The opioid crisis is still bringing immense devastation to cities and towns across the United States. Indeed, with almost 43,000 Americans killed as a result of an opioid overdose in 2016, opioids are responsible for more deaths every year than breast cancer. Yet even in the midst of this profound epidemic, some professionals are starting to worry that there may be a new drug crisis lying just around the corner.
Several scientists looked into data on prescription sedatives like Valium and Xanax, known generically as benzodiazepines and discovered significant increases in both the benzodiazepine prescription rate and the benzodiazepine overdose rate between 1996 and 2013. Specifically, benzodiazepine prescriptions increased 67% during this time period and the number of drugs obtained through those prescriptions tripled. In addition, the number of overdoses increased sevenfold during that same time frame.
These numbers have some professionals trying to sound the alarm before this phenomenon escalates to the crisis levels seen during the opioid epidemic. They warn that this situation is likely to continue to become worse as long as people continue to overestimate the benefits of these drugs while failing to appreciate their dangerous side effects and risks.
If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be developing an addiction to benzodiazepines, you should consult with a certified addiction specialist and seek treatment at the first possible opportunity.
At Asana Recovery, we offer a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
