Benzodiazepine addiction may also be referred to as sedative addiction, prescription drug addiction or downer addiction. An addiction to 'benzos' may begin with a prescription from a doctor for insomnia or anxiety. Studies indicate that addiction develops in some but not all who are taking 'benzos' for several months.

Benzodiazepine addiction can be a serious medical condition sometimes associated with life threatening seizures, memory difficulties, balance problems and falls. 

Treatment of benzodiazepine addiction may start initially with detoxification. Detox from high doses of Lexotan (bromazepam), Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (temazepam) can be a lengthy procedure, often best commenced in the inpatient setting. Detox essentially involves calculating the correct dose a patient should be prescribed to prevent any dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Then, the dose of the drug is slowly reduced, the time involved usually dependent on the severity of addiction.

Rehab normally involves use of cognitive behavioural therapy, identifying negative automatic thoughts perpetuating the addictive behaviour. Rehab treatment for benodiazepine addiction should also ideally include motivational enhancement therapy and group therapy utilising 12 step teachings.