Job Opening
The Alliance is seeking a Director of Development and Business. This is a new position, click below for details and how to apply.
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Alliance Medical Director Appears in International News Series
Dr. Alexis Ritvo shared her expertise on the latest episode of Radio Canada's 'Enquête'. The episode’s title translates to 'prescription nightmare' in French, focusing on the problem of benzodiazepine overprescription and harm. To view with subtitles, Select the settings icon and choose English for the auto-generated subtitles option, then click the Closed Caption 'CC' button.
New Benzodiazepine Studies Seeking Participants
There are two different research projects that need your participation! Experts are looking for individuals with experience taking, using, and/or withdrawing from benzos. These surveys will be anonymous and could prove to be extremely helpful in making beneficial changes to the way benzos are prescribed and viewed.
Survey for Autistic and Neurotypical Individuals Survey Linking Pre-Benzo Experiences to BIND
New Paper Out Now: ‘We need more support and doctors that understand the
process of tapering …’
The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of the views and experiences of discontinuing long-term BZRA use as documented in the free-text responses of respondents to an online questionnaire examining mediators of behaviour change relating to the discontinuation of long-term BZRA use.
Alliance-Driven Research Finds Publication Bias in Efficacy of Xanax XR
A new study featuring Alliance advisor, Erick Turner, has found that publication bias inflated the effectiveness of Xanax XR by 40%. By reviewing FDA data, the team was able to reveal some shocking findings on the risk-benefit ratio for the prescribing of benzos.
Medical Journal Releases BIND Paper
The 3rd paper in this research series details a study on the prevalence and duration of long-term negative effects of the use of BZDs beyond 2-4 weeks. In addition to documenting the results of original research, the paper unifies the confusing data and terminology about BZD withdrawal and post-withdrawal symptoms, and is supported by researchers at 2 Universities and several affected communities. "Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction" is out now!
Out Now: New Videos on our Youtube Channel
We are regularly uploading new content and interviews to our Youtube channel, where you can learn about benzos, the experiences of people who have dealt with the challenges of long-term benzo use, and get insights from medical professionals. Subscribe toady to the Benzo Reform Youtube!
Benzo Work Group CME Webinar Series
The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention includes a Benzo Action Work Group that has upcoming educational content and courses on BIND and peer support.
I Wish I Had Known Awareness Campaign
The Alliance is launching a new campaign across our social media channels to help share real stories from people who have been affected by benzodiazepines. Click here to learn more.
Help is Nearby
The recent death of Dr. Christy Huff, tireless advocate for the prevention of benzodiazepine harm, has been difficult for many who have been harmed by benzodiazepines. While it is important to recognize these feelings, it is important to also recognize that we do not know the full story and experience of the person lost. Dr. Huff, more than anyone, would want her story to be one of hope, resilience, and promise. These were values that she promoted in all her work.
If you have found that you have strong feelings upon hearing of the death of Dr. Huff, please reach out to your mental health professional. Please remember that the 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.
WHAT IS THE BENZODIAZEPINE CRISIS?
The medical literature shows that benzodiazepines can be safe and effective only when used short-term for specific diagnoses.
They are often dangerously over-prescribed, and have been proven to often cause physiological dependence and foster a
withdrawal syndrome. All too often, this leads to longer-term benzodiazepine injury syndrome.
The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices is here to help.
Click here to read the seminal work on Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)
Prescriber Alert! Incorrect Information from FDA
Online searches for prescribing information for benzodiazepines list the FDA as #1 or #2 resources.
These links yield incorrect information from the FDA.
The restrictions on opioid co-prescription (2016) and long-term use (2020) are not included in the information presented by the FDA.
The FDA Medication Guides website contains the correct, up-to-date information, except for diazepam, which is still out-of-date.
The FDA was receptive to notification of this issue, and is investigating solutions.
The FDA is listening to your concerns about benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, but only when you report your experience to the FDA, especially your personal narrative.
What’s New
- The Alliance 2023 annual report highlights our work and accomplishments over the past year, click here to see what we’ve been up to.
- New deprescribing guidelines available: This can be viewed as a significant update to the Ashton Manual, which introduces non-linear tapering and embraces the concept of a patient-led taper. See the Resources page for details.
- BIND Paper: The seminal paper defining and articulating Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) which has been jointly developed with Vanderbilt University and our survey team is out now! Read the paper and various news reactions here.
Coming Soon
- A new research paper featuring an international scoping review on prescribing and deprescribing guidance for benzodiazepines and Z-drugs has been accepted and will be published in a major medical journal soon. This multi-year project was led and contributed to by several Alliance scientists.
- Alliance Medical Director, Dr. Alexis Ritvo, will be presenting Benzo Deprescription training at the medical grand rounds at LSU Baton Rouge on Wednesday, February 28th. She will also be presenting at the Society fo Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Sunday, March 10, 2024, click here for more info and to register.
- Benzodiazepines in Late Life: Pharmacology, Myths and Guidance for Successful Deprescribing – Dr, Ritvo and Jeff Gold, Pharmacist at the University of Colorado, will be presenting BZD deprescription training at the 2024 summit meeting of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) April 7-10, 2024
- Deprescription Guidelines development. The FDA invited the Alliance to participate in the development of benzodiazepine deprescription guidelines. We are involved in a series of meetings to determine how to best support this effort. Check back here for progress reports.
Our Programs
The Alliance has many programs that will help prescribers make evidence-based decisions and will help patients get the help they need. We are composed of professionals dedicated to solving the benzodiazepine crisis.
Patient’s Guide to the Site
If you are currently prescribed or have previously taken benzodiazepines, you may be experiencing the pain and confusion of dependence or withdrawal. These steps will help you navigate our site and the resources for recovery.
Information for Prescribers
Although helpful for short-term use, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs do not provide safe and effective options over the long term for such conditions as anxiety and insomnia, where they are commonly and inappropriately used. There is evidence to support alternative methods for treatment and prescription practices.
Resources
Directly access guidelines, drug labels and more. Our unique BZD and Z-drug library is sorted by categories, and feature tables of contents for easy access to over 1000 papers.
Each year, thousands of adults and teens are harmed by benzodiazepine due to over-prescribing.
We help individuals get the help they need, and we help prescribers offer better practices.
Though impossible to express
my appreciation, I want to
thank you for your willingness
to address this difficult issue.
Your hard work has been, and
continues to be, an inspiration
and motivation for me to
advocate and educate more.
Melissa, author of a book on patient experience
Thank you again for looking
into this and your time and
research. You and your
organization are making a
difference.
Janice, PhD sociologist
I love the website by the way...
it's an awesome resource!
Anthony, BZIS sufferer
Yes! I will do as you've
suggested to get on the right
path, asap. I have been
searching for a long tie and
have not been able to find the
right people.
Betty, mother of a BZIS sufferer
Facts About Benzodiazepines
1 person in 8
BZD Prescription Rate
57%
Chance of suffering BIND
after 4 weeks’ use
>300K
MedWatch BZRA
Problem Reports
>65K
Deaths involving BZDs
(MedWatch)
Facts About the Alliance
11
Scientific papers published
8
Scientific papers being written
59
CME Courses Delivered
11,000
Prescribers educated
>200K
Projected future BZD dependencies avoided
Follow the Latest Benzodiazepine and Z-drug Developments
- JobsDirector of Development and Business (Posted 2/26/24) The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices is seeking to add our first Director ofDevelopment and Business to our team. The Director is responsible for planning,organizing, and directing the Alliance’s fundraising and business activities inaccordance with our strategic plan. Click here to view the entire job posting. To apply,… Read More »Jobs
- BIND FactsUnderstanding the Long-Term Effects of Benzodiazepines: A Closer Look at Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)There is a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant: Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction, or BIND. This condition can arise in individuals using benzodiazepines, a commonly prescribed class of drugs. If you’re using benzodiazepines and have concerns about BIND, this article is here to guide… Read More »BIND Facts
- IWIHK Submission Guidelines I Wish I Had Known Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in sharing your experiences and helping to prevent and raise awareness about benzodiazepine harm. We are interested in hearing what you wish you had known to help others avoid the same problems. To make the most out of your efforts, we have compiled… Read More »IWIHK Submission Guidelines