Prescription Drug Addiction
The British Medical Association has told 5 live Investigates it wants urgent action to tackle prescription drug addiction. It's calling for a 24-hour helpline.
The British Medical Association has told 5 live Investigates it wants urgent action to tackle prescription drug addiction. It's calling for a 24 hour helpline, specialist treatment services across the UK and more information for doctors about withdrawal. The drugs include Benzodiazepines which are generally prescribed for severe anxiety and insomnia. 10 million prescriptions for them were issued in England alone last year and there are estimates that more than a quarter of million people are using the drugs long term - even though in most cases they should only be prescribed for up to four weeks. 5 live Investigates has spoken to people who have been using the drugs for decades.
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Jan Waterton fought her addiction to Benzos for 18 years and suffered severe side effects
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- Sun 23 Oct 2016 11:00麻豆社 Radio 5 Live
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5 Live Investigates
Adrian Goldberg presents cutting edge investigative journalism