The Other Epidemic: Trying to get off benzodiazepines

The article discusses the growing issue of benzodiazepine addiction, citing a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found that approximately 1 in 20 adults in the US take benzodiazepines, with 4% of them misusing them. The author notes that benzodiazepines are often prescribed for sleep and anxiety disorders, but can be highly addictive and lead to dependence. The article highlights the challenges in getting people off benzodiazepines, including withdrawal symptoms, lack of support, and the reliance on pharmaceutical companies for treatment solutions. The author also references a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that found that 6.1% of people who misused benzodiazepines went on to develop an opioid use disorder. The article concludes that the benzodiazepine epidemic is a serious public health issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the root causes and provide effective treatment options.