“After a long and difficult ten years I believe it’s now time to try and explain my journey to all those who disbelieve that a low dose of a prescription drug given to me fifty years ago for sleep could possibly cause so much suffering for so long.”
-Beating Benzos http://beatingbenzos.com
It can be very challenging to find good information about these drugs, especially when doctors are advising people that small doses taken as needed won’t cause problems.
Benzo-aware practitioners are few and far between, and often charge high fees for telemedicine consults that are not covered by insurance.
It IS possible to manage even a difficult benzo withdrawal without direct professional help. What I used:
- The ASHTON MANUAL. By Dr Heather Ashton.
- Personal tapering protocol provided by the owner of Beating Benzos group (see below).
- A doctor who is willing to prescribe the amount of the drug needed for tapering.
- A lot of research and help from online support group
Here are some resources I found helpful, including discussions of how to explain to others what’s going on.
YouTube audio to help family and friends understand what is happening to the person in benzo withdrawal.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Akathisia in benzo withdrawal:
Information clearinghouse for info about benzos and withdrawal:
The website owners also have a private Facebook group for benzo withdrawal. Besides discussion, this group includes a wealth of information about every aspect of the process.
The administrators will provide private, individualized tapering schedules, free of charge.
Search for Beating Benzos group on Facebook.
Other excellent sites:
Books:
Your Drug May Be Your Problem, by Dr. Peter Breggin
The Waiting Room, by Jennifer Swantkowski
Many more on Amazon
waves and windows 