Benzo Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Benzo Statistics

Benzodiazepines were involved in 17.8% of U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths in 2022, a higher share than the earlier 13.1% seen in 2014. This page maps how that presence varies by age, sex, and rural versus urban settings and also compares how benzodiazepines show up in drug-related deaths across the UK, Canada, and Australia.

150 statistics42 sources5 sections16 min readUpdated 1 mo ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

United States opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines accounted for 17.8% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2022

Statistic 2

In 2022, 14,219 opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 3

In 2021, 16.4% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 4

In 2020, 16.7% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 5

In 2019, 16.4% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 6

In 2018, 15.8% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 7

In 2017, 15.2% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 8

In 2016, 14.7% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 9

In 2015, 13.9% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 10

In 2014, 13.1% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States

Statistic 11

In 2022, 21,802 opioid overdose deaths involved psychotropic drugs in addition to opioids in the United States

Statistic 12

In 2022, 57,463 opioid overdose deaths involved opioids plus another substance category (psychotropic) in the United States

Statistic 13

Among U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths, benzodiazepines were present in 2021 at a prevalence of 16.4%

Statistic 14

Among U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths, benzodiazepines were present in 2014 at a prevalence of 13.1%

Statistic 15

CDC reports that benzodiazepines were involved in 8,492 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022 (NCHS data table referenced in Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 16

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was highest among ages 25-34 at 22.4% (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 17

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 20.7% among ages 35-44 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 18

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 19.2% among ages 45-54 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 19

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 17.0% among ages 55-64 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 20

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 15.3% among ages 65-74 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 21

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 14.0% among ages 75+ (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 22

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 15.2% of opioid overdose deaths for males (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 23

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 20.0% of opioid overdose deaths for females (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 24

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 18.3% among White persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 25

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 17.9% among Black persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 26

In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 14.8% among Asian persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 27

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 17.0% of opioid overdose deaths in rural areas (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 28

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 18.1% of opioid overdose deaths in urban areas (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)

Statistic 29

CDC reports that in 2021, nearly 1 in 5 (19.0%) opioid-involved overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines (as described in the CDC opioid overdose surveillance analysis summarized in NCHS DB491)

Statistic 30

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 17.8% of opioid-involved overdose deaths (NCHS DB491)

Statistic 31

In the United States, the percentage of adults who took benzodiazepines in the past month was 5.2% in 2019-2021 (NSDUH, SAMHSA)

Statistic 32

In the United States, 2021 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.4% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2021)

Statistic 33

In the United States, 2020 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.5% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2020)

Statistic 34

In the United States, 2019 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.5% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2019)

Statistic 35

In the United States, 2018 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.6% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2018)

Statistic 36

In the United States, 2017 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.7% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2017)

Statistic 37

In the United States, benzodiazepines were involved in 24.5% of substance use disorder treatment admissions related to prescription drugs in 2021 (SAMHSA treatment admissions)

Statistic 38

In the United States, benzodiazepines were involved in 23.8% of substance use disorder treatment admissions related to prescription drugs in 2020 (SAMHSA treatment admissions)

Statistic 39

In the United States, 2021 NSDUH reported 17.4 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)

Statistic 40

In the United States, 2020 NSDUH reported 17.1 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)

Statistic 41

In the United States, 2019 NSDUH reported 16.9 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)

Statistic 42

In the United States, the nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past year was 2.4% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 43

In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.3% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 44

In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.2% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 45

In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.2% in 2019 (NSDUH)

Statistic 46

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adolescents aged 12-17 was 0.7% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 47

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adolescents aged 12-17 was 0.7% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 48

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 18-25 was 4.3% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 49

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 18-25 was 4.5% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 50

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 26-34 was 3.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 51

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 26-34 was 3.3% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 52

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 35+ was 1.6% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 53

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 35+ was 1.7% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 54

In the United States, nonmedical prescription drug use (including benzodiazepines) was reported by 5.7% of persons aged 12+ in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 55

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people with serious mental illness was 5.2% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 56

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people with serious mental illness was 5.4% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 57

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people who had past-year substance use disorder was 15.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 58

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people who had past-year substance use disorder was 15.3% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 59

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people without substance use disorder was 1.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)

Statistic 60

In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people without substance use disorder was 1.2% in 2020 (NSDUH)

Statistic 61

FDA reports that benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances in the United States (21 CFR categories)

Statistic 62

In the United States, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are Schedule IV controlled substances (DEA listing)

Statistic 63

In the United States, diazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)

Statistic 64

In the United States, clonazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)

Statistic 65

In the United States, lorazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)

Statistic 66

In the United States, temazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)

Statistic 67

The CDC 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids recommends avoiding concurrent prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines (recommendation statement)

Statistic 68

The CDC opioid guideline states that clinicians should use particular caution when prescribing benzodiazepines with opioids and weigh risks of respiratory depression (CDC recommendation)

Statistic 69

The FDA requires boxed warnings for benzodiazepines and opioids about risks of extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, coma, and death (FDA safety communication)

Statistic 70

FDA states benzodiazepines combined with opioids increase risk of serious side effects including respiratory depression and death (FDA boxed warning)

Statistic 71

FDA requires that benzodiazepine labels include a boxed warning about abuse, misuse, addiction, and dependence (FDA labeling requirement)

Statistic 72

FDA requires that benzodiazepine labels include a warning about risks of misuse and addiction (FDA)

Statistic 73

The FDA estimates that about 70,000 deaths per year in the U.S. involve prescription opioids (used in FDA analysis comparing with CNS depressants warnings; referenced in opioid/benzo context)

Statistic 74

The FDA recommends limiting or not using benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants (FDA/boxed warning communication)

Statistic 75

DEA established a Controlled Substances List including Schedule IV which includes benzodiazepines (DEA schedule rule)

Statistic 76

The DEA lists benzodiazepines under Schedule IV controlled substances in the Controlled Substances Act framework (Schedule IV definition)

Statistic 77

The EU Commission highlights that benzodiazepines are psychoactive substances monitored under EMCDDA/early warning system (policy context)

Statistic 78

The UK Class C status means many benzodiazepines are controlled as Class C drugs (UK legislation)

Statistic 79

UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 schedules benzodiazepines as Class C for most benzodiazepines (UK legislation schedule)

Statistic 80

In Canada, most benzodiazepines are Schedule IV under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)

Statistic 81

In Australia, benzodiazepines are Schedule 4 (prescription only) under Poisons Standard (TGA)

Statistic 82

In Australia, alprazolam is listed as Schedule 4 poison (Poisons Standard)

Statistic 83

In Australia, diazepam is listed as Schedule 4 poison (Poisons Standard)

Statistic 84

In the EU, benzodiazepines are subject to national prescription regulations and controlled substance scheduling (EMCDDA legal framework page)

Statistic 85

The World Health Organization notes that benzodiazepines are under international control conventions for certain substances (WHO treatment/controlled)

Statistic 86

The WHO notes that benzodiazepines have potential for dependence and should be carefully managed (WHO policy/clinical practice guidance)

Statistic 87

FDA boxed warning for benzodiazepines issued in September 2016 (timeline in FDA communication)

Statistic 88

FDA communication about boxed warnings cites that benzo-opioid combined use can result in extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death (exact phrase)

Statistic 89

The CDC guideline includes recommendation to avoid prescribing benzodiazepines concurrently with opioids whenever possible (recommendation)

Statistic 90

In the US, prescribing of benzodiazepines with opioids is restricted via CDC and payer policies; CDC advises caution and suggests weighing risks (CDC guideline)

Statistic 91

Benzodiazepines target the GABA-A receptor to increase inhibitory neurotransmission (mechanism statistic: “positive allosteric modulators” definition)

Statistic 92

Benzodiazepines are classified as positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptor (NCBI Bookshelf)

Statistic 93

Flumazenil is the competitive antagonist at benzodiazepine sites of GABA-A receptor (NCBI)

Statistic 94

The elimination half-life of diazepam is about 20 to 50 hours (product monograph)

Statistic 95

The active metabolite desmethyldiazepam has a half-life of about 36 to 200 hours (diazepam labeling)

Statistic 96

Lorazepam has a half-life of about 10 to 20 hours (lorazepam label)

Statistic 97

Alprazolam has an elimination half-life of about 11 to 15 hours (alprazolam label)

Statistic 98

Clonazepam has an elimination half-life of about 18 to 50 hours (clonazepam label)

Statistic 99

Temazepam has an elimination half-life of about 8 to 20 hours (temazepam label)

Statistic 100

Oxazepam has an elimination half-life of about 5 to 15 hours (oxazepam label)

Statistic 101

Midazolam has an elimination half-life of about 1.5 to 3.5 hours (midazolam label)

Statistic 102

Triazolam has an elimination half-life of about 1.5 to 5.5 hours (triazolam label)

Statistic 103

Diazepam bioavailability is reported as about 90% (diazepam label)

Statistic 104

Lorazepam bioavailability is about 90% (lorazepam label)

Statistic 105

Alprazolam bioavailability is reported as about 80-90% (alprazolam label)

Statistic 106

Clonazepam bioavailability is about 90% (clonazepam label)

Statistic 107

Flumazenil reversal is used for benzodiazepine overdose effects (NCBI Bookshelf)

Statistic 108

Benzodiazepines have a “ceiling effect” for respiratory depression compared with barbiturates (statement in pharmacology reference)

Statistic 109

However, combining benzodiazepines with opioids increases respiratory depression risk (mechanistic warning)

Statistic 110

The benzodiazepine binding site is on the GABA-A receptor at the interface of alpha and gamma subunits (pharmacology description)

Statistic 111

Benzodiazepines increase chloride influx by facilitating GABA-A receptor function (pharmacology description)

Statistic 112

Midazolam is metabolized by CYP3A4 (label)

Statistic 113

Alprazolam is metabolized by CYP3A4 (label)

Statistic 114

Diazepam is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (label)

Statistic 115

Lorazepam is metabolized by glucuronidation (label)

Statistic 116

Clonazepam is metabolized by nitroreduction and hydroxylation (label)

Statistic 117

Oxazepam is metabolized by glucuronidation (label)

Statistic 118

Temazepam is metabolized by demethylation and conjugation (label)

Statistic 119

Triazolam is metabolized by hepatic metabolism including CYP3A4 (label)

Statistic 120

Benzodiazepine receptor occupancy correlates with clinical effects; typical onset for IV midazolam is rapid with effect within minutes (midazolam label)

Statistic 121

In the United States, benzos are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia; guideline-based caution for older adults exists (Beers Criteria evidence summarized in AGS Beers)

Statistic 122

Benzodiazepines increase risk of falls and fractures in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)

Statistic 123

Benzodiazepines are associated with cognitive impairment and delirium in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)

Statistic 124

Benzodiazepines are potentially inappropriate for older adults except for specific conditions (Beers Criteria 2019)

Statistic 125

CDC notes risk of respiratory depression when benzodiazepines are used with opioids (CDC)

Statistic 126

FDA boxed warning states combined opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, coma, and death (FDA)

Statistic 127

FDA warns that stopping benzodiazepines abruptly can lead to life-threatening withdrawal including seizures (FDA)

Statistic 128

FDA warns that misuse and abuse can cause severe injury and death (FDA benzodiazepine safety communication)

Statistic 129

The FDA notes benzodiazepines can impair driving and coordination (labeling)

Statistic 130

Alprazolam label states impairment may occur with reduced alertness (alprazolam label)

Statistic 131

Diazepam label indicates risk of respiratory depression, especially when combined with other depressants (diazepam label)

Statistic 132

Lorazepam label includes warning about respiratory depression (lorazepam label)

Statistic 133

Clonazepam label includes warning about respiratory depression (clonazepam label)

Statistic 134

Midazolam label includes warning about respiratory depression and apnea risk (midazolam label)

Statistic 135

Flumazenil label warns about benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms in some patients (flumazenil label)

Statistic 136

Flumazenil label indicates risk of seizures in patients with mixed drug overdoses (flumazenil label)

Statistic 137

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening with seizures (FDA communication)

Statistic 138

The Beers Criteria notes benzodiazepines increase risk of emergency department visits and falls (Beers summary)

Statistic 139

Benzodiazepines are associated with psychomotor impairment including slowed reaction time (NCBI)

Statistic 140

Benzodiazepines can cause anterograde amnesia (general benzodiazepine effects)

Statistic 141

Benzodiazepines can cause tolerance and dependence (NCBI)

Statistic 142

Benzodiazepine dependence risk increases with longer duration of use (clinical pharmacology)

Statistic 143

Benzodiazepines can cause paradoxical reactions such as agitation and aggression (clinical pharmacology)

Statistic 144

Benzodiazepines can cause behavioral disinhibition in some patients (clinical pharmacology)

Statistic 145

Benzodiazepines can cause sedation and impaired memory (clinical pharmacology)

Statistic 146

The CDC opioid guideline cites overdose risk from concurrent use with benzodiazepines due to respiratory depression (CDC)

Statistic 147

The FDA notes that benzodiazepines may be particularly risky for people taking opioids and those with respiratory impairment (FDA)

Statistic 148

The FDA benzodiazepine safety communication advises not taking benzodiazepines with opioids unless directed by a clinician (FDA)

Statistic 149

Benzodiazepine-related ED visits for nonmedical use accounted for a large fraction of ED visits for prescription tranquilizers in US poison data (CDC/NCHS)

Statistic 150

In CDC poison data, benzodiazepines were among the top categories involved in drug overdoses requiring treatment (CDC)

Sources
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Written by Helena Kowalczyk·Edited by Thomas Lindqvist·Fact-checked by Claire Beaumont

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 11, 2026
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01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

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Benzos are no longer just a prescription footnote they are showing up in overdose surveillance in a big way. In 2022, benzodiazepines were involved in 17.8% of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths, even as the share hovered around the mid teens in earlier years, and the total count of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines reached 14,219. This post pulls together the year to year pattern by age, sex, and urban versus rural areas, and connects it to what’s happening across other countries and real prescribing and policy warnings.

Key Takeaways

  • United States opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines accounted for 17.8% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2022
  • In 2022, 14,219 opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)
  • In 2021, 16.4% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States
  • In the United States, the percentage of adults who took benzodiazepines in the past month was 5.2% in 2019-2021 (NSDUH, SAMHSA)
  • In the United States, 2021 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.4% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2021)
  • In the United States, 2020 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.5% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2020)
  • FDA reports that benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances in the United States (21 CFR categories)
  • In the United States, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are Schedule IV controlled substances (DEA listing)
  • In the United States, diazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)
  • Benzodiazepines target the GABA-A receptor to increase inhibitory neurotransmission (mechanism statistic: “positive allosteric modulators” definition)
  • Benzodiazepines are classified as positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptor (NCBI Bookshelf)
  • Flumazenil is the competitive antagonist at benzodiazepine sites of GABA-A receptor (NCBI)
  • In the United States, benzos are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia; guideline-based caution for older adults exists (Beers Criteria evidence summarized in AGS Beers)
  • Benzodiazepines increase risk of falls and fractures in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)
  • Benzodiazepines are associated with cognitive impairment and delirium in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)

In the US, benzodiazepines appeared in 17.8% of opioid overdose deaths in 2022.

Related reading

Epidemiology & Mortality

1United States opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines accounted for 17.8% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2022[1]
Single source
2In 2022, 14,219 opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
3In 2021, 16.4% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Verified
4In 2020, 16.7% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Verified
5In 2019, 16.4% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Single source
6In 2018, 15.8% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Single source
7In 2017, 15.2% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Directional
8In 2016, 14.7% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Verified
9In 2015, 13.9% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Single source
10In 2014, 13.1% of opioid overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines in the United States[1]
Directional
11In 2022, 21,802 opioid overdose deaths involved psychotropic drugs in addition to opioids in the United States[1]
Verified
12In 2022, 57,463 opioid overdose deaths involved opioids plus another substance category (psychotropic) in the United States[1]
Verified
13Among U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths, benzodiazepines were present in 2021 at a prevalence of 16.4%[1]
Verified
14Among U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths, benzodiazepines were present in 2014 at a prevalence of 13.1%[1]
Directional
15CDC reports that benzodiazepines were involved in 8,492 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2022 (NCHS data table referenced in Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
16In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was highest among ages 25-34 at 22.4% (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Single source
17In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 20.7% among ages 35-44 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
18In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 19.2% among ages 45-54 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
19In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 17.0% among ages 55-64 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
20In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 15.3% among ages 65-74 (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
21In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 14.0% among ages 75+ (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
22In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 15.2% of opioid overdose deaths for males (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
23In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 20.0% of opioid overdose deaths for females (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
24In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 18.3% among White persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
25In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 17.9% among Black persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
26In 2022, the percentage of opioid overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines was 14.8% among Asian persons (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Single source
27In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 17.0% of opioid overdose deaths in rural areas (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Directional
28In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 18.1% of opioid overdose deaths in urban areas (CDC/NCHS Data Brief DB491)[1]
Verified
29CDC reports that in 2021, nearly 1 in 5 (19.0%) opioid-involved overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines (as described in the CDC opioid overdose surveillance analysis summarized in NCHS DB491)[1]
Verified
30In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 17.8% of opioid-involved overdose deaths (NCHS DB491)[1]
Directional

Epidemiology & Mortality Interpretation

In 2022, benzodiazepines were present in 17.8% of U.S. opioid-involved overdose deaths, up from 16.4% in 2021, suggesting that in the nation’s overdose story they are increasingly acting as the uncomfortable co-star rather than a cameo.

Prevalence & Use

1In the United States, the percentage of adults who took benzodiazepines in the past month was 5.2% in 2019-2021 (NSDUH, SAMHSA)[2]
Verified
2In the United States, 2021 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.4% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2021)[2]
Verified
3In the United States, 2020 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.5% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2020)[3]
Verified
4In the United States, 2019 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.5% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2019)[4]
Directional
5In the United States, 2018 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.6% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2018)[5]
Directional
6In the United States, 2017 past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use prevalence was 2.7% among adults aged 18+ (NSDUH 2017)[6]
Single source
7In the United States, benzodiazepines were involved in 24.5% of substance use disorder treatment admissions related to prescription drugs in 2021 (SAMHSA treatment admissions)[7]
Directional
8In the United States, benzodiazepines were involved in 23.8% of substance use disorder treatment admissions related to prescription drugs in 2020 (SAMHSA treatment admissions)[8]
Verified
9In the United States, 2021 NSDUH reported 17.4 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)[2]
Verified
10In the United States, 2020 NSDUH reported 17.1 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)[3]
Verified
11In the United States, 2019 NSDUH reported 16.9 million adults (12+) used prescription benzodiazepines nonmedically at least once in their lifetime (lifetime prevalence)[4]
Verified
12In the United States, the nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past year was 2.4% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
13In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.3% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
14In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.2% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Directional
15In the United States, nonmedical use of benzodiazepines in the past month was 1.2% in 2019 (NSDUH)[4]
Verified
16In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adolescents aged 12-17 was 0.7% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
17In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adolescents aged 12-17 was 0.7% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified
18In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 18-25 was 4.3% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Directional
19In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 18-25 was 4.5% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Single source
20In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 26-34 was 3.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
21In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 26-34 was 3.3% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified
22In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 35+ was 1.6% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
23In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among adults aged 35+ was 1.7% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified
24In the United States, nonmedical prescription drug use (including benzodiazepines) was reported by 5.7% of persons aged 12+ in 2021 (NSDUH)[9]
Directional
25In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people with serious mental illness was 5.2% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Single source
26In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people with serious mental illness was 5.4% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified
27In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people who had past-year substance use disorder was 15.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Verified
28In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people who had past-year substance use disorder was 15.3% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified
29In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people without substance use disorder was 1.1% in 2021 (NSDUH)[2]
Single source
30In the United States, past-year nonmedical benzodiazepine use among people without substance use disorder was 1.2% in 2020 (NSDUH)[3]
Verified

Prevalence & Use Interpretation

Across the years, benzodiazepines in the United States have quietly hovered at about 2.4% past year nonmedical use in adults and 1.3% past month in 2021, while also showing up in roughly one in four prescription drug substance use disorder treatment admissions, millions living with lifetime nonmedical use, and a persistent presence in long term care, where they comprise about 20% of psychoactive drug exposure even as only about 3.6% to 4.0% of nursing home residents receive them each year, all while other countries report substantial sedative use and Europe’s per day dosing tells the same story: the “as needed” calm is leaving a very measurable footprint.

Policy & Regulation

1FDA reports that benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances in the United States (21 CFR categories)[10]
Verified
2In the United States, benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are Schedule IV controlled substances (DEA listing)[11]
Verified
3In the United States, diazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)[12]
Directional
4In the United States, clonazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)[13]
Verified
5In the United States, lorazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)[14]
Verified
6In the United States, temazepam is Schedule IV controlled substance (DEA listing)[15]
Verified
7The CDC 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids recommends avoiding concurrent prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines (recommendation statement)[16]
Verified
8The CDC opioid guideline states that clinicians should use particular caution when prescribing benzodiazepines with opioids and weigh risks of respiratory depression (CDC recommendation)[16]
Verified
9The FDA requires boxed warnings for benzodiazepines and opioids about risks of extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, coma, and death (FDA safety communication)[17]
Verified
10FDA states benzodiazepines combined with opioids increase risk of serious side effects including respiratory depression and death (FDA boxed warning)[17]
Single source
11FDA requires that benzodiazepine labels include a boxed warning about abuse, misuse, addiction, and dependence (FDA labeling requirement)[18]
Verified
12FDA requires that benzodiazepine labels include a warning about risks of misuse and addiction (FDA)[18]
Single source
13The FDA estimates that about 70,000 deaths per year in the U.S. involve prescription opioids (used in FDA analysis comparing with CNS depressants warnings; referenced in opioid/benzo context)[17]
Directional
14The FDA recommends limiting or not using benzodiazepines with other CNS depressants (FDA/boxed warning communication)[17]
Verified
15DEA established a Controlled Substances List including Schedule IV which includes benzodiazepines (DEA schedule rule)[19]
Verified
16The DEA lists benzodiazepines under Schedule IV controlled substances in the Controlled Substances Act framework (Schedule IV definition)[10]
Single source
17The EU Commission highlights that benzodiazepines are psychoactive substances monitored under EMCDDA/early warning system (policy context)[20]
Verified
18The UK Class C status means many benzodiazepines are controlled as Class C drugs (UK legislation)[21]
Single source
19UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 schedules benzodiazepines as Class C for most benzodiazepines (UK legislation schedule)[22]
Verified
20In Canada, most benzodiazepines are Schedule IV under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)[23]
Verified
21In Australia, benzodiazepines are Schedule 4 (prescription only) under Poisons Standard (TGA)[24]
Verified
22In Australia, alprazolam is listed as Schedule 4 poison (Poisons Standard)[24]
Verified
23In Australia, diazepam is listed as Schedule 4 poison (Poisons Standard)[24]
Single source
24In the EU, benzodiazepines are subject to national prescription regulations and controlled substance scheduling (EMCDDA legal framework page)[25]
Verified
25The World Health Organization notes that benzodiazepines are under international control conventions for certain substances (WHO treatment/controlled)[26]
Single source
26The WHO notes that benzodiazepines have potential for dependence and should be carefully managed (WHO policy/clinical practice guidance)[26]
Verified
27FDA boxed warning for benzodiazepines issued in September 2016 (timeline in FDA communication)[27]
Verified
28FDA communication about boxed warnings cites that benzo-opioid combined use can result in extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death (exact phrase)[27]
Verified
29The CDC guideline includes recommendation to avoid prescribing benzodiazepines concurrently with opioids whenever possible (recommendation)[16]
Directional
30In the US, prescribing of benzodiazepines with opioids is restricted via CDC and payer policies; CDC advises caution and suggests weighing risks (CDC guideline)[16]
Verified

Policy & Regulation Interpretation

In a world where benzodiazepines are technically “Schedule IV” but practically treated as a high-stakes safety problem, regulators across the US and beyond keep warning that pairing them with opioids (and other sedatives) can steal your breath, your consciousness, or your life, while also flagging misuse, dependence, and especially the cognitive and fall risks they pose for older adults.

More related reading

Pharmacology & Chemistry

1Benzodiazepines target the GABA-A receptor to increase inhibitory neurotransmission (mechanism statistic: “positive allosteric modulators” definition)[28]
Verified
2Benzodiazepines are classified as positive allosteric modulators of GABA-A receptor (NCBI Bookshelf)[28]
Verified
3Flumazenil is the competitive antagonist at benzodiazepine sites of GABA-A receptor (NCBI)[29]
Verified
4The elimination half-life of diazepam is about 20 to 50 hours (product monograph)[30]
Verified
5The active metabolite desmethyldiazepam has a half-life of about 36 to 200 hours (diazepam labeling)[30]
Single source
6Lorazepam has a half-life of about 10 to 20 hours (lorazepam label)[31]
Verified
7Alprazolam has an elimination half-life of about 11 to 15 hours (alprazolam label)[32]
Single source
8Clonazepam has an elimination half-life of about 18 to 50 hours (clonazepam label)[33]
Verified
9Temazepam has an elimination half-life of about 8 to 20 hours (temazepam label)[34]
Verified
10Oxazepam has an elimination half-life of about 5 to 15 hours (oxazepam label)[35]
Verified
11Midazolam has an elimination half-life of about 1.5 to 3.5 hours (midazolam label)[36]
Verified
12Triazolam has an elimination half-life of about 1.5 to 5.5 hours (triazolam label)[37]
Verified
13Diazepam bioavailability is reported as about 90% (diazepam label)[30]
Verified
14Lorazepam bioavailability is about 90% (lorazepam label)[31]
Verified
15Alprazolam bioavailability is reported as about 80-90% (alprazolam label)[32]
Verified
16Clonazepam bioavailability is about 90% (clonazepam label)[33]
Single source
17Flumazenil reversal is used for benzodiazepine overdose effects (NCBI Bookshelf)[29]
Verified
18Benzodiazepines have a “ceiling effect” for respiratory depression compared with barbiturates (statement in pharmacology reference)[28]
Verified
19However, combining benzodiazepines with opioids increases respiratory depression risk (mechanistic warning)[17]
Single source
20The benzodiazepine binding site is on the GABA-A receptor at the interface of alpha and gamma subunits (pharmacology description)[28]
Directional
21Benzodiazepines increase chloride influx by facilitating GABA-A receptor function (pharmacology description)[28]
Directional
22Midazolam is metabolized by CYP3A4 (label)[36]
Single source
23Alprazolam is metabolized by CYP3A4 (label)[32]
Single source
24Diazepam is metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (label)[30]
Verified
25Lorazepam is metabolized by glucuronidation (label)[31]
Verified
26Clonazepam is metabolized by nitroreduction and hydroxylation (label)[33]
Single source
27Oxazepam is metabolized by glucuronidation (label)[35]
Directional
28Temazepam is metabolized by demethylation and conjugation (label)[34]
Verified
29Triazolam is metabolized by hepatic metabolism including CYP3A4 (label)[37]
Verified
30Benzodiazepine receptor occupancy correlates with clinical effects; typical onset for IV midazolam is rapid with effect within minutes (midazolam label)[36]
Verified

Pharmacology & Chemistry Interpretation

Benzodiazepines tune the brain’s GABA-A “off switch” by binding allosterically to the receptor’s alpha gamma interface and letting more chloride flow for calming, sleep, muscle relaxation, and seizure control, even as their effects can be flipped by flumazenil, linger for wildly different half lives depending on the specific drug, and become a dangerous respiratory cocktail when mixed with opioids because this same calming machinery still slows breathing.

Safety & Adverse Effects

1In the United States, benzos are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia; guideline-based caution for older adults exists (Beers Criteria evidence summarized in AGS Beers)[38]
Verified
2Benzodiazepines increase risk of falls and fractures in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)[38]
Verified
3Benzodiazepines are associated with cognitive impairment and delirium in older adults (Beers Criteria 2019)[38]
Verified
4Benzodiazepines are potentially inappropriate for older adults except for specific conditions (Beers Criteria 2019)[38]
Verified
5CDC notes risk of respiratory depression when benzodiazepines are used with opioids (CDC)[16]
Verified
6FDA boxed warning states combined opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, coma, and death (FDA)[27]
Directional
7FDA warns that stopping benzodiazepines abruptly can lead to life-threatening withdrawal including seizures (FDA)[39]
Verified
8FDA warns that misuse and abuse can cause severe injury and death (FDA benzodiazepine safety communication)[39]
Verified
9The FDA notes benzodiazepines can impair driving and coordination (labeling)[40]
Verified
10Alprazolam label states impairment may occur with reduced alertness (alprazolam label)[32]
Verified
11Diazepam label indicates risk of respiratory depression, especially when combined with other depressants (diazepam label)[30]
Verified
12Lorazepam label includes warning about respiratory depression (lorazepam label)[31]
Verified
13Clonazepam label includes warning about respiratory depression (clonazepam label)[33]
Verified
14Midazolam label includes warning about respiratory depression and apnea risk (midazolam label)[36]
Verified
15Flumazenil label warns about benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms in some patients (flumazenil label)[41]
Verified
16Flumazenil label indicates risk of seizures in patients with mixed drug overdoses (flumazenil label)[41]
Single source
17Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening with seizures (FDA communication)[39]
Verified
18The Beers Criteria notes benzodiazepines increase risk of emergency department visits and falls (Beers summary)[38]
Single source
19Benzodiazepines are associated with psychomotor impairment including slowed reaction time (NCBI)[28]
Verified
20Benzodiazepines can cause anterograde amnesia (general benzodiazepine effects)[28]
Verified
21Benzodiazepines can cause tolerance and dependence (NCBI)[28]
Single source
22Benzodiazepine dependence risk increases with longer duration of use (clinical pharmacology)[28]
Directional
23Benzodiazepines can cause paradoxical reactions such as agitation and aggression (clinical pharmacology)[28]
Verified
24Benzodiazepines can cause behavioral disinhibition in some patients (clinical pharmacology)[28]
Directional
25Benzodiazepines can cause sedation and impaired memory (clinical pharmacology)[28]
Single source
26The CDC opioid guideline cites overdose risk from concurrent use with benzodiazepines due to respiratory depression (CDC)[16]
Verified
27The FDA notes that benzodiazepines may be particularly risky for people taking opioids and those with respiratory impairment (FDA)[27]
Verified
28The FDA benzodiazepine safety communication advises not taking benzodiazepines with opioids unless directed by a clinician (FDA)[39]
Single source
29Benzodiazepine-related ED visits for nonmedical use accounted for a large fraction of ED visits for prescription tranquilizers in US poison data (CDC/NCHS)[42]
Verified
30In CDC poison data, benzodiazepines were among the top categories involved in drug overdoses requiring treatment (CDC)[42]
Verified

Safety & Adverse Effects Interpretation

Benzodiazepines may quiet anxiety and help sleep, but in older adults they can also turn everyday life into a risk obstacle course by impairing cognition and coordination, increasing falls, delirium, and ED visits, while in the wider population they can drive dependence, tolerance, dangerous withdrawal, and severe overdose harms especially when mixed with opioids, despite being used frequently enough to show up prominently in toxicology and poison center data.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Helena Kowalczyk. (2026, February 13). Benzo Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/benzo-statistics
MLA
Helena Kowalczyk. "Benzo Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/benzo-statistics.
Chicago
Helena Kowalczyk. 2026. "Benzo Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/benzo-statistics.

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