Can you believe it’s been almost TEN YEARS since I posted A Letter To Doctors? So much has happened since that post in August 2013. I’ve learned more about benzo withdrawal/BIND and what helps us to heal and to go on to live our highest and best expression of ourselves. I’ve coached thousands of people, listened to their stories (cried with them, prayed with them, carried them in my heart), and celebrated all their victories and successes! And, I completely healed from my benzo damage. You will, too!
With all the new knowledge, it’s time for an updated Letter To Doctors. So, here you go! You can copy/paste or use the link below for a PDF copy to print. I hope it is helpful in your discussions with your medical team.
Dear Doctor,
Benzodiazepines were never approved for use longer than 2-4 weeks. Their effects are poorly understood, but more information is coming to light. The FDA recently issued a black box warning, including withdrawal symptoms. There are now protocols for helping patients safely discontinue benzodiazepines.
These research and educational groups are helping the medical community and general population understand the damages and dangers of benzodiazepines:
- Benzodiazepine Action Work Group at the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention.
- Benzodiazepine Information Coalition
- The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices (Doctors Christy Huff and Bernie Silvernail are leaders at the Alliance.)
- Benzo Withdrawal Help
Alliance – www.benzoreform.org
BIC – www.benzoinfo.com
Benzo Warrior – www.benzowarrior.com
Adjunct medication (and even some supplements) can significantly increase withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided. There is no way out of benzo withdrawal (the stage of recovery until the drug is out of the body) and BIND, benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (the syndrome after the drug has left the body) except through.
Benzo withdrawal/BIND is, for some, a tortuous journey. Symptoms are not their pre-existing condition or new psychological issues. They are from a hyper-excited nervous system driven by a lack of working GABA receptors that the benzodiazepine downregulated. (More research must be done to discover what other neurotransmitters or systems may be impacted.)
As someone who took an oath to “first, do no harm,” the benzo community has faith that you will educate yourself about the danger and the damages caused by the prescription use of benzodiazepines.
Thank you for learning about benzo withdrawal/BIND and helping those harmed find their way back to health and happiness.
Here is a link you can use to download a PDF to print. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iCT0_pyQunPxItn6ec8Ex93WdjQWf9QYtIvQuEvPo1o/edit?usp=sharing
From my heart to yours,
Dr. Jenn
