This volume reviews one of the most widely used groups of drugs -- the tranquillizers. These include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and oxazepam (Serenid), and many newer drugs as well. The basic chemical elements of these drugs are described in an objective and scientific survey of tranquillizer use and abuse. The proven usefulness of minor tranquillizers is described in the context of the hazards of prolonged intake. The book deals with ways of recognizing and handling abuse and reviews alternatives to these drugs.