Also, they are passed on through breast milk and should be used with caution, if at all, while nursing. However, no one should stop taking the medication without consulting their physician first. Benzodiazepines are included in both categories. This trend corresponds with other sources, including nationwide surveys. However, rates of use between 1989 and 1994 do not vary significantly.
Women are more likely than men to take sleeping pills, and their use increases with age.
These figures are less than half of those reported in 1987. Certain segments of society may use benzodiazepines more frequently than others. For example, a 1990 ARF study found that many abused women report taking medications such as benzodiazepines to calm them or help them sleep. Individuals with alcohol, opioid or polydrug dependence may be at higher risk than others for benzodiazepine abuse and dependence. Staff at alcohol treatment and methadone maintenance programs report that some of their clients abuse or are dependent on benzodiazepines.