Focus - When a miracle pill becomes a trap: France's addiction to anti-anxiety medication
France 24
by Olivia BIZOTFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
France stands out as Europe's second-largest consumer of benzodiazepines, a class of sedatives including drugs like Valium and Xanax, primarily prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. Despite their intended short-term use, many patients are given these medications indefinitely without proper supervision, leading to widespread dependency issues that affect individuals across all age groups, from teenagers to the elderly. This overreliance on benzodiazepines has raised significant concerns about the long-term health consequences and the adequacy of current medical practices in France.
The article highlights how France's healthcare system contributes to this problem by often prioritizing medication over alternative treatments. While these drugs are effective for short periods, their prolonged use can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction. Many patients remain on these medications without being adequately monitored or provided with non-pharmacological alternatives like therapy or lifestyle changes.
This issue is not only a public health concern but also a broader reflection of how societies approach mental health and stress management. The overuse of benzodiazepines in France underscores the need for greater awareness about the risks associated with these drugs and the importance of balanced treatment approaches. Addressing this problem will require both regulatory reforms and increased education for both healthcare providers and patients, to ensure safer and more effective management of anxiety and insomnia.
For readers interested in global health trends, this story sheds light on a growing issue not just in France but across Europe and beyond. The misuse of benzodiazepines highlights the challenges of balancing medical innovation with responsible usage, and the importance of adopting comprehensive strategies to tackle mental health issues without over-relying on medication.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026