A former school teacher shares her experience of becoming dependent on Ativan, a benzodiazepine medication she was taking as prescribed. As she began to reduce her dose, she experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. Unable to find support from her doctors, she turned to online communities and eventually found Australia’s only specialist benzodiazepine dependency treatment centre, Reconnexion. With the help of specialist clinicians, she developed a tapering plan and received counseling to manage her withdrawal symptoms. However, the future of Reconnexion is uncertain as funding is set to decrease, resulting in longer waiting times for patients seeking help.
The reduction in funding for Reconnexion is a result of the SafeScript program, which aims to reduce drug-induced deaths by monitoring prescription medications in real-time. While the Victorian government has stated that base funding for Reconnexion will continue, the program will see a significant decrease in the number of specialist clinicians available to help patients. This reduction in services has led to an increased demand for support, as many doctors are now more aware of the dangers of prescribing benzodiazepines for extended periods of time.
Janet Shaw, Reconnexion’s state service manager, has called for federal intervention to address the national health problem of benzodiazepine dependency. She argues that a small percentage of the federal budget could ensure the continuation of Reconnexion’s services, providing much-needed support for individuals struggling with withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Hester Wilson, an expert in alcohol and other drugs, supports the call for federal funding, highlighting the wide range of withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine dependency and the need for ongoing support for those affected.
Many individuals who become dependent on benzodiazepines may not identify as having a substance abuse problem, as they have used the medication as prescribed. This can make seeking help challenging, especially if they feel stigmatized by the idea of seeking treatment alongside individuals with substance use disorders. The Department of Health and Aged Care has stated that state and territory governments are responsible for funding drug and alcohol treatment services, with the Australian government committing significant funding to support these services.
Despite the commitment to preventing and reducing harms associated with alcohol and other drugs, there remains a need for increased support for individuals struggling with benzodiazepine dependency. The challenges of withdrawal from these medications can be complex and lengthy, requiring significant support and resources. The future of Reconnexion and similar programs highlights the ongoing need for federal funding and intervention to address the national health problem of benzodiazepine dependency.
