Benzodiazepines: Understanding Physical Dependence vs. Addiction

Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, shares insights on benzodiazepine use disorder. She clarifies the crucial distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Surprisingly, only 1.5% of users develop a use disorder despite common concerns. The discussion delves into responsible prescribing practices and the necessity of monitoring for potential misuse. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on recognizing warning signs and promoting safe medication use.