There is no record in the history of medicine of a group of drugs which has gained such a reputation as the benzodiazepines, mainly among psychiatrists and physicians, who augmented their therapeutic arsenal with these drugs which have a safe and effective action. The benzodiazepines have many indications, with special emphasis in the treatment of anxiety, sleep disturbances, muscular spasms, convulsions, etc. There is, however, a difference between therapeutic and abusive usage and there is a danger of exposing an important drug to the risk of being transformed into a psychological crutch.

Airports are complex cosmopolitan units which receive millions of human beings, many of them suffering from tension which they try to hide. Many an air passenger takes, as a precaution, about 10 mg of diazepam (ValiumR). Depending upon the weather conditions and check-in problems, they may take another pill before boarding the plane. After take-off, either because they have forgotten the warning or because they choose to ignore the risks, they have a few drinks, which are served by the airline personnel to help ease tensions and sedate the group. A few moments later, the crew have one or more serious problems. Initially, the passenger becomes excited and aggressive. After being controlled, he reveals a concomitant anxiety. At the end of his trip, he is taken to the airport doctor. Following the routine examination, and familiar with the situation, the doctor knows that his patient is suffering from potentiation of alcohol by diazepam.