Table 3 Main issues around benzodiazepine prescribing raised by the PWLE group

• Prescribing has been reduced but there doesn’t seem to be a ‘plan of action’ on how to do this or alternatives

• No support on reducing/stopping benzodiazepine use (prescribed or street)

• Postcode lottery around benzodiazepine prescribing-didn’t want to move to a different GP in case they lost their prescription

• Left on the same ‘maintenance dose’ for prolonged periods of time with no next steps discussed

• Cutting off prescriptions as they are believed to be risky or dangerous is ‘ridiculous’ due to the availability

• Fear of raising the subject of talking to care providers about reducing for fear of having their prescription stopped immediately

• Fear of starting these conversations as there is little/no support for stopping benzodiazepine use

• ‘Scared if you reach out, scared if you don’t’

• Fear of telling GP/addiction services of any illicit drug use in case they lose their current prescription

• Fear around seeking treatment/support in the first place because of anonymity issues, once they have approached services their drug use is recorded, worries around stigma that could arise in the future as a result

• Feelings that doctors are ‘closed door’, not willing to discuss options

• People are given reduction plans but no trauma work, psychosocial support while doses are reduced

• Trauma is rarely dealt with – offered prescriptions which are slowly reduced over time, but because the original trauma and/or anxiety was never handled, it often results in further illicit use

• Psychosocial support is required to help these individuals. There is poor communication between prescribers/service providers and people who use drugs