Clients ranging in age from young adults to middle-aged pensioners are addicted to common benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, including the widely used valium. Some have been using the drugs since these products hit the market more than 30 years ago.

Experts say physical and psychological dependence   develops within four to six weeks and withdrawal is difficult.

Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD) director Geoff Soma said addictive medication was the primary drug for about 5 per cent of the agency’s 600 total clients with addictive problems annually.

“We are looking at about 30 people a year who presented with benzos as their primary drug,” he said. “For those with alcohol as their main drug most had benzos as their main secondary drug.”

Mr Soma supported comments by Coroner Audrey Jamieson, who said prescription drug diazepam contributed to the deaths of 168 Victorians last year.

She told a weekend conference diazepam was the largest contributor to overdoses. By contrast, heroin contributed to 135 deaths, alcohol contributed to 93 deaths and methamphetamine contributed to 52 deaths. 

Ms Jamieson joined calls by medical professionals and other coroners for the state government to introduce a real-time register for doctors and pharmacists to monitor prescription medications.

Mr Soma said better monitoring would enable doctors to keep track of who was taking benzos and how much.

“Someone could go for a long drive across Victoria and collect a lot of medication from different outlets,” he said.

“These drugs do help people, but they are addictive.

“If someone feels their life depends on the drug, they should seek medical advice.”