paired by sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic us e (Criterion A8) are also seen in sedative,
hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.
Very significant levels of tolerance and wi thdrawal can develop to the sedative, hyp-
notic, or anxiolytic. There may be evidence of tolerance and withdrawal in the absence of
a diagnosis of a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder in an individual who has
abruptly discontinued use of benzodiazepines that were taken for long periods of time at
prescribed and therapeutic doses. In these case s, an additional diagnosis of sedative, hyp-
notic, or anxiolytic use disorder is made only if other criteria are met. That is, sedative,
hypnotic, or anxiolytic medications may be prescribed for appropriate medical purposes,
and depending on the dose regimen, these drugs may then produce tolerance and with-