Benzodiazepines are among the 10 most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications in the United States. Reportedly, at least 25.3 million or (10.4%) adults were prescribed benzodiazepines between 2015-2016 alone.  You’ve heard about the Opioid Epidemic, but no one’s talking much about the benzodiazepine epidemic that’s flying under the radar.  It’s time to do that!  

While benzodiazepines are meant to treat short-term, acute anxiety, etc., prescribing rates are increasing along with hospital outpatient medical visits due to adverse effects, particularly for those taking them for extended periods.  The physical dependence on benzodiazepines can set in within the first two weeks, and some people can find it extremely difficult to withdraw use, including this interview’s guest speaker.  

In this interview, you’ll hear directly from Melissa, speaker, poet, and author, about her horrific plunge into Benzodiazepine dependence that began with a legitimate prescription to manage chronic insomnia.  You’ll travel with Melissa as she describes the horrific physical and emotional challenges that developed downstream.  You’ll also learn about her difficult journey to find help and what resources she ultimately found that most likely saved her life.

Melissa expects to have her new book, ‘Mad Little Fishes,’ published by Spring 2021.  In the meantime, check out her descriptive and poignant blogs posted in Mad in America, https://www.madinamerica.com/author/mbond/ and share this video and resources far and wide.