Nicole Lamberson on Benzo Tapers, Dependence Vs Addiction, Physician Desensitization

Nicole Lamberson is a recognized advocate for safer drug dependence treatment. As a survivor of dangerous detox practices, she co-founded the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) to educate on the adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Her efforts emphasize the critical distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Nicole collaborates with the American Society of Addiction Medicine to shape deprescribing guidelines, ensuring compassionate and informed patient care. In this episode, Nicole Lamberson of the BIC and Dr. Leeds explore the harrowing realities of addiction treatment and drug dependency, and the dangers of going to detox or rehab with a benzodiazepine dependency. They share personal insights and expert knowledge on the need for a reformed approach to managing medication tapering and addiction treatment. Discover the crucial differences between physical dependence and addiction, and why they matter. Learn about the potential dangers of rapid detoxification and the importance of gradual tapering with substances like buprenorphine. Explore alternative methods for tapering, including the use of compounded medications and home techniques for dose reduction. Hear about the influences of the pharmaceutical industry on prescription practices and the risks associated with psychiatric medications. Find out how universal healthcare regulations in other countries could influence better prescribing rules compared to the U.S. system. Visit https://www.benzoinfo.com/ to learn more about Nicole Lamberson's work. And please visit our websites for more information, https://drleeds.com, https://benzodoc.com, and our podcast website, https://therehab.com.