WORLD BENZODIAZEPINE AWARENESS DAY | JULY 11

From an international author and clinical psychotherapist who provides support and workshops on recovery from benzodiazepine and psychiatric drug dependency and withdrawal

I fully support W-BAD and am grateful to everyone who has contributed to making it an annual day of recognition of this underworld of iatrogenic suffering. Over the past decade, I have supported thousands of individuals affected by benzodiazepine and Z-drug dependency and withdrawal and it is heartbreaking to see the trauma and devastation that taking these as-prescribed drugs long-term causes. My hope is that commemoration of this day will result in more awareness of the issue, policy changes, adequate and appropriate training of medics, and support services for those who are suffering—not just in the United Kingdom, but worldwide.

Baylissa’s website

From a Harvard trained psychiatrist and former consultant at NIMH, U.S.

Benzodiazepines have become a plague on humanity, causing harm to the brains and bodies of millions of people and inflicting severe withdrawal reactions. People, who have taken these medications long-term, too often suffer from lasting adverse effects.

This website and World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day helps spread the word about the dangers of these drugs. It also provides inspiring examples of people, who are battling through withdrawal, as they seek to highlight the dangers to us all.

With the right help, many people can go on to recover, and to live good and satisfying lives.

My book, Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal, describes why and how to safely withdraw from benzodiazepines and from other psychiatric drugs.

Dr. Breggin’s website

From a medical doctor who influenced the British government’s awareness of the “addictive nature” of benzodiazepines

I wholly support W-BAD and I sincerely hope that W-BAD will be successful in persuading doctors, patients and politicians of the seriousness of this problem. There is, tragically, still a real need for action.

I first drew attention to the addictive nature of benzodiazepines in 1973 and campaigned in the media and medical literature for decades. There was much opposition from the medical establishment. In 1988 the British Government warned doctors and recommended the benzodiazepines be prescribed for no more than 2 weeks. The Government stated it had taken action because of my campaign. It is appalling that there is still a massive problem with these drugs which are more addictive than heroin. I am delighted to support your campaign – though sad that there is still a need for it after all these years.

From one of the first experts to describe problems with benzodiazepines in the scientific literature

World Benzodiazepine Awareness day has become an annual event, a development that I welcome and endorse. Too often interest is stimulated in an on-going and difficult medical problem only to subside as people move on to something else. The problem of iatrogenic, normal-dose benzodiazepine dependence is not lessening; concern must continue and even increase. I thank those who are involved for this initiative.