In the 1950s, barbiturates were widely prescribed for the routine treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Eventually, we realised that they were highly addictive and extremely dangerous, so we stopped prescribing them except as a short-term treatment for acute and severe episodes. Some patients remained addicted for years or decades; many died as a result.

In the 1960s, benzodiazepines were widely prescribed for the routine treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Eventually, we realised that they were highly addictive and extremely dangerous, so we stopped prescribing them except as a short-term treatment for acute and severe episodes. Some patients remained addicted for years or decades; many died as a result.

I'd really like history to stop repeating itself. I have a horrible suspicion that it won't.