The Council for Evidence-based Psychiatry welcomes the publication of the analysis report by the BMA’s Board of Science, titled ‘Prescribed drugs associated with dependence and withdrawal – building a consensus for action’, which can be viewed here.
The report analyses evidence submissions from a variety of stakeholders, including CEP, patient groups and medical bodies such as the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
CEP agrees with opinion of the Board of Science that ‘too little is known about prescribing patterns, the levels of dependence and withdrawal, and the level of harm that is being caused. There is also too little research about the long-term effects of these drugs.’
CEP is pleased to note there is consensus among stakeholders regarding the inadequate current provision of specialised support services, as well the need for improved doctor training and more funding for non-pharmacological treatments.
In addition, CEP agrees with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ view (expressed in the report) that traditional addiction services are not appropriate for patients dependent on prescribed drugs, and supports its call for a review of the evidence and clinical guidelines in this area, including optimal methods of withdrawal.
We hope that the BMA will use this consensus as the starting point for a series of initiatives to tackle this issue. As a priority, this must include the provision of appropriate support services for patients who have become dependent upon prescribed drugs, and we support the All Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence in their call for a national telephone helpline.
Tears streamed down my face, I was so happy, while reading this much needed, and even more deserved Report.
Finally, I feel like our benzodazepine suffering is exposed for the world to read after being ignored by my mental health workers.
I feel like someone is finally hearing my screams for being believed after my decade of endless suffering from Klonopin Tolerence Withdrawals but, most importantly, the pure endless hell & psychosis I endured while going ‘cold turkey’ after mental healthcare workers said it was ‘just fine’ to do after following a 10 year addiction with no support what so ever, not one withdrawal symptom fell from their lips that I may experience. Not 1. I endured almost 50 of them. And, I was still not believed by them.
I endured this at home, alone, and I don’t know how I survived. If there would have been a gun in my house at that time, I wouldn’t be here today because I prayed for one every second of every minute of every single day for weeks to end the mental torture I was going through. I am so grateful this Report was conducted. It truly is a good day in America. And I’m so glad I was alive to see it.