Episode 11: Drug Facts - Sedative-Hypnotics and Anxiolytics - Dr. Christopher Blazes, OHSU

Episode 11: Drug Facts - Sedative-Hypnotics and Anxiolytics - Dr. Christopher Blazes, OHSU

Ever wondered why benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, can be so tricky to manage? In this episode of 'Trapped: Understanding Addiction', host Ahana Wokhlu sits down with Dr. Christopher Blazes, the Director of the Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at Oregon Health and Science University, to shed light on this complex issue. Dr. Blazes, who is triple board-certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and emergency medicine, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

He dives into the most commonly used sedative-hypnotic drugs, explaining how they work and why they can be so addictive, especially for women and older adults. You'll hear about the fine line between physical dependence and addiction, and the factors that increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder with these medications. Dr. Blazes also emphasizes the importance of medically supervised detox and psychosocial interventions like therapy and support groups in treating benzodiazepine dependence.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the complexities of benzodiazepine use and the best ways to approach treatment and recovery.