There are moments that change everything, providing hope for millions of individuals struggling with serious health conditions. One such moment has come for the benzodiazepine or “benzo” community. The recent publication of a study on the adverse effects of benzo use is being hailed as a watershed moment, with the use of the word “BIND” representing a new era of hope for those affected.
The article, Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey, highlights the study’s findings. We are grateful to the authors: Alexis D.Ritvo, D.E. Foster, Dr. Christy Huff, A. J. Reid Finlayson, Bernard Silvernail, and Peter R. Martin. The New York Post published an article about the research.
The study showed that the use of benzodiazepines is linked to severe and lasting side effects, including cognitive impairment, suicidal ideation, and brain damage, even after individuals stop taking them. In response to this discovery, the term “BIND” (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction) was used, highlighting the severe and ongoing nature of the side effects.
Benzos have been used for decades to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. However, the negative consequences of their use have not always been fully acknowledged. This study, and the use of the term BIND, is a step towards a better understanding of the real and significant harm that benzo use can cause.
It is positive to see these findings emerge into the public spotlight, finally providing a voice to the many individuals who have suffered from the unintended consequences of benzodiazepine use. For those who these drugs have impacted, the use of the term BIND is a true validation of their lived experiences. It is a call to action for doctors, researchers, and policymakers to take the findings seriously and make the necessary changes to the way these drugs are prescribed and regulated.
This research also provides hope for those who are currently struggling with benzodiazepine withdrawal/BIND. With the increased awareness of the long-lasting side effects of benzo use, there is an opportunity to support those affected through best practices known in the benzo community.
The study also highlights the importance of ongoing research into the use of prescription drugs and their long-term effects. It is critical to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential downsides of any medication to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. This study shows that there is still much we are yet to learn about benzodiazepines and how they can impact the health of those who use them.
It is important that the medical community engages in proactive discussions and listens to the voices of those affected by benzo use. Only through a collaborative approach, incorporating patient experiences and expanding research efforts, can we create a future where individuals have safe and effective treatment options for their medical conditions.
This study and use of the word BIND represent a positive and hopeful turning point for those impacted by benzodiazepine use. It shines a light on the serious and lasting side effects of these drugs, gives recognition and validation to the lived experiences of millions of individuals, and provides hope for those seeking alternative therapies. The findings from this study have the potential to transform the way that benzos are prescribed and the way that doctors view the long-term effects of prescription drugs, leading to better care for those who need it most.
Thank you to the team who put together the research and wrote the article. We are grateful for your ongoing help and support in the benzo community!
Add your voice! Please feel free to leave a comment or a thank you to the team behind the research article.
Hear, hear! I, too, am very grateful for the fine work this group has done for the benzo community. And although the name Dr. Jennifer Leigh does not appear among the credits, in my opinion, you have done more than anyone to champion our cause and to bring this issue into the light.
I am SO grateful that you are shedding light on some of the horrible effects of benzodiazepines. I still can’t believe how little is known by the medical community. The suffering of benzodiazepine patients is vast and impacts so many areas of life. We are often looked at as “crazy” when the damage is very real. It can be an incredibly hopeless feeling when even medical professionals are not knowledgeable and don’t know how to help. It’s a difference between life and death. This research is a step forward in creating awareness and hope for those who are suffering. Thank you!
This is wonderful and I plan to sent it to my doctor! But the above statement about brain damage… being 5 years out and worse than ever … is still reversible and we will all still heal, correct?
Yes! It is a chemical brain injury, neuroadaptation, and the brain knows EXACTLY what to do to heal. It just takes time, and patience and acceptance.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you. I can’t take a lot of credit, though. There are so many of us who work diligently to help this community. I stand on the shoulders of many great names in our community. Baylissa and Geraldine Burns carried me through my suffering. Matt Samet (Author of Death Grip, A Climbers Escape From Benzo Madness [EXCELLENT BOOK!]) was also a guardian angel to me. My prayer is that one day I won’t have a job anymore coaching benzo sufferers because the medical community stopped prescribing them as they do now. Until then, I will be here to the best of my ability.
Thanks for this encouraging news. After my careful tapering, my last dose of a benzo was 3/29/2017. My nervous system has never recovered.
My primary doc suggested the tapering when they found sustained use could be damaging. I tapered off with the neurologist (same doc who said taking clonapin was very safe) that prescribed this medication to me for over 20 years.
I’ve tried many things but my head has never been clear, as well as my gut or mouth symptoms. It’s been devastating to me. I am fortunate to have a supportive partner.
It is frustrating. You can’t articulate for yourself and docs now say I’m not in “withdrawal” but offer no hope for the way info is being processed in my body.
Thanks again.
That is hopeful to see. Thank you for sharing.
You are welcome.
I am sorry to hear you are still suffering. I hope things begin to turn around for you soon.
Thank you to the researchers and team who put this together.
My question is this:
Have studies been done to learn how to reverse the effects of these medications on our brains?
The only research I can find is about HDAC inhibitors. I recently blogged about them. You can find that post. The four cornerstones of well-being can help us heal. You can find them under resources on the main menu. Thanks for the question. We all wish there was more research done.