Different forms are available under a wide range of trade names, including Valium, Ativan, Dalmane and Serax.
Benzodiazepines are the most widely prescribed psychoactive drugs in the world.
Recent statistics indicate that one in 10 Canadians report using a benzodiazepine at least once a year, and continue using them for at least a year. Women and elderly patients are the principal users. This may stem from the fact that women are generally more willing than men to seek help for psychological problems. And elderly patients commonly suffer from conditions, such as insomnia and depression, which benzodiazepines may be used to treat. David Marsh , clinical director of Addiction Medicine at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, says users can experience physical withdrawal symptoms after using benzodiazepines for as little as two weeks.