WORLD BENZODIAZEPINE AWARENESS DAY
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WORLD BENZODIAZEPINE AWARENESS DAY
July 11 brings attention to World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) to raise awareness about the dependence on prescription benzodiazepines (Benzo). In fact, National Day Calendar is using World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day to learn about the drug’s adverse effects and withdrawal problems caused by benzodiazepines.
#WORLDBENZODAY
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act as tranquilizers and are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Physicians prescribe many different types of medication for insomnia, seizure disorders, vertigo, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. Though these prescriptions can be helpful, they also have long terms dangers many patients may not be aware of.
6 Common Brand Names of Benzodiazepines
Valium
Ativan
Xanax
Restoril
Tranxene
Librium
Benzodiazepines have caused a high number of overdose deaths in the U.S. These deaths are the second leading cause of prescription drug deaths, with opioid deaths being first. Despite all of these dangers, benzodiazepines continues to be the most widely prescribed drugs in the world by physicians. Common side effects of any benzodiazepine include dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Unfortunately, all brands of benzo drugs can cause physical dependence.
4 Common Side Effects of Benzo
Strange phobias
Hallucinations
Suicidal thoughts and tendencies
Crippling neurological problems
According to warning labels, patients should only take these medications for 2 to 4 weeks. However, since many doctors prescribe them for much longer, resulting in major dependence on the drug. Obviously, when a person stops taking these medications, they often suffer severe withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, many of the withdrawal symptoms persist for years after they have stopped taking the drug.
Some people say the drug has made their pre-existing physical and mental health issues even worse. Furthermore, others say benzodiazepines have completely ruined their finances, relationships, career, and their life.
8 WAYS TO OBSERVE #WorldBenzodiazepineAwarenessDay
Host a W-BAD fundraiser.
Share your story about benzodiazepines with others.
Talk to healthcare professionals about the dangers of this drug.
Print out W-BAD pamphlets and hand them out or drop them off in public places.
Change 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.
Share this day on social media with #WorldBenzodiazepineAwarenessDay and #WorldBenzoDay.
WORLD BENZODIAZEPINE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day is a grassroots initiative created by two activists who were also survivors of benzodiazepine injury. They chose the date to honor the birthday of Professor Heather Ashton. Dr. Ashton has made many significant contributions to the benzodiazepine cause.
The first World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day was held on July 11, 2016. Since then, this World Day continues to call awareness to the dangers of taking Benzo.