We have collected over 80 anonymous testimonies since March 2022 through our story-sharing platform hosted by our partner Drugs and Me. Testimonies were analysed to provide a clearer picture of young people's lived experiences with benzos, which is detailed in our 2022 report. These experiences continue to direct our outreach and harm reduction work.
Who are we?The Benzo Research Project (BRP) is a grassroots independent small charity, run by students and young people from across the globe. Although from over 30 different nationalities and interdisciplinary backgrounds, we share the desire to improve the lives of young people who use benzodiazepines.
Several of our members are part of the Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) organisation, which firmly aligns with our vision. We have invested over 5,000 hours voluntarily into this project since July 2021. |
What are our aims?Since starting this project, we have formed seven key partnerships with stakeholders and organisations relevant to our cause. Knowledge sharing is crucial to improving local services and emerging issues. We also want to build social media relationships to help grow each others' accounts and share information.
We believe that the growing benzo problem in the UK is under-reported, and young people's voices and experiences aren’t heard in the conversation. We advocate for journalists to write articles that are informed by lived experiences, are unbiased and non-judgemental, so as to not demonise people who use drugs. Public opinion is a significant factor in UK drug policy decisions, making the media an important frontier for driving positive change. Our social media team shares harm reduction and policy-related information on Instagram (@benzoresearchproject), Twitter (@benzoresearch), and TikTok (@benzoresearchproject). We have reached over 60,000 unique Instagram accounts, demonstrating demand for evidence-based harm reduction content tailored to young people. |
A screenshot of a virtual Zoom meeting, attended by 11 members of the Benzo Research Project – Summer 2022.
Quick Stats:
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Estimates from a survey conducted by The Bridge Project suggests that over 250,000 patients are being prescribed benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (BZDs) far beyond the recommended treatment duration, presenting a serious public health problem in the UK.
– Davies, Rae, and Montagu, 2017. |
29.3% of those having taken a BZD under medical instruction have also used the same drug non-medically.
– Kapil et al., 2018. |
We want to hear from you!Feel free to reach out regarding partnerships,
events, sponsorship, conferences, or questions. Email: benzoresearchteam@gmail.com 
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