As Prescribed delves into a riveting narrative surrounding benzodiazepines. Far beyond the common portrayal of these medications in media, the documentary unveils an epidemic causing illness and injury. Filmmaker Holly Hardman, a Massachusetts resident and former Klonopin user, shares her journey through overwhelming side effects, dismissive medical professionals, and the challenging process of tapering off the drug.
The film introduces Geraldine Burns, a Boston-based benzo survivor leading a grassroots movement of "good patients." As Prescribed intimately chronicles the struggles of individuals caught in the grip of benzodiazepine use and the resistance faced by advocates for change. The documentary features segments with those in the struggle, juxtaposed with stories of successful journeys toward wellness, shedding light on the urgent need for reform within the healthcare system.
As Prescribed broaches an interesting subject in a way those drawn to emotional arguments will find compelling. This strength proves to be a weakness, however, for those persuaded by information. The film never gives us even a rough number of just how many people face the issues highlighted in the film. Additionally, As Prescribed’s hop-around editing style can prove a bit confusing at times, crossing wires and making it easy to mix narratives. There is a strong bias in As Prescribed that I feel is overly harsh. Given how many times the opioid epidemic is mentioned, we don’t hear much of anything considering the failings of the over-legislation of opioids. Because of a strong legal reaction to opioid deaths, many pain patients today turn to risky street drugs to find relief for their symptoms.
The bill Burns and others are behind mirrors much of the language of those opioid laws, and the doctors who point that issue out are demonized by the filmmaker as callous or sold-out to the pharmaceutical industry. It is strange seeing a structural issue talked about at such length only to see criminalization pushed as the solution. When the same thing happened with pain doctors and opioids, millions were denied reasonable treatments to avoid even the slightest threat of legal repercussions.
Seeing as the issue of benzodiazepine withdrawal is understudied, caution seems a reasonable action as opposed to jumping into a hastily written law, feet-first, and without a second thought. You only have to study a little history to see how poorly creating criminals deals with the root causes of social problems like the opioid and benzo epidemics. Sadly, As Prescribed’s reactionary stylings make it an ineffective teaching tool. A Strong Optional Purchase.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
- Health and Medicine: As Prescribed offers a deep dive into the complexities surrounding benzodiazepines, shedding light on the epidemic of illness and injury caused by these medications. It provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals struggling with benzodiazepine use and advocates for reform within the healthcare system.
- Mental Health: The documentary intimately chronicles the struggles of individuals caught in the grip of benzodiazepine use, making it a relevant resource for those interested in mental health and addiction issues.
- Advocacy and Reform: With its focus on grassroots movements and advocacy efforts led by benzo survivors like Geraldine Burns, As Prescribed contributes to discussions surrounding healthcare reform and patient advocacy, earning its place on shelves dedicated to advocacy and reform.