An important article featured in the Wall Street Journal on March 13, 2025, explores the science and narratives surrounding the concealed epidemic of benzodiazepine over-prescribing.
The article, "Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug," was written by Shalini Ramachandran and Betsy McKay over a period of several weeks. Many of us in the benzo support community provided extensive background information, and two members of our research team, Dr. Alexis Ritvo and Dr. Peter Martin, were directly quoted.
The article discusses a significant shift in medical understanding, driven by studies linking benzodiazepines to serious risks. These findings challenge the perception of benzodiazepines as benign, revealing cognitive impairments and physical dependence that can persist even years after discontinuation. Our research on BIND and the development of the recent ASAM Guidelines are highlighted in the article.
"In 2023, a group of advocates and scientists including Ritvo proposed a term for the protracted condition: benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction, or BIND."
Remembering Christy
At the heart of the article are the personal stories. These include the experience of my colleague and friend, Dr. Christy Huff, whose life ended tragically just over a year ago. The authors communicated with Dr. Huff's family and received their permission to disclose details that had not been shared with the public before.
This article does contain material that may be distressing to those in the benzo-harmed community. You may wish to skip it, if this is a concern for you.
References
Ramachandran, Shalini and McKay, Betsy. "Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug." The Wall Street Journal. March 13, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/xanax-drug-benzodiazepines-research-harm-7a60f236.