The Washington Post ran an article today on the dangers of benzodiazepines. Titled “What patients — and doctors — should know about ‘benzo’ withdrawal,” it is one of the most accurate accounts I have read. Benzodiazepine Information Coalition was featured, along with other accurate benzo resources.
It is good to see more information being shared about benzodiazepines and more professional organizations working to raise awareness. Hopefully, doctors will want to learn about how to properly deprescribe benzos. Otherwise, they may take their patients off their benzos and use medications that we know in the benzo community are dangerous, to treat withdrawal symptoms. My benzodiazepine certification course is available for any healthcare professional who wants to learn about benzodiazepines and how to best manage deprescribing and withdrawal symptoms.
I’ve been in the benzo community for twelve years. We’ve come a long way since I started my taper. I know there is more work ahead, but we are making inroads. It’s too late for those of us who have suffered or are suffering now, but let’s hope that one day, doctors will know not to prescribe benzodiazepines for more than a few days. They will find other ways to help their patients, like teaching the four cornerstones of well-being.
Let’s celebrate today’s article and give thanks for professional resources like the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition and the many people who are working hard to shine a light on the benzo catastrophe.
If you are suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and want some help, please feel free to book a coaching session with me.
You may also want to join my group coaching/support group. We meet live three times a week.
I’m here to help.
Thank you for sharing this very informative article. It is wonderful to see an article that defines the problems with benzos and how to taper.
Hi Jenn,
Is it possible for you to copy snd paste the article, not wanting to pay the Post to read it.
Thanks in advance if you’re able.
Brandy
Hi Dr Jenn
Your post about pain helped me a lot. Thank you so much! Is it possible for you to post an other one or a video about pain! The suffering is unbearable and it would help to know how the different pains hurt/feel. For me it’s never the same.. maybe just that we know that BIND really can hurt so badly. Thanks
Hi Dr Jenn
can pain really be so severe in BIND? it would help if you could blog or make a video about the different pains and their hurting. Sometimes the pains spasms… are unbearable. Thanks
This is encouraging! Very glad to see this article!
Yes. Pain can be a predominate benzo withdrawal symptom. Xanax users sometimes report the most severe pain, but all benzos are capable of causing pain. I will try to make a video soon about it. I hope you feel better soon.
You are very welcome!
Usually, of you Google an article title, it will open up in an app that doesn’t require payment. I didn’t have to pay to read it. Hope you can find a free version!
I agree!
I would very much appreciate it. As you described it in your blogs, burning, tingling, bee stings, feeling as my arms are in a vice, pulls and tears, shouting pains, electrical, exploding hands…very often afraid that there is something els wrong.. but then what else would put me in such severe pain and then disappear for hours!? and pop up just randomly at different places…Thank you so much! I was on Ativan and Zolpidem.
Dr Jenn, I just read something in the Ashton Manual and on the internet that there is some people showing signs of permanent brain damage from long term use if benzos. I am one of those people. Is this true? I am so scared.
I am not aware of anyone who has permanent brain damage. I’ve been in the benzo community for 12 years and no one has ever reached out and told me they are decades out and still damaged. Some of us take longer than others to recover, but I do believe we all get back to a normal life. I am healthier and happier than I’ve ever been! I do not have my pre-existing anxiety or panic. I’m well!
I believe you will get here, too.
Thank you Dr Jenn. I think I misread the information
I appreciate your reply
You are most welcome.