A 2024 report published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society about older women’s use of drugs associated with cognitive impairment was based on a nationally representative sample of ambulatory patients in the United States. In this study, 8.5% and 10.1% of women over age 65 had current prescriptions for benzodiazepines and opioids (respectively).

An addiction treatment professional discusses benzos, dependence, and long-term effects on memory.

Gail Groves Scott, a former drug rep for Purdue Pharma and whistleblower, talks about her role in promoting opioids and subsequently promoting medication to treat addiction. She proposes requiring drug reps to be licensed like other health professionals, identification/disclosure of problem prescribers (“pill mills”), ending abuse of the patent (USPTA) and regulatory (FDA) systems, and prosecuting drug companies for fraudulent claims and violations of the Sunshine Act.