World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is observed on July 11 each year to raise awareness about the dangers of long-term use of benzodiazepines. These psychoactive drugs are often prescribed for mental health conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Although they may seem harmless, combining them with other medications or alcohol can lead to dangerous overdoses. The main focus of World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is to address the severe physical dependency that can develop from prolonged use of these drugs.
Know the History of World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is celebrated worldwide on July 11 each year. It aims to raise awareness and inform people about the risks of using benzodiazepines for a long time.
By themselves, benzodiazepines can help with anxiety, insomnia, and seizures when used for a short time as prescribed.
But if they are taken for more than two to four weeks or mixed with other medications or alcohol, they can be harmful and lead to serious issues like overdose.
Using benzodiazepines for a long time can make anxiety and agitation worse instead of better. If taken for more than four weeks, these drugs can also increase suicidal thoughts and depression in people who are already struggling with these mental health problems.
using benzodiazepines for a long time, even at low doses, can lead to dependency. Many people become unknowingly dependent on these drugs through long-term prescriptions.
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) was started by activists who survived harm from benzodiazepines and wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of these drugs and the increasing issue of people becoming dependent on them without realizing it.
The day also encourages doctors to follow basic guidelines when prescribing benzodiazepines, so patients are aware of the side effects and risks of long-term use. These guidelines help doctors support long-term users in avoiding harm and transitioning to safer medications.
| 1955 (First Benzodiazepine) | The making of Chlordiazepoxide becomes the first benzodiazepine in the world. |
| The 1980s (Risk Of Dependence Becomes Evident) | Despite the initial optimism, it is seen that long-term use of these drugs causes dependence. |
| 1990s (Heather Ashton Runs a Withdrawal Clinic) | Ashton’s benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic opens in Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle. |
| 2016 (First W-BAD Observed) | People suffering from benzodiazepine injury attend and organize this first W-BAD. |
4 Interesting Facts About Benzodiazepine Dependence
- Benzodiazepine manufacturers were sued for failing to warn people about the dangers of their drugs.
- Most people who become dependent on benzodiazepines are using them at prescribed doses for mental health issues.
- Elderly people can develop medical complications because they are sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines.
- Patients can build up a tolerance to benzodiazepines, which can lead to physical dependence on the drug.
Frequently Asked Question
What are some good alternatives to benzodiazepines?
SSRIs, SNRIs, and beta-blockers are effective alternatives to benzodiazepines.
How many people take benzodiazepines?
In the U.S., approximately 30.6 million adults use benzodiazepines.
You may also like to read, National Sugar Cookie Day – July 9, 2024
