First Benzo Survey Paper Out Now
“Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey” is based on over 1200 real Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) sufferers’ experiences, and can be read in full here.
New Papers From Former Medical Director Dr. Steven Wright
“Surviving benzodiazepines: a patient’s and clinician’s perspectives” from Dr. Steven Wright and Carrie Silvernail has been accepted for publication in Advances in Therapy (2022), and “Benzodiazepine and Z-hypnotic stewardship” a highly informative paper on BZDs and Z-drugs from Dr. Wright can both be read in full here.
A Panel of Experts Chooses Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)
The ongoing damage often associated with longer-term BZD use is often unrecognized. When it is recognized, it goes by many names, leading to confusion among both patients and medical professionals. After months of deliberation, a team of experts has converged on the term “Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction” (BIND) to describe this phenomena. Under Alliance guidance, the Benzodiazepine Nosology Group was formed with experts in the field of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal. It consists of 10 psychiatrists and addiction specialists, eight other medical doctors or pharmacists, two other medical professionals, and three patient representatives; several of the group have direct experience with this condition. This group represents many different organizations, and all have agreed to convert their terminology over to BIND. The group is preparing a manuscript for publication, which addresses BIND and the need for consistent naming.
Alliance Members Testify in Favor of the Massachusetts Benzo Bill
Alliance Science Advisor Dr. Sumit Agarwal and Director Bernie Silvernail testified in favor of adoption of Massachusetts H.2117/S.1260, An Act Relative to Benzodiazepines and Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics. This bill is the first of its kind, requiring informed consent for all benzodiazepine and Z-drug prescriptions, among other restrictions. This is the fourth legislative attempt at such legislation. All have been headed by long-time benzo safety advocate Geraldine Burns, and BIC advisor Sonja Styblo was instrumental in garnering testimony.
Dr. Agarwal submitted detailed written testimony that outlines the evidence-based need for this bill. Mr. Silvernail both delivered testimony in front of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and submitted written testimony which presented Carrie Silvernail’s benzodiazepine injury story, followed by an evidence-based appeal for informed consent. Oral testimony on the bill can be found here (Silvernail is at 3:13). There was no oral testimony opposed to the bill, but written oppositional testimony may have been received.
New Book Out Now!
Coauthored by a co-editor of The Benzodiazepines Crisis, and inspired by the Alliance’s work with NEMA Research and the University of Arizona. Read about “Naturally Occurring Benzodiazepines, Endozepines, and their Receptors Implications for Benzodiazepine Therapy and Withdrawal.” Click here to learn more.
Alliance Participates in FDA Forum
On July 12 and 13, the FDA and the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy hosted a public workshop titled
“Safe Use of Benzodiazepines: Clinical, Regulatory, and Public Health Perspectives”
The workshop featured dozens of presenters and panelists, many with deep experience with benzodiazepines. The Alliance’s Medical Director, Dr. Steven Wright, presented and was a panelist. Several key people from the FDA and NIDA attended. The workshop provided a view into the problems with benzodiazepines from many perspectives. Although the presentations were too brief to go into great detail, this has been called the most complete benzodiazepine workshop to date.
The agenda for this workshop can be found here: https://healthpolicy.duke.edu/sites/default/files/2021-07/Agenda_1.pdf
The first day’s sessions can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIGJnkuJEX0
The second day’s sessions can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIGJnkuJEX0
You can access them via the website here:
Membership Program
The Alliance Membership Program connects you with extra resources. Three different levels of membership are available. Learn more about the Alliance Membership Program here.
Alliance Leaders co-chair Benzodiazepine Work Group
The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention coordinates Colorado’s response to the misuse of medications such as opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. In operation since 2013, the Consortium has over 800 members, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and the University of Colorado.
Several groups lobbied for the Consortium to create a dedicated focus on benzodiazepines. Dr. Alexis Ritvo, Medical Director for the Alliance, and Program Director for the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine was elected to co-chair the Benzodiazepine Work Group, which now has over 20 professional members. We are pleased that Dr. Ritvo has also joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors.
This work group is initially focused on establishing prescription and deprescription guidelines and determining the needs of peer support.
FDA promises back box warning on Benzos
For 2 years, the Alliance has worked to better regulate all BZs, including preparing to request a black box warning on the information presented to prescribers by the FDA. We have partnered with the University of Arizona, two medical consultancy firms, and FDA officials. On September 23rd, 2020, the FDA announced changes to prescriber information (AKA the “label”, which is what a prescriber sees), and Medication Guidelines for all BZs. This includes a black box warning on all BZDs! Read more about the announcement on the FDA website.
Shane Kenny, noted broadcaster and journalist who worked for Irish National Radio and Television RTE for thirty years, describes what this study and the FDA’s promises mean in his article: New FDA Study Shows Benzodiazepines Can Cause Long-Term Injury
Our book is published!
Co-authored by 12 medical professionals, The Benzodiazepines Crisis: The Ramifications of an Overused Drug Class is the most complete and authoritative work on benzodiazepines. This work is one of the results of a multi-year project by the Alliance in cooperation with NEMA Research.
Read more about The Benzodiazepines Crisis
For Patients: 6 new tools added
We listened to your feedback on the Prescriber Information Pamphlet (PIP). It IS a bit like drinking from a fire hose! We have created a LOT of new simplified content to help patients (and prescribers).
6 new one-page pamphlets designed to help make your prescriber your ally and guide. These are simpler and more topically focused than the PIP.
A references and details page for prescribers needing more information than is in the pamphlets.
A guideline for tapering off of benzodiazepines. This has been our most-requested item, by both patients and prescribers.
For Prescribers: New CME presentations added
Several Alliance presentations made at conferences were added to the site. Some of these are available for viewing, and some can be downloaded and used by medical professionals. Find out more HERE