There is little evidence to warrant the long term prescribing of benzodiazepine as anxiolytics and there is an urgent need for research into the long term effects of these drugs. Benzodiazepine abuse with dependence and serious withdrawal symptoms is increasingly recognised as a major problem. Various studies show that the benzodiazepines can release aggressive impulses and that serious disinhibition can result from their use. Their suicidogenic potential in depressed patients is part of this disinhibiting effect. There is strong evidence that the benzodiazepines especially in combination with alcohol render individuals accident prone. Cognitive defects are being increasingly recognised in benzodiazepine users. While these are reversible in short term users the question as to whether long term users suffer an increasing dementia urgently requires further research.