World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day
Every year, World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) raises global concern about medically induced dependence on benzodiazepines. It's also a day to learn that the drug has gastrointestinal effects and that withdrawal syndrome can persist for years.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act as tranquilizers. They are often used to treat anxiety disorders. These are some of the generic names of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are also available in::
- Valium
- Ativan
- Xanax
- Restoril
- Tranxene
- Librium
physicians prescribe the following medications for insomnia, seizure disorders, vertigo, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal along with relieving anxiety. Dizziness, inability, and unsteadiness are all typical side effects of benzodiazepines. Any of them can lead to physical dependence.
Patients should only take these medications for 2 to 4 weeks. However, since many doctors prescribe them for much longer, the result is a lot of dependence on the drug. People who stop taking these medications experience severe withdrawal signs. These withdrawal signs can persist for years after they have stopped taking the drug. Symptoms include: strange phobias, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and tendencies, as well as crippling neurological disorders.
Some people claim that the drug has exacerbated their pre-existing physical and mental health problems. Others say benzodiazepines have completely destroyed their finances, marriage, education, and even their life.
Benzodiazepines have also caused a high number of overdose deaths in the United States. In fact, the number of overdoses is second only to opioids. Despite all of these risks, benzodiazepines continue to be the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world.
How to celebrate #worldbenzodiazepineawarenessday
Here are some ways you can participate if you want to help raise concerns about the risks of benzodiazepines.
- Host, a W-BAD contributor, is a W-BAD fundraiser
- Share your story about benzodiazepines with others on social media
- Talk to healthcare professionals about the risks of this drug
- Print out W-BAD pamphlets and hand them out or drop them off in public places. Print out W-BAD pamphlets and hand them out or drop them off in public places. Print out W-BAD pamphlets and hand them out or drop them off in public places
- With the W-BAD graphic, you can update your profile picture on social media with the W-BAD graphic
- Research benzodiazepines and share what you've learned with others
- Contact your local media and ask them to do a feature story for this day
#WorldBenzodiazepineAwarenessDay or #WORLDBENZODAY can also be posted on social media.
The global benzodiazepine awareness day is the first in history
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is a worldwide campaign initiated by two activists and survivors of a benzodiazepine burnout. On July 11th, 2016, the first event was held by the organisers. They chose the date to honor Professor Heather Ashton's birthday. Dr. Ashton, a benzodiazepine researcher who has made many important contributions to the benzodiazepine cause, has been active in the field.
