Benzodiazepine Information Coalition Celebrates 9 Years

This month marks the 9th anniversary of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC). For nearly a decade, we’ve remained committed to our mission of educating about the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed. As we reflect on the past year, we’re proud to share some of our biggest milestones.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support our ongoing efforts: Donate here

What We Accomplished in the Past Year:

Contributing to National Guidelines on Deprescribing

Several BIC Board Members served on the Patients With Lived Experience (PWLE) Panel for the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) as they developed their first-ever benzodiazepine deprescribing guidelines. These guidelines were published in March 2024, offering much-needed direction to clinicians and patients nationwide. Our volunteers continue to provide input as ASAM builds out supporting resources for clinicians and patients alike. More info

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Christy Huff

The Wall Street Journal featured the story of our beloved late Medical Director, Dr. Christy Huff, in a powerful investigative piece titled “Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug.” We are grateful to have worked closely with reporters Shalini Ramachandran and Betsy McKay, helping to ensure the piece was grounded in medical accuracy and compassion. Read the article

Dr. Huff’s tireless work continues to inspire everything we do.

Expanding Public Awareness Through Community Outreach

Dr. Michael Bohan, a member of BIC’s Medical Advisory Board, hosted an outreach booth at the 2nd Annual Smithfield Rotary Mental Health Expo in Virginia—marking the second year in a row he has represented BIC at this event. His presence helped educate attendees on benzodiazepine risks, withdrawal, and safer prescribing practices. More on the event

Informing National Media on Benzodiazepine Harms

BIC helped connect reporters with individuals willing to share their lived experiences for The New York Times piece “When They Couldn’t Get Benzos Anymore, Quitting Was Torture.” Our team also helped ensure the piece reflected the clinical complexity and suffering often tied to withdrawal. Read the article

Advocating for Better International Guidelines

When the University of Western Australia released draft deprescribing guidance for older adults—including guidance on benzodiazepines and other sedatives—BIC put out a call to action for public comment. Thanks to the thoughtful input of so many of you, we hope to see changes made to the guidance that better reflect patient-centered safety and the realities of long-term use and withdrawal. Read our post

Educating Local Prevention Efforts

JC, BIC’s co-founder, and Nicole Lamberson, PA, BIC’s Medical Director, collaborated on a comprehensive presentation for Healthy Lincoln County’s Substance Use Prevention Partnership, which Nicole delivered. The talk covered the long-term risks of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, the dangers of physical dependence and withdrawal, and the principles of safe tapering.  View the presentation

Sharing About Benzodiazepine Risks With Eastern Virginia Medical Students

Volunteers educated future PAs in Virginia about the risks of prescribed benzodiazepines. This is our second time educating at this event. Learn more

BIC Brings Benzodiazepine Education to Canada

BIC presented at the Centre for Rehabilitation & Health’s Holiday Education Session in Toronto, Canada. Topics included challenges in benzodiazepine deprescribing, gaps in provider training, and growing recognition of BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction). The event was attended by clinicians and disability insurers nationwide. Learn more

Looking Ahead: Our 10th Year

As we mark 9 years of progress, we are proud of how far we have come and clear-eyed about the work that still lies ahead. From shaping policy to amplifying patient voices, BIC remains a leading force in benzodiazepine harm reduction and awareness.

We continue to advocate for recognition of the iatrogenic harms caused by benzodiazepines taken as prescribed. These harms are real, often devastating, and too often ignored.

We thank each and every one of you who has supported our mission, whether by donating, volunteering, sharing your story, or simply spreading awareness.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support our ongoing efforts: Donate here

There is more to come in the way of advocacy, education, and activism. Stay tuned—and thank you for standing with us.