More women than men are prescribed benzodiazepines. Indeed, women in British Columbia are prescribed benzodiazepines at a rate two times higher than men. This discrepancy is a sign of a serious social problem. Many women do have too much stress and anxiety in their lives. They may be taking care of children, elderly parents, husbands and jobs with very little assistance.
Women often have no time to look after themselves, physically or emotionally.
They are more likely than men to be living in poverty as single parents or as seniors. Yet these are social and economic problems that will not be solved by giving pills to women. The real solution is to provide women with services and community support. How benzodiazepines are prescribed Benzodiazepines were originally intended for short-term use only, seven to ten days at most. However, many women are given prescriptions for much longer periods.