Benzodiazepine use declines across the US, led by reductions in older adults

Medical Xpress

February 25, 2026

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The use of benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health conditions, has declined among U.S. adults between 2018 and 2022, with the largest drop observed in individuals aged 56 and older, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. The findings, published in *The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*, reveal that while benzodiazepine treatment rates have decreased overall, there is still significant co-prescribing with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as opioids, particularly among adults in poor health or experiencing serious psychological distress. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 U.S. adults and found that benzodiazepine use dropped by nearly 14% during the five-year period. The steepest decline was seen in older adults, a group often more vulnerable to side effects like cognitive impairment and falls due to these medications. This reduction may reflect growing awareness of the risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use, including dependence and misuse, as well as efforts to reduce overprescribing. However, the study also highlighted concerning trends in co-prescribing. Benzodiazepines are frequently combined with other CNS depressants, such as opioids or alcohol, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and accidental death. Adults in poor health or experiencing severe psychological distress were more likely to receive these combinations, underscoring the need for safer prescribing practices, especially among vulnerable populations. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring benzodiazepine use, particularly in older adults, and reducing reliance on multiple CNS depressants. As public health officials continue to address the opioid crisis and mental health challenges, this study emphasizes the need for more cautious prescribing and better strategies to manage anxiety and other conditions without excessive reliance on these medications. For readers interested in health, understanding the decline in benzodiazepine use and

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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/25/2026