The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst
The Hidden Drug Epidemic That You Must Know About | Dr. Olivera Bogunovic
Dec 5, 2024
Dr. Olivera Bogunovic, a leading expert on benzodiazepine addiction and Medical Director at McLean Hospital, sheds light on the hidden epidemic of benzodiazepines. She discusses the severe impacts on the brain, the alarming risks of dependence, and the dangers linked to withdrawal, including life-threatening seizures. The conversation emphasizes the need for cautious prescribing and highlights recovery strategies, like exercise and holistic therapies, to foster long-term well-being. Insights on managing anxiety and the significance of patient-centered treatment further enrich this critical dialogue.
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Quick takeaways
- Benzodiazepines pose a hidden public health crisis with significant risks of dependence and potential overdose, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly.
- Effective recovery from benzodiazepine addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical supervision, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and mindfulness.
Deep dives
The Hidden Epidemic of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines represent a concealed public health crisis, likened to the opioid epidemic due to their increasing prescriptions. These drugs, frequently prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, can lead to dependence and contribute to overdose fatalities, particularly among the elderly. While they may not result in immediate mortality as opioids do, their long-term effects are significant, with rising prescription rates indicating a growing problem. Physicians are becoming more cautious, yet the risks remain prevalent, prompting concerns of a benzodiazepine epidemic in the future.
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