. Benzodiazepine Dependence, Toxicity, and Abuse provides clinicians with a review of the available information on the potential hazards of benzodiazepine treatment and offers suggestions for the rational prescription of these medications.