Recovering from Benzodiazepine Use
for Peer Support

upcoming classes about the course origins of the course

New Training Course!

The Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) at the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention announces the very first training course of its kind:

Recovering from Benzodiazepines for Peer Support

1 in 5 Americans take benzodiazepines prescribed by a physician or psychiatrist, and many providers do not know enough about the drugs and their adverse effects. Benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence when taken continuously, and withdrawal from this class of medication can produce long-term life-altering consequences. This training will educate peers, counselors, and caregivers on benzodiazepines, their effects, tapering, and withdrawal.

The pilot course — presented in December 2022 — filled its registration in just days and was a huge success. Now it’s time to launch this course so it is available to the general public. First in Colorado, then nationwide.

Return to this page (www.benzopeertraining.org) for upcoming class announcements and more details as they are released.

upcoming classes

June 19 & 26, 2023 - Colorado (Virtual)

This class will be held virtually on two consecutive Mondays from 9:00am to 4:00pm Mountain Time. Lived experience instructors for this class are Terri Schreiber and Dr. Christy Huff. This course is provided in partnership with CHOICES Training and Embark Peer Coach Academy Colorado.

COST: $250

LOCATION: Virtual - Colorado residents only (national classes coming soon)

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: https://www.universe.com/events/consortium-choices-recovering-from-benzodiazepine-use-for-peer-specialists-tickets-colorado-springs-LR7P3W

about the course

This 12-hour training course is designed to educate peers, counselors, caregivers and providers on specialized information regarding benzodiazepine use, its associated complications such as withdrawal and BIND (protracted withdrawal), and how to support the individual as they taper, heal, and find wellness.

Most individuals who face the complications of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND) have taken this medication as prescribed by a licensed physician. They experience severe symptoms and life alterations specific to physical dependence, an experience quite dissimilar to that of substance use disorder (SUD). When they seek support in the medical community they are often dismissed, misdiagnosed, or referred to SUD treatment.

So, they turn to their peers and online support groups for help — and that is where we come in. This course is designed to help those individuals by giving them the information, research, and tools they need to support this disenfranchised community. It has been designed to meet state certification standards and has been integrated into core recovery training as provided by established training organizations.

origins of the course

Recovering from Benzodiazepines for Peer Support was created by the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) and is the property of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention. It is the result of over 12-months of development involving over 20 contributors from medical, training, SUD, and lived-experience backgrounds. It was developed in conjunction with Choices Trainings.

Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG)
The mission of the Benzodiazepine Action work group is to increase benzodiazepine safety through education, patient support, and informed prescribing and deprescribing practices.

The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention

The Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention coordinates Colorado’s response to the crisis of misuse and abuse of prescription medications such as opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. Since the Consortium took its current form in 2013, it has been a place where stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints work together and focus their efforts to address the opioid crisis. Partners include federal agencies, major state departments and agencies including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Office of Behavioral Health, and dozens of grassroots organizations and dedicated individuals.

The Consortium receives funds from the state and federal government and grants from nonprofit foundations and businesses. The University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora is the administrative home of the Consortium.