Clinically appropriate use of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic medications. Individuals
may continue to take benzodiazepine medication according to  a physician’s direction for a
legitimate medical indication over extended pe riods of time. Even if  physiological signs of
tolerance or withdrawal are manifested, many  of these individuals do not develop symp-
toms that meet the criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder because they
are not preoccupied with obtaining the substanc e and its use does not interfere with their
performance of usual social or occupational roles.
Comorbidity
Nonmedical use of sedative, hypnotic, or anxi olytic agents is associated with alcohol use