[Drug dependence on benzodiazepines and antidepressants]

Since years, the concepts of drug abuse and drug dependence changed, due to new knowledge coming from the neurosciences. Specifically, the role of a brain structure called "reward circuit" was emphasized. Therefore, the diagnosis criteria for abuse and dependence on drugs are presently defined mostly from a behavioral point of view: both in animal models and in clinical situations, it was stressed the importance of drug-seeking behavior and of the loss of control of the consumption. The occurrence of a pharmacological dependence is in fact of concern for only some of addictive drugs. According to these new criteria, dependence on benzodiazepines or antidepressants is certainly not frequent, even if withdrawal manifestations can occur after a long-term exposition. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind the risk for non-medical use of benzodiazepines in persons with illicit drug use.