[Dean]

All I hear is how physically and psychologically addicting they are,why doesn't the goverement step in and ban them like everything else. They are one of the most prescribed pharmacuticals yet every time they are mentioned it has to do with withdrawal and dependence. I am prescribed valium so i'm not bad mouthing them, I just want to know why they are still legal, if they are so dangerous.

[mikey]

They are still legal for the same reason that cigarettes are still legal.MONEY.

[angie]

They are still legal because there are lots of people that need them and are helped by them. You become addicted to them when you use them for reasons other than why you were prescribed them.

[lottsaink]

They are only legal with a prescription from a doctor just like any other medication. They are used for medicinal reasons and some people really need them to function.Using them without a prescription is what makes them illegal and harmful to people.

[meowzie]

They are legal because they are legitimate medications that treat illnesses. They only become"dangerous"when they are abused.Methadone, Vicodin, Oxy Contin, Percoset and all of the other narcotic medications are addictive too. However they are prescribed every day for everything from chronic pain to heroin addiction.I was on Methadone for chronic pain for 4 months and then slowly tapered off it. I have been on Klonipin for 7+ years, and if I am ever able to cope with my anxiety disorders without it, I have faith that I can safely taper off it with my doctor's help.There are always advantages and disadvantages to taking any type of medication. Those things need to be taken into consideration by the doctor and patient.As long as the medication is effective in treating an illness or disease and the benefits outweigh the risks they should be legal.As far as I am concerned, the Government already controls much more than it should and violates our rights according to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights on the regular basis. This is my opinion anyway.Michelle