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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.

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.




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The FDA Medication Guides website contains the correct, up-to-date information, except for diazepam, which is still out-of-date.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

  • A new research paper featuring an international scoping review on prescribing and deprescribing guidance for benzodiazepines and Z-drugs has been published. This multi-year project was led and contributed to by several Alliance scientists. Click here to read the article.
  • 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.

Read More

Coming Soon

  • 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.

testimonials

Facts About Benzodiazepines

1 person in 8

BZD Prescription Rate

57%

Chance of suffering BIND
after 4 weeks’ use

Globe

>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

  • Jobs
    Director 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 Facts
    Understanding 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