Ep. 411 Benzodiazepines: From Relief to Risk in Mental Health with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman

I am thrilled to have Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman with me on the show today. Dr. Bogunovic is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the medical director of the alcohol, drug, and addiction outpatient program at the McLean Hospital, and Holly directed the documentary As Prescribed.

In today’s discussion, we dive into the ongoing benzodiazepine crisis in the United States, with over 92 million prescriptions written each year for medications like Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. We discuss the origin of those drugs in the 1970s as treatments for anxiety and how they lead to tremendous physical dependency. Holly shares her experience with the neurological effects she suffered after long-term use of Klonopin, and we examine challenges in psychiatric care, the need for informed consent, and the impact of social media. We also cover the role of lifestyle, the need for psychotherapy and psychosocial support, and the significance of hope.

This conversation is truly invaluable! Given how frequently benzodiazepines get prescribed, everyone must understand their associated risks and considerations.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How prescribing practices have evolved over the last two decades
• The significant consequences older adults face when they suddenly stop using benzodiazepines 
• Holly shares how doctors misinformed her when she began taking Klonopin. 
• Holly describes the benzodiazepine-induced symptoms and cognitive issues she experienced
• Why people must get informed about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines when consenting to take them
• How benzodiazepines work in the body and impact the brain
• Why benzodiazepines are ineffective when used long-term for insomnia
• The challenges certain people face when accessing psychiatric care
• What is BIND, and what are its symptoms?
• The significance of diet and holistic approaches for managing mental health and why community support is essential in the recovery process
• Why As Prescribed is an educational documentary for everyone

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Connect with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic

• The McLean Hospital (in Boston)

The documentary, As Prescribed, is available in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, Apple, Kanopy, Tubi, and Google.