also misuse alcohol and other su bstances, and so multiple intoxi cation diagnoses are possible. 
Alcohol intoxication. Alcohol intoxication may be distin guished from sedative, hypnotic,
or anxiolytic intoxication by the smell of al cohol on the breath. Otherwise, the features of
the two disorders may be similar.
Other sedative-, hypnotic-, or  anxiolytic-induced disorders. Sedative, hypnotic, or anx-
iolytic intoxication is distin guished from the other sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-
induced disorders (e.g., sedative-, hypnotic-, or anxiolytic-induced anxiety disorder, with
onset during withdrawal) because the sympto ms in the latter disorders predominate in
the clinical presentation and are severe enough to warrant clinical attention.
Neurocognitive disorders. In situations of cognitive im pairment, traumatic brain in-
jury, and delirium from other causes, sedative s, hypnotics, or anxiolytics may be intoxi-
cating at quite low dosages. The differential diagnosis in these complex settings is based
on the predominant syndrome. An additional diagnosis of sedative, hypnotic, or anxio-
lytic intoxication may be appropriate even if the substance has been ingested at a low dos-
age in the setting of these other (o r similar) co-occu rring conditions. 
Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Withdrawal
Diagnostic Criteria
A. Cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use that has been pro-
longed. 
B. Two (or more) of the following, developing within several hours to a few days after the ces-