World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) seeks to raise global awareness about iatrogenic benzodiazepine dependence and the dangers of its associated withdrawal syndrome, which can persist for years. This class of medication can affect different people in different ways, and some people may not experience adverse effects of a medication, but there is a large group of people worldwide who do suffer from adverse effects associated with physical dependence (from as prescribed use) and withdrawal.
As a result of inaction from regional health sectors and governing bodies, this problem has spiraled out of control for over 50 years. W-BAD seeks to bring the problem out of the dark to help those who so desperately need it, and to prevent this from happening to others while reducing the impact on socioeconomic costs. W-BAD is observed annually on July 11 worldwide to recognize Professor C. Heather Ashton, D.M., F.R.C.P., a world-renowned clinical research neuropsychopharmacologist, for all that she has contributed to the cause.
The following video (14:14) explains:
1. The BZ Problem: Why Do We Need W-BAD?
2. What is the Goal of W-BAD?
3. The Many Thousands of People Harmed
4. The Symptoms and Suffering
5. What Can We Do?
6. Ways You Can Participate in W-BAD
7. Who Participates in W-BAD and Why?
8. What Do We Want?
Click on CC for captions in English. To contribute translations of this video in another language, click here.
