How bad is the benzodiazepine epidemic in the United States?
Benzodiazepines are prescription pills used to treat various conditions and are commonly known as benzos. Some conditions benzos are prescribed for include insomnia, anxiety, seizures, and panic disorders. Along with relaxing the nervous system, they also give the user a feeling of calm and euphoria.
Benzos are prescribed by doctors, but in the United States, we’re currently dealing with a vast benzodiazepine epidemic due to over-prescription, misuse, and illegal products entering the illicit recreational drug market.
More and more benzos are being prescribed by doctors as muscle relaxants and pain. Unfortunately, this has introduced more users to highly addictive benzos. To help combat this, some medical practitioners have advocated for doctors to get more training around the dangers of benzos and also alternative medications that are effective yet less addictive.
Benzodiazepine Epidemic Statistics
- Overdoses from people using benzodiazepines have increased almost eight times from 1999 to 2016.
- According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the benzodiazepine overdose mortality rate for women has increased by 830% between 1996 and 2017.
- The percentage of outpatient medical visits that led to a benzodiazepine prescription has almost doubled from 2003 to 2015.
- From 1998 to 2008, addiction treatment admissions for people using benzodiazepine abuse have almost tripled.
- Benzo overdoses account for more than 30% of opioid overdoses.
Understanding the Benzodiazepine Epidemic – Conclusion
As you can see, the benzodiazepine epidemic is raging throughout the United States and worldwide. If you believe that someone you love or care about has a problem with benzos, it’s never too late to seek assistance from a professional rehab and detox center.
Skyward Treatment is a premier rehab and treatment center located in Sugar Land, Texas. We offer a comprehensive, caring, and compassionate approach to recovery tailored to suit you and your addiction.
If you have been struggling with addiction and it’s affecting your personal or professional life, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us online or via phone at (713) 835-4771. So often, taking the first step is the most challenging yet most rewarding. Our friendly and professional team is standing by to assist you.