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PRINTER'S NO. 2474
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
492
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY ULLMAN, KIM AND READSHAW, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of September 2019 as "Benzodiazepine
Addiction Recovery Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Benzodiazepines, more commonly know as "benzos," are
a prescription sedative class of drugs that can be highly
addictive; and
WHEREAS, More than 30% of overdoses involving opioids also
involve benzodiazepines; and
WHEREAS, Benzodiazepines raise the level of the inhibitory
neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps relax the
nervous system; and
WHEREAS, Common examples of benzodiazepines are diazepam
(Valium), alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), which
can be prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal,
seizure control, muscle relaxation, inducing amnesia for
difficult procedures and given prior to anesthetic; and
WHEREAS, Benzodiazepine abuse is very common due to
widespread availability of the drugs, which can lead to toxic
effects and accidental overdoses; and
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WHEREAS, Symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse include weakness,
blurred vision, drowsiness, poor judgment or thinking, mood
changes and other risk-taking behaviors; and
WHEREAS, There are a wide range of other symptoms an
individual facing benzodiazepine addiction may experience
including mania, slurred speech, panic attacks, impaired
coordination, fatigue, vertigo, hostility and increased risk of
suicide; and
WHEREAS, An individual can quickly develop a tolerance to
benzodiazepines, thus requiring more of the drug to feel the
same effects, allowing addiction to develop in as little as a
few weeks; and
WHEREAS, Benzodiazepine addiction recovery can be a long
process, involving physical stability, substance withdrawal,
trauma treatment, peer support, healthy coping mechanisms,
rebound anxiety, co-occurring disorders, family and aftercare;
and
WHEREAS, An effective recovery is possible given the proper
support and communication between all involved parties;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of September 2019 as "Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery
Month" in Pennsylvania and encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn
more about the adverse effects of benzodiazepine addiction.
20190HR0492PN2474 - 2 -
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