# Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Drop 27%

> Benzodiazepine prescriptions fell 27% from 2013 to 2024, researchers say.
- Title: Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Drop 27% · PhillyVoice | Shortify
- Summary: Benzodiazepine prescriptions fell 27% from 2013 to 2024, researchers say. Benzodiazepine prescriptions dropped 27% between 2013 and 2024 due to stricter…
- Keywords: benzodiazepines, prescriptions, xanax, valium, opioid, overdose, rutgers, prescribing, anxiety, mental health, drug, prescription drugs
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/benzodiazepines-prescriptions-decline-xanax-valium
- Published: 2026-10-01T20:35:22.321+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: benzodiazepines, prescriptions, xanax, valium, opioid, overdose, rutgers, prescribing, anxiety, mental health, drug, prescription drugs
## Benzodiazepine Prescriptions Drop
Benzodiazepine prescriptions fell 27% from 2013 to 2024, researchers say.
## Decline Linked to Opioid Epidemic
Researchers say the drop may be caused by more restrictive prescribing practices to prevent mixing with opioids.
## Benzodiazepines Include Xanax and Valium
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that includes Xanax and Valium, used for anxiety.
## Rutgers Study Published
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed 1 billion benzodiazepine prescription fills.
## Steepest Drop Among Young Adults
The steepest drop in prescriptions came among people ages 18 to 29, with an average prescription drop of 18% per dose.
## Benzodiazepines Risk Overdose
Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids or alcohol greatly increases overdose risk, according to FDA warnings.
## Lead Author Notes Caution
Naomi Cruz, a recent doctoral student at Rutgers University and lead author, said prescribing practices became more cautious over the past decade.
## Benzodiazepines Used for Mental Health
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for mental health conditions, insomnia, and seizure disorders.
## What Happens Next
Ongoing research is needed to ensure patients receive the safest care while monitoring prescribing practices.
## Key takeaway

Benzodiazepine prescriptions dropped 27% between 2013 and 2024 due to stricter prescribing practices to prevent opioid mixing.