There has been a steady reduction in the prescribing of benzodiazepines by GPs in Scotland from 2.3 million prescription items in 1991 to 1.7 million in 1999.Ultimately, the decision whether or not to prescribe benzodiazepines depends on the clinical judgement of the medical practitioner concerned, taking into account advice and evidence about their use. In some cases it may be clinically necessary for the GP to exceed the CSM prescribing guidelines, for example, in managing patients where benzodiazepine use is part of a wider drug misuse problem.