How we responded

This is extremely concerning especially when several GPs and mental health professionals are not following the NICE guidelines on benzodiazepines; they must only be used for short term use only (2-3 weeks). People had dropped off waiting lists for NHS mental health services and not being supported. When people managed to see their GPs, several had their prescriptions cancelled or given incorrect taper advice, leaving the patient to cope with withdrawal symptoms. The looming mental health crisis fuelled by the aftermath of the pandemic and the economic recession means waiting times could get worse. This contributes to the high numbers of people self-mediating with benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) and similar drugs, and ending up with more people having a dependence.

People had more complex needs from Post COVID-19, such as bereavement, agoraphobia, loss of income and mental health disorders. PostScript360 saw an increase where patients' GPs had retired, where their new GPs had abruptly ended their benzodiazepine prescriptions. This lead to people buying prescription medication pills online from unregulated suppliers. There was a surge of young people self-diagnosing and self-mediating with Alprazolam (Xanax) with increased record numbers presenting to Accident and Emergency.

Recruitment was difficult over this financial period especially with increased demands of our services, people being furloughed, new employees having COVID 19 fatigue before starting their new role, or unable to adapt to a new working environment. PostScript360 advertised for trained practitioners, many were from drug agencies, however it soon became apparent drug workers did not have the skills or experience with people who had a dependence to benzodiazepines.

'All hands-on deck' was the first response to the volume of calls we received through the pandemic, PostScript360 staff were handling very complex cases from very distressed people. We increased and refreshed our training and support to all staff.

95% of clients told us that drug agencies do not understand prescription drug dependency, and 70% of mental health services excluded them if their problem is seen to be part of drug misuse. People ended up in a revolving door scenario with multiple visits to Accident & Emergency hospitals and Mental Health Crisis admissions.

Data showed that two-fifths of patients waiting for mental health treatment contact emergency or crisis services, with one-in-nine (11%) ending up in A&E, research by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. 64% wait more than four weeks between their initial assessment and second appointment. One-in-four wait more than three months, and one-in-nine wait longer than six months. Respondents living with severe mental illness - including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD - were left waiting up to two years for treatment. Other people were left waiting up to four years for treatment for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. 38% reported that they, or someone on their behalf, had contacted emergency or crisis services while waiting for their second appointment, while 39% said that waiting led to a decline in their mental health.