Final answer:
Benzodiazepines are used in treating Alcohol Use Disorder because they provide sedation along with anticonvulsant activity and muscle relaxation, functioning as central nervous system depressants.
Step-by-step explanation:
When treating Alcohol Use Disorder, sedatives like benzodiazepines are used because they not only sedate, but also provide anticonvulsant activity and muscle relaxation, among other effects. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium®) and alprazolam (Xanax®), act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
They are commonly prescribed to reduce anxiety, induce sleep, prevent seizures, and as muscle relaxants. Benzodiazepines work by serving as agonists of the gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system, which has a calming effect on the brain.