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By Earl of Sandwich - 23rd June 2011
The Earl of Sandwich calls on the government to recognise the work of medical professionals and volunteers in creating a "much higher profile" for the dangers of prescription drug addiction.
On 23rd June I am asking the government to recognise that for many people, addiction to and withdrawal from prescribed drugs is an emergency condition and should be given a much higher profile in national health. I am asking them what practical actions they will take as a result of the latest reports by the National Addiction Centre and the National Treatment Agency, which have summarised the research but have done absolutely nothing for the victims in the way of national policy.
Ordinary people who take benzodiazepines such as sleeping pills, and other prescribed drugs known as SSRIs and Z-drugs, are completely unaware of the risks they run if normal doses lead to addiction and, still worse, withdrawal which can cause more pain than withdrawal from heroin. Most people who suffer this pain at present live a half-life, unable to work and isolated in their own homes. They have no redress from the NHS or doctors: indeed, these doctors may well have contributed to their condition in the first place.
I would like the government to recognise the work being done by volunteers, inside and outside the NHS, who are familiar with this subject because they have had direct experience either themselves or through their families, and to support any good practice carried out by these volunteers, and for doctors and health workers to refer patients to them. In addition, I would like the government to provide warnings in surgeries of the risks of inappropriate prescription, of addiction, withdrawal and even suicide.
The Earl of Sandwichfirst entered the House of Lords in 1995 and was elected as a hereditary peer in 1999.
Article Comments
I know how you feel.
You must never give up.
You will eventually Break-Free.
Slowly, Slowly. One step at a time.
Stephen Bailey
1st Jul 2011 at 7:12 pm
I have been on Benzos for over 20 years - I am a single Mother with 3 sons. All I can say is that they have destroyed my life and I struggling so hard to withdraw. My GP offers no support whatsoever - he would see me go cold turkey rather than help, I do not have a life anymore thanks to these evil drugs. I am only here for my family.
If I was on my own,, I honestly think I would have ended my life by now. That is how desperate I am. I hate my life and I hate being unable to live it normally. I have to push myself 24/7 to do the most trivial things - walk the dog, cook meals for my sons etc. I feel robbed and cheated and it's all down to these drugs. I am not fit to travel for any kind of help and am constantly trapped in this cold, dark lonely place.
Mary J Gardner
23rd Jun 2011 at 2:40 pm
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2nd Jul 2011 at 7:17 pm