BENZODIAZEPINES: CHRONIC USE AND DEPENDENCE

Abstract

Chronic use of benzodiazepines is a growing public health concern due to its potential consequences. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of this prolonged use, with an emphasis on the development of dependence and its implications for long-term health. A narrative review of the literature was carried out, using the SciELO and LILACS databases, with the selection of articles published between 2021 and 2024. The inclusion criteria included studies that discussed the chronic use of benzodiazepines and its relationship with other substance use disorders, while the exclusion criteria eliminated publications without empirical data or focused on specific samples. After interpreting the results, it was concluded that chronic use of benzodiazepines is strongly associated with the development of dependence and serious long-term health implications, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate management and intervention strategies to prevent and treat these problems.