I wrestled with whether to title this “If Knowledge is Power…” or “Ignorance is Bliss”! When it comes to addiction, those of us who have faced the music in one way or another know that ignorance cannot be our choice. Detachment, yes. Ignorance, no. And if I’m not going to be ignorant, then I want to know what’s happening out there – and friends, it’s not simple, it’s not easy, but it is a war where we need to know the names and faces of our enemies.
I was contacted recently by the Foundations Recovery Network, a residential and outpatient treatment center located in Tennessee. They are encouraging education regarding the risks associated with the abuse of benzodiazepines. Since I have no experience regarding this category of drugs (known on the street as “Benzos,” “Downers,” or “Tranks”), I did a little extra research and found some confirming information put out by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). You can read that here: DEA on Benzodiazipines.
What I’m thinking is – let’s opt for knowledge and take all the power we can. Click on this image to see the full infographic:
If this is an area of concern for you or a loved one, I hope this information is helpful. And if you have anything to add, please leave a comment. We learn best when we share information and learn together. Thanks, and God bless!
One Mom Talking: The ongoing story of one mom, three teens, and heroin. 
Well. As the POA, I understand information. Also as a POA, I now have severe Panic Disorder and am treated with alprazolam (xanax). I literally keep them in my pocket. I know they can be abused. I know they are abused. I also know at this point in my life, I have been on them as prescribed for 15 years (coincidentally as long as my daughter has been a heroin addict). I only take them when a panic attack comes on, however at this point, it is not uncommon to have sometimes 4 or 6 panic attacks a day. Other days, I use none because I have no panic attack. Go figure. Am I now an addict? I suppose, under the parameters given, yes. But I do and will say that it pisses me off incredibly that a drug that was developed for a specific illness and works really well for that illness is now being considered for taking off the market because people abuse them. It isn’t fair. Anymore than the makers of oxycontin are to blame for kids snorting them and now cancer patients have trouble getting pain meds.
Thank you for this comment. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to share your experience and help us all have another perspective on this. I, personally, do not blame the creators of the drugs for the misuse and addictions that follow it. It seems there’s no easy answer. You present a crucial perspective. Your life, your experience, your quality of your life matter. I present the infographic as information and a kick-off for discussion. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn. One step at a time. God bless you.