Major changes to national guidelines in the UK may help people safely withdraw from dependency-forming prescription drugs such as depression pills, benzos, and opioids. The UK “finally acknowledged the prevalence, severity, and duration of withdrawal after decades of minimization and denial,” said John Read, professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of East London.

A 2019 Public Health England report also recommends “specialised services and a phone hotline” to help people safely withdraw.

When will the US FDA take similar actions to help reduce avoidable suffering and save lives? Akathisia is frequently a critical symptom of withdrawal.

Read the full article at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychiatry-through-the-looking-glass/202303/services-for-people-withdrawing-from.