60+ YEARS OF DESTROYING PATIENTS' LIVES. I PROBABLY, ALONG WITH MY FATHER HAD TO PAY PROBABLY IN EXCESS OF $300,000 DUE TO THE HELL ON EARTH OF SUFFERING CAUSED BY THOSE POISONS.MANY MILLIONS HAVE HAD THEIR LIVES ALSO DESTROYED, IF THEY ESCAPED DEATH, BY SOME GREAT GOOD LUCK.
16 years for me!! I've been tappering for 4 months now. Started at 1mg daily now on .25 The side effects so far are0: nausea VERTIGO severe fatigue Nausea has subsided but the fatigue is horrible!
I was on Xanex for 28 years I just ended a 10 month taper 6 months ago, Keto/Carnivore diet and fasting has helped more than anything, I feel like i am truly getting better. 🤞
I'm also at 6 month off 25 year as prescribed clonazepam and find being in therapeutic level of ketosis (1-3 mmol/L) a tremendous help with symptoms. As does daily meditation practice.
Sometimes it's easy to get locked into our own situations and forget how many people are going through this or who have gone through this to a high level for years and years. It amazes me how many are fighting for their lives from this hell.
Thank you for this interview. I'm a benzo surviver. As much as I hate hearing about others pain it also validates my experience. I went all the way though it with no medical help, thankfully that meant I was not put on another med. When people say it is hell, not an exaggeration in my experience. I have found for myself that a lot of animal fats help. If I start to feel bad, believe it or not a bite or two of butter can help. Of course your digestive system as to be brought up to speed to handle extra fat (not vegie oils). Our brains and nervous systems need the animal fat (plus the protein). I feel so bad for everyone going through this and wish them well and healing.
Thank you. Yes protein and an animal fats - I craved them so much over the years and still find they help. Himalayan sea salt too to help regulate the adrenals that are running in fumes whilst recovering from this. Nutrition is an absolute key component in healing for sure
Thank you so much Dr. Josef - this was an incredibly comfortable, enjoyable, engaging interview to be a part of. Thank you for all that you’re doing in this space - and for giving us the validation and platform to be able to talk about this. You’re very much appreciated!
Hello, I’m from Melbourne, Australia. Watching your interview was very close to my journey. However, I was placed on a Benzo after teeth surgery complications. First it was Xanax, then Oxzapam, finally Valium. It’s been the most horrific 8 year journey. I can’t explain the terror, horror, torture, torment, trembling, chest pains, leg pains, etc. Last year I started weaning off 20mgs of Valium. Each wean was 2.5mgs. I didn’t tell my Dr, I felt this compulsion to do so. It’s my Christian faith that has kept me alive, I don’t say that lightly. The indescribable torture I’ve endured has been inexplicable. Therefore, on April 4th, 2023 I reduced down 2.5mgs each time I felt compelled to and let my Dr know. We would always have zoom appointments. I’m now currently at 3.5mgs and it’s so cruel. The thing is, as you shared, I get 2 good weeks where I can function, and I’m forever grateful for them, although, then I get another episode of the horrific symptoms. I’m a published Author, Poet and Writer. I use to have a website. There’s been so much loss in my life over the last 8 years it’s been a learning journey and a journey of deep sorrow. I closed my website down because I haven’t been able to work for 8 years. I got off many social media platforms, however, remain on FB, Instagram and TH-cam. I use to be a health and fitness advocate. I would fast 3 times a week, without food and still workout 6 days a week. That’s all ceased. I have hope through my faith that this journey will be turned for good and helping other people. Personally, I believe benzos should be illegal. There’s so much to my story, however, I simply can’t share on here. I’m very opened to you responding to my comment and maybe we can have a chat. You’re so blessed you’re nearly out the other side. Wishing you a lovely day in London. 😊
Thank you for making a film on this. I am interested in doing something similar but a slightly different focus-the legal aspect of psych drug harmed pts and forced treatment in North America. I’d love to bounce ideas off you. If interested can I contact you. I want to take what happened to me and help others.
Medication induced delirium first hospitalization from negligent prescribing. 3 failed rehabs poly drugged, akathisia. Unable to function. 5+ dx’s of dementias Neurologist dx neurotoxicity encephalopathy. 2 yr successful taper at my own pace. Compounded traumas including multiple betrayals. Slowly healing through weight training, swimming, healthy diet.
I’m so sorry you’ve been through all of this. Swimming has helped me a lot too. Glad these things help and I hope can help others reading your message!
Sounds like what happened to my mother. Shenhad completely come off benzos and was off for several months and doing great whrn my sister not knowing any better renewed a prescription for benzos foe my mother and they both hid it from me. Then her consultant not knowing she was back on benzos put her on morphine ORAMORPH.. The combination on her elderly body caused delirum then she was put on anti depressants anti psychotic etc and all mayhem happened for her. Only when I took her home and paired down to necessary meds eg heart medication etc did she start to recover ..not a 100% but far better than the guinea pig 🐖 the hospital made of her. I think many doctors unknowingly do MAJOR HARM whrn the people who know the patient have better instincts of what is and not working for their loved ones. 😢 🙏 💔 ✝️
I remember Emma from the support groups. As a fellow severely protracted, I would like to thank you Dr Josef for giving us the space to tell our stories. Generally, severely protracted people are not always accepted in the withdrawal community, because of the fear our experience invokes, but the truth is it happens, and it's important to compile this information from all timelines.
Van u help what do u do if you tell your Dr. ...they still tell u to keep taking them? ...and add more SSRI's .....essentially making you feel worse off? How do you cope....with thee symptoms of withdrawal the intense heat and nervous system on fire? numbness tingling night sweats. etc....muscle spasms .....etc? 🙏 plesseplease help is there anything I can take to remedy symptoms? suffering so badly....plesse help❤ ....Anyhelp I will take...
Neuroplastic retraining is how I recovered from protracted withdrawal from benzos. It took about 6 months to recover at about 65%, and another year to recover fully. I don't think I'd be alive today if I hadn't learned how to retrain my brain and reset my limbic system.
29:27 I've been listening for some benzo episodes now but this is the first time I hear you saying that panic and anxiety was one of the most common symptoms coming off benzos
This sounds so much like my own story. The cold turkey and the pain and confusion afterwards. I remember these doctors appointments where I was told that everything was fine. I felt like I was losing my mind. I am in year 8 now of my recovery and I still have ways to go. PS: Feel free to contact me for your movie. 🙂↕️
I was watching an interview with Celine Dion last night. She said that while trying to perform amid her battle with stiff person syndrome, she was taking 90 mg a day of Valium. She mentioned that her doctors tapered her off. I can’t even imagine what that was like.
@@Gabesvaultexactly I wonder if they are keeping it hush hush - that’s what started her illness to begin with - 90mg is high level you can’t taper that fast - so when did she start this taper ??? Wouldn’t be surprised at all if it didn’t cause her illness to begin with
We’d love to hear some success stories Dr. Josef. These stories are important but we could use something happy once in a while. Hearing these stories on a regular basis can make one not even want to taper. I quit watching these.
If it’s any help it’s a totally normal reaction to a totally abnormal situation. The healing can feel overwhelming at times (mentally as well as physically) but step by step..
@@EmmaHamesI’m finally at the point where (at times) I can think of the symptoms as healing events. Not terrifying painful signs that something is horribly wrong. Just-oh that’s painful but that means I’m healing there! It helps me.
Yes! I started to view things that way too. I think it was a post in benzo buddies about how the brain rebuilds itself - and how that can be painful but healing, that led to the beginning of that understanding. Not easy in many ways but reassuring in others. Glad it’s helping you too :)
This topic is so important to me. I was prescibed Xanax at 14. I stopped taking it, because I didn't like the way it made me feel. It horrifies me that these drugs were/are given to children. To anyone suffering from this condition; I believe you, I tell your stories, and I try spread awareness as much as I can. What was done to you was wrong, but the perservierence you all have to get by every day is something no words can express.
3.5 years clean after a 20 month taper from 2 mg of xanax a day for 5 years. And I am completely disabled. I am worse not than I was one year clean. It is all so horrible.
It's truly scary how uninformed most people are about these drugs. I was prior to my whole ordeal. I was listening to a guy talk on a podcast the other day and he was talking about opiates. Then he came out and said benzos don't have any real withdrawals besides psychological symptoms.
I had an acquaintance that started taking these a few years ago. I tried to talk them out of taking it but the doctor won. I'm not in touch with that person anymore. My heart aches just thinking what they're going through.
I was prescribed xanax after a 10 minute visit, 8 months later l felt like the medication itself was causing me anxiety, l abruptly stopped and ended up in three different psych wards. I stopped eating and sleeping and at my worst l walked into my garage and grabbed a heavy electrical cord l wrapped it around the door frame and put my head in it, l put my weight on it and was ready to end it, the thought of my wife finding me dead was unacceptable. l vowed to white knuckle the withdrawals. Today 3 years later l'm still tapering off Seroquel. Not out of the woods yet but at least I'm not on Benzodiazepine medication.
So glad to hear you fought through it. It is an insanely hard thing to endure but the farther out we are the more the worst is behind us - and the closer we are to that life of freedom. With more resilience, gratitude and perspective to fully embrace all the good things in life again. Thank you for sharing your story 💚
5 yrs after Kolonopin CT, doing soooo much better but still struggling so I was happy to see that I’m not alone. Thank you! I have never, ever heard a doctor who admits this is an issue or express any interest or concern until today. All they do in the US is suggest that you get back on your Benzos. It cost me my career, the house I built, my family, my freedom, almost my life and it cost me myself. 5 yrs out… still struggling, microdosing has helped, but this too shall pass. Could you put Emma’s info and link Toxsick in the description, pls?
Dr. Josef I’m from Melbourne but have recently found you due to having no success with’ any’ Drs over a 2 year search for answers. This has been possibly the best interview to date along with the Ibogaine chap’s amazing story. I benefit from them all tho! 45 years on Valium 20 mgs for ABI induced tics til inter dose w’drawal became apparent. You taught me to titrate slowly & it’s unpleasant, long but it is working. Thank you so much.
Sending you all the best wishes for your continued healing - so glad you found this channel and the guidance to safely handle these. We may be filming in Melbourne - if you’d like to potentially be involved in the film feel free to reach out to us on the site
Ireland is still treating people . with ALL the drugs you mentioned in this video. I know because my mother who died 4 years ago was on all those drugs for YEARSSS!! 😢
Thank you. I do wonder if I would’ve healed sooner without extra pressures. A nurturing, calm, safe environment is pretty key to healing but not always there for people. I’m sure it would’ve been easier if doctors recognised what was going on in the early stages. That’s why (aside from prevention) there needs to be this awareness, for the public and for the medical community. Appreciate your empathy x
Tapering off of benzodizapine drugs now....... complete hell and I have an excellent doctor working with me on the tapper..... very, very, very slow tapper. Still hell
@EmmaHames .125mg is the difference between able to function vs. crawled into a corner. The doc who started all of this for me should have his license pulled!!!
@@THXx1138Agree. I had no symptoms at all during a reasonable taper, thought I was going have minimal problems after jumping but now I'm in hell every second of every day. It's just relentless indescribable suffering and I'm at 5 months off. There is no way to predict anything when it comes to benzo hell 😢
@@jasonsenator6144That is what I have been doing for more than 30 years. I have tapered down to where I could hardly walk, but having a previous movement problem I have found no alternative solutions that are not purely experimental at this stage, although I lack the broad experience of a clinician. None the less, I have plenty of experience with tapering and heavy withdrawal symptoms.
Really don't know what to say. That's a high dosage for a long time and then to abruptly stop was a recipe for a complete train wreck. I am so sorry that you have and continue to go through this suffering. Words are hardly helpful but maybe knowing someone out there feels bad for the pain you have had to endure is in some way a little comfort. 6 rough years can feel like an eternity....I am personally getting close to that mark also so can somewhat relate. Length of time on clonazapan was similar but the dosage never quite that high. From what I'm hearing we will eventually come out the other side. Please stay strong. Don't know if you are religious or not but either way...will say a prayer tonight that you will find more and more days of healing and comfort. Best wishes for your healing.🙏
These lawsuits, however, are leading to overdoses and doctors suddenly stopping prescribing. There should be either 100% acceptance or zero tolerance. We are going to have a opioid problem x10 if this continues. We need to help the patients who have been on these meds for a long time!!
I’ve taken Clonazepam on and off for years. I never exceed 1.0 mg x 3 p d. I use as needed and take drug holidays regularly, taper off, taper back. If max dose doesn’t work, it’s time to take drug holiday. I’ve never gotten addicted. No, not a miracle drug, but it does get me over rough patches.
In my case, the worst symptoms of protracted withdrawal showed up after almost a year. I was told after several checks they are idiopathic. I lived in excruciating pain for 6 months and later it continued for 2 years, chronic insomnia with zero sleep on days on end. I didn’t think or crossed my mind it can be that. During Covid I got back on the medication. Then I found out as my behaviour began to change. Today I am trying to cut them down. It has been 20 years and feel I have lost decades of my life. I barely got family support. I have autoimmune with life spent mostly in hospitals. :( I am resilient and will brave through again
It’s encouraging to see that your ok and talking about your experience, I’m tapering off of an awful med called pregab , it’s horrendous and the side effects are frightening, there’s no help here , it gets lonely and feels like it will never end
I know how scary it is, and it’s somewhat “normal” to feel like it will never end, and to be scared of it. But I hope my story, and others who have started healing helps give some reassurance that it will end, it will improve, and one day this will all be behind you
Had to take numerous types of benzos in 30 yrs but turns out it was an abusive relationship of 29 yrs! Since he is gone no more benzos Everyone look cleverly at your lives and see what it is that’s giving you panic attacks and do your best to get rid of it.
I am left with permanent neurological injuries from 2 decades of benzos and SSRI's .. muscle tension, cognitive damage, weakness. I've bene had by a pseudoscience.
She's very very strong, insightful and how eloquent she speaks. Remarkable story. I'm in my 8th yr as well. I did a 30-day rapid-detox from Klonopin > 6mg. /day. Has been a hideous nightmare.
It's crazy how Benzo WD & Taper can vary person to person . On Xanax 4 mg a day taken 2 X a day for 18 years & I don't have inter-dose WD but ? After 16 or so hours W/O dosing Ill sometimes feel like I'm bitten by a Fire Ant here or there when busy . ( It was about 5 bite feeling in 3 hours 'last Friday ' on the back of my neck & on my left Calf ???? God Bless all who are coping with this issue .
+ I'm 95% sure I have Benzo Belly , I had Hernia / Re-flux Surgery last Oct & That only helped by 40 % . My stomach pain is mostly upon waking or even naps . + Have a history of Stomach ulcers but they have healed Thank God.
I never had a paradoxical effect. I was fine until I was CT'd. My doctor doesn't know how to wean, so I was tapering myself off very gradually. It was a corrupt hospital that CT'd me. It happened once before and reinstating helped. By no means am I advising anyone to stay on benzos but I think it's important to be stabilized before being tapered.
@@newjerseydevil6115 I had all my teeth pulled years ago , ( most here and there to get pain pills ) then had the last 7 done all at once . I been toothless for almost 9 years , I'm on SSIDA & they don't cover dental ??? If I could chew more fruits , Veggies & nut's I'd be better off in the tummy area IMO . Good Luck & thanks for the comment .
I took klonopin for four months with a one month taper. Still protracted, but way better, after 7 years 😢 I was also paradoxical within a week. But all the doctors said it couldn’t be the drug. It took me 3 months to figure out, through research and the internet, that it was the drug. But by then, four months in, I was screwed.
I do agree with this - although personally prefer “brain injury”as I think it’s important to keep the hope alive at every stage of this. The brain is very neuroplastic - I believe in healing, but it doesn’t detract from the severity and horror of this. I guess it’s a medicine-induced TBI, in my opinion!
Neurotoxicity? That was a term I'd seen used. Has been a nightmare - 8 yrs off K 30-day rapid-detox ~6mg/day. Still going. I try to hold a positive bit of trust if I can. Benzos are Soul-Crushers.
I’d travel at my own expense to assist with Emma’s movie if she needs any help. I’m also a pro musician who can no longer play at all. Valium has destroyed my existence but I won’t fail. I’m articulate & halfway thru my journey of recovery.
🎉🙌 big celebration on being halfway through the recovery! It would be great to chat music and movies for sure! I think I mentioned it before above but if you email us via the website we can arrange something
Why does no one mention brain damage when talking about recovery or withdrawal? I’m starting to think mine isn’t even withdrawal or recovery related because I don’t have any lung or respiratory problems or heart or body issues except for brain damage/neuron damage and eye damage. It was this exact week two years ago when I was abruptly taken off klonopin after 11 1/2 years.
@@AlbaLynxQueen but they’re many ppl saying they have heart problems and lung problems from benzo wd and protracted wd, never brain related issues or vision damage.
I was put on them when I was 18 against my will in I lreland it's hell even though I am still staying on the same dose withdrawal without reducing I am glad you finally got free.❤
I’m so sorry that happened to you!! There will be a way to get free for you too. If you’re experiencing tolerance withdrawal without reducing then it might be worth seeking out safe ways to manage that (obviously recommending Dr.Josef’s channel as a start).
I was forced of of a super high dose of methadone after 4 years; it was a nightmare i couldn't imagine for nearly 6 months. I cannot imagine what this must have been like for you 😢
Yes, for me it's been more mental: depression anxiety anhedonia dysphoria insomnia grief cognitive function impairment akathisia hyper-sensitivity to stress depersonalization derealization intrusive thoughts . . . etc. Has been 8 yrs off K 6-8mg/ day, 30-day rapid-detox. Has been a nightmare straight through. Benzos are Soul-Crushers.
Daily for a couple of years at least - gradual improvement as CNS healed with time. Again, non linear in the micro but healing in the macro. I can still get it if I’m under the weather / stressed / sleep deprived / eat triggering foods (eg. sugar or gluten)
I had / have both. Much more severe in early stages - I now can actually feel a certain calmness when I’m still. But there’s still a faint “buzzing” in all the muscles I experience, and some spasms (mostly abdomen for some reason) - if I’m sleep deprived / stressed. I believe it will completely go at some point.
A doctor did the same to me. Just slid me a script and never told me anything 😢 now I'm tapering and I'm feeling slightly nauseous. I'm going to keep going.
Being on social security disability limits access to appropriate health care of any kind. Because of the mental health commitment act that is the law in Nebraska and i believe everywhere else means that you have to take your prescribed medications. If you don't then you risk your freedom and your life! "Take your meds" is drilled into you. I asked my doctor about my memory problems and asked him about developing early dementia and he said i was fine. I trusted him and clearly i was sooo wrong. Psychiatrists have all the power and the police department and the law behind them. Because of the horrible stigma against people who suffer from a severe mental illness there will not be any progress made in the health care field. It has to be decriminalizatied and psychiatry has to drop the chemical imbalance theory! The fear of forced meditation is real.😢
I’m 76 years old and have pulmonary Fibrosis and I have been on Xanax for years, started in my twenties. I would like to know what I should do? Should I continue taking this or shouldn’t go off, is there any hope for me? Thanks so much for being on here! ❤
I would love to write an essay or send a video to see if you would like to include my story. I’ve never told it. It’s a doozy. Haha. Either one of you. I’m sure you have plenty but I do feel I can add many decades of different age experiences on these and off these medications. I’ve had heart surgery too! Haha Added drama! ❤❤
I am on 25mg of diazepam and I can't get help getting off them. I feel so stuck and don't know what to do. I guess I'll have to do it myself but I want to do it safely. I have to educate myself and become my own doctor because they don't even know how to taper people off them. I hope you see this comment and can help me and suggest something. I have no choice but to do it myself.
Concerning drinking with friends, alcohol and other drugs especially psychiatric drugs don't mix. Good on you though for being determined enough to move on from such an awful experience. There's a place for benzodiazepines (eg. my mother was given Valium as a pre-med before open heart surgery). But is it safe for long term use ?? Not from what I've found.
I completely agree re.short term vs long term uses of benzos. Emergency 1-off situations only at max, like with your mother. Re. alcohol - doctors had told me it was fine to drink in moderation so again thought it was all ok, nothing dangerous going on. Obviously hindsight is 20-20
You did not say anything about the use of alcohol, even though very small and not often, seemed to trigger benzo withdrawal symptoms. I wonder if people who have innocently taken a benzo that was prescribed by a neurologist will ever be able to drink socially again????
I would love to do an interview with you about my story and I think it would help others too. Was put on huge amounts of benzos at 21 after an abusive relationship. He never told me about addiction or risks but put me straight on 5 lorazepam a day then it went to clonaxepam then it went to diazepam 25mg daily. Im almost 30 now on the same dose.
I love having access to benzos.. I'm not able to do things like go shopping by myself which is something for most of my Life by crippling anxiety didn't allow me to do the trick is to only take them for special occasions they're not something that you can eat every day
Take care..I know of people that took that very sporadically for flying / occasional anxiety, and ended up in years of neurological injury. In some case 15 years later. These are very dangerous drugs. They should only be used for life and death scenarios (like seizures) as an absolutely short term one off fix.
Most people that take them daily I have been told by doctors that’s what’s safe, that’s what’s needed, before they know of the true risks (as was in my case)
Dr Josef, look up Dr. Howard S Weiss, greenwood village colorado, this doctor ruined many lives including my son, he was finally held accountable on 120 felony counts , overprescrbing, profit over patient care, these stories are real and thank you for sharing.... Bless you all and stay strong ....its a daily struggle and battle ♥️🙏
@@steph7960 do you have a source for this? Not doubting this..but what you are saying is based on what? Lived experience? Anecdotal evidence? At the same time I should mention it’s important to distinguish between tachaphylaxis vs tolerance withdrawal.
Do you have suggestions or stories of people who were prescribed as children and are now adults? I am 30, and was prescribed Paxil at age 7. Have been tapering for 4 years. I was hoping to work with you, but you do not service the state I live in sadly.
I’ve now watched three episodes..reminding me of what has been. I cried out to Jesus Christ when the suffering was at its worst. He never left me… Thankful.
Yup...I'm on 100 MG Gabapentin 1 or 2 nighly! It has helped tremendously. It helps with restless legg and spasms. I only ONLY take it if it's really bad
U can’t be from the USA. I have epilepsy but my neurologists for the past 25 years love to feed me benzodiazepines and new FDA approved drugs which are benzos also. They get compensated for Rx’n me I’m sure. I told my neurologist now that I am done taking the new drugs bc the side effects and she got mad! I’ve been on Topamax and Lamictal for 20 years and periodically Lorazepam for 25. I abused narcotics and benzodiazepines in my 20’s when I partied. The only new drug I have been taking since ‘19 is the Epidiolex. It’s great you talk about this but USA doesn’t care. It’s about $$
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So many lives are being ruined by these meds....mine included. Keep the information coming.
I hope you’re on the path to healing
@EmmaHames Thanks Emma. I appreciate your kind concern.
Right there with you
60+ YEARS OF DESTROYING PATIENTS' LIVES. I PROBABLY, ALONG WITH MY FATHER HAD TO PAY PROBABLY IN EXCESS OF $300,000 DUE TO THE HELL ON EARTH OF SUFFERING CAUSED BY THOSE POISONS.MANY MILLIONS HAVE HAD THEIR LIVES ALSO DESTROYED, IF THEY ESCAPED DEATH, BY SOME GREAT GOOD LUCK.
16 years for me!! I've been tappering for 4 months now. Started at 1mg daily now on .25
The side effects so far are0: nausea
VERTIGO
severe fatigue
Nausea has subsided but the fatigue is horrible!
I was on Xanex for 28 years I just ended a 10 month taper 6 months ago, Keto/Carnivore diet and fasting has helped more than anything, I feel like i am truly getting better. 🤞
I'm also at 6 month off 25 year as prescribed clonazepam and find being in therapeutic level of ketosis (1-3 mmol/L) a tremendous help with symptoms. As does daily meditation practice.
Ya why the hell would you take that for 30 years? That's your own fault. not the meds.
@@TrentAdamwhy would you say that to someone who is trying to get off
Yes, I ate a lot of meat as well. Brain food.
@@TrentAdamyou sound ignorant. People want to come off meds. The problem is when they do it causes hell like symptoms. Did you watch the video?
The amount of negligence in medical treatment is ASTOUNDING!!!!
100%
Short term long term these meds are toxic. May this film help break the dam!!! The human spirit is amazing in what it can endure.
🙏
yes, benzos are extremely dangerous
Sometimes it's easy to get locked into our own situations and forget how many people are going through this or who have gone through this to a high level for years and years. It amazes me how many are fighting for their lives from this hell.
Thank you for this interview. I'm a benzo surviver. As much as I hate hearing about others pain it also validates my experience. I went all the way though it with no medical help, thankfully that meant I was not put on another med. When people say it is hell, not an exaggeration in my experience. I have found for myself that a lot of animal fats help. If I start to feel bad, believe it or not a bite or two of butter can help. Of course your digestive system as to be brought up to speed to handle extra fat (not vegie oils). Our brains and nervous systems need the animal fat (plus the protein). I feel so bad for everyone going through this and wish them well and healing.
Thank you. Yes protein and an animal fats - I craved them so much over the years and still find they help. Himalayan sea salt too to help regulate the adrenals that are running in fumes whilst recovering from this. Nutrition is an absolute key component in healing for sure
I am thinking of doing the Carnivore Diet to get through this. Carbs/sugar certainly makes things worse for me.
Thank you so much Dr. Josef - this was an incredibly comfortable, enjoyable, engaging interview to be a part of. Thank you for all that you’re doing in this space - and for giving us the validation and platform to be able to talk about this. You’re very much appreciated!
Hello, I’m from Melbourne, Australia.
Watching your interview was very close to my journey. However, I was placed on a Benzo after teeth surgery complications. First it was Xanax, then Oxzapam, finally Valium. It’s been the most horrific 8 year journey. I can’t explain the terror, horror, torture, torment, trembling, chest pains, leg pains, etc.
Last year I started weaning off 20mgs of Valium. Each wean was 2.5mgs. I didn’t tell my Dr, I felt this compulsion to do so. It’s my Christian faith that has kept me alive, I don’t say that lightly. The indescribable torture I’ve endured has been inexplicable.
Therefore, on April 4th, 2023 I reduced down 2.5mgs each time I felt compelled to and let my Dr know. We would always have zoom appointments.
I’m now currently at 3.5mgs and it’s so cruel. The thing is, as you shared, I get 2 good weeks where I can function, and I’m forever grateful for them, although, then I get another episode of the horrific symptoms.
I’m a published Author, Poet and Writer. I use to have a website. There’s been so much loss in my life over the last 8 years it’s been a learning journey and a journey of deep sorrow. I closed my website down because I haven’t been able to work for 8 years. I got off many social media platforms, however, remain on FB, Instagram and TH-cam. I use to be a health and fitness advocate. I would fast 3 times a week, without food and still workout 6 days a week. That’s all ceased. I have hope through my faith that this journey will be turned for good and helping other people.
Personally, I believe benzos should be illegal.
There’s so much to my story, however, I simply can’t share on here. I’m very opened to you responding to my comment and maybe we can have a chat.
You’re so blessed you’re nearly out the other side. Wishing you a lovely day in London. 😊
I recognize you Emma from the support groups. Thanks for sharing your story! I’m over four and half years tapered off.
Thank you for making a film on this.
I am interested in doing something similar but a slightly different focus-the legal aspect of psych drug harmed pts and forced treatment in North America. I’d love to bounce ideas off you. If interested can I contact you.
I want to take what happened to me and help others.
Thanks Rachel! Likewise! Massive congrats on the taper success 🎉🙌
@Blu6556 - absolutely, would be great to chat. Probably best to email via our website and we can go from there
Medication induced delirium first hospitalization from negligent prescribing.
3 failed rehabs poly drugged, akathisia.
Unable to function.
5+ dx’s of dementias
Neurologist dx neurotoxicity encephalopathy.
2 yr successful taper at my own pace.
Compounded traumas including multiple betrayals.
Slowly healing through weight training, swimming, healthy diet.
Wishing a healing light shines all around you
You are a true hero. Thank you ❤
I’m so sorry you’ve been through all of this. Swimming has helped me a lot too. Glad these things help and I hope can help others reading your message!
Sounds like what happened to my mother. Shenhad completely come off benzos and was off for several months and doing great whrn my sister not knowing any better renewed a prescription for benzos foe my mother and they both hid it from me. Then her consultant not knowing she was back on benzos put her on morphine ORAMORPH.. The combination on her elderly body caused delirum then she was put on anti depressants anti psychotic etc and all mayhem happened for her. Only when I took her home and paired down to necessary meds eg heart medication etc did she start to recover ..not a 100% but far better than the guinea pig 🐖 the hospital made of her.
I think many doctors unknowingly do MAJOR HARM whrn the people who know the patient have better instincts of what is and not working for their loved ones. 😢 🙏 💔 ✝️
I remember Emma from the support groups. As a fellow severely protracted, I would like to thank you Dr Josef for giving us the space to tell our stories. Generally, severely protracted people are not always accepted in the withdrawal community, because of the fear our experience invokes, but the truth is it happens, and it's important to compile this information from all timelines.
Van u help what do u do if you tell your Dr. ...they still tell u to keep taking them? ...and add more SSRI's .....essentially making you feel worse off?
How do you cope....with thee symptoms of withdrawal the intense heat and nervous system on fire? numbness tingling night sweats. etc....muscle spasms
.....etc? 🙏 plesseplease help is there anything I can take to remedy symptoms? suffering so badly....plesse help❤ ....Anyhelp I will take...
Telling us the symptoms are NORMAL is in not helpful in any way. It sounds dismissive.
@@terrybullard7377 I would say "typical" - not 'normal'. There is absolutely nothing normal about any of this.
@@Butterflywishes-rf9dtHey friend have you heard of kratom?
One of the better interviews yet. Thank you for being a strong voice & validation for those of us still struggling through this massive hell, Emma. 🙏❤
Thank you so much, this is a very kind message ❤️⭐️
Thank you for sharing your story and for making a movie exposing this abuse by medical world. Thank you Dr Josef.
🙏
My 81 year old mother has dementia from benzodiazepine use for 40 plus years. It’s been sad to watch her slip away
Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue, I think it is widely under-recognized.
Thank you for your work Dr. Yosef.
Thanks Man your channel is a lifeline to be honest month 10 off benzos, starting to climb out of this hell seeing glimpses of hope 👍
Incredible story. So sad for this beautiful lady.❤
❤️🙏❤️
Excellent interview... 😢You are a warrior, absolutley no doubts... Thank you too for this Josef...
Neuroplastic retraining is how I recovered from protracted withdrawal from benzos. It took about 6 months to recover at about 65%, and another year to recover fully. I don't think I'd be alive today if I hadn't learned how to retrain my brain and reset my limbic system.
Please share more details
29:27 I've been listening for some benzo episodes now but this is the first time I hear you saying that panic and anxiety was one of the most common symptoms coming off benzos
Thank you Both for the courage & care. Even just ACKNOWLEDGMENT could help US while navigating our way out of the incomparable living hell.
🙏
Wow your story is so similar to mine. So happy to hear youve made it out mostly ❤
I’m sorry you’ve gone through this too! Thank you, I hope you’re also on the road to recovery 🙏
@EmmaHames slowly but surely I hope :) I am only a year off and still low on two antidepressants but there have been some okay times lately!
Sounds like you’re on your way 💚
I was on them for years. I am so glad I got off of them.
This sounds so much like my own story. The cold turkey and the pain and confusion afterwards. I remember these doctors appointments where I was told that everything was fine. I felt like I was losing my mind. I am in year 8 now of my recovery and I still have ways to go.
PS: Feel free to contact me for your movie. 🙂↕️
7 years here. Had the same experience and also still not right
What a strong woman you are Emma. Thankyou for sharing your story.
Thank you Susan 💚
You are so right Dr. Josef. On/off.On/Off. Over and over is EVEN MORE DAMAGING! and causes you the Worst Brain Damage. It's called Kindling.
I was watching an interview with Celine Dion last night. She said that while trying to perform amid her battle with stiff person syndrome, she was taking 90 mg a day of Valium. She mentioned that her doctors tapered her off. I can’t even imagine what that was like.
WTH is stiff person syndrome?
Ooh I got to watch that!
@@Gabesvaultexactly I wonder if they are keeping it hush hush - that’s what started her illness to begin with - 90mg is high level you can’t taper that fast - so when did she start this taper ??? Wouldn’t be surprised at all if it didn’t cause her illness to begin with
@@Gabesvault She says she started taking it after she was diagnosed. Benzos don’t cause stiff person syndrome. 🤦🏼♀️
We’d love to hear some success stories Dr. Josef. These stories are important but we could use something happy once in a while. Hearing these stories on a regular basis can make one not even want to taper. I quit watching these.
Thank you for this Emma and Dr Josef. Validation of this incideous recovery journey helps survive day by day.
I am so grateful that after ten years of benzo use, it only took me four months to taper off. Tinnitus is my lasting injury.
Yeah still here with the tinnitus too. I’m curious what life will sound like without it!!
Can relate to her story so much. Felt so alone and dismantled and in tons of pain (still).
If it’s any help it’s a totally normal reaction to a totally abnormal situation. The healing can feel overwhelming at times (mentally as well as physically) but step by step..
@@EmmaHames Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to us benzo injured.
@@EmmaHamesI’m finally at the point where (at times) I can think of the symptoms as healing events.
Not terrifying painful signs that something is horribly wrong.
Just-oh that’s painful but that means I’m healing there!
It helps me.
Yes! I started to view things that way too. I think it was a post in benzo buddies about how the brain rebuilds itself - and how that can be painful but healing, that led to the beginning of that understanding. Not easy in many ways but reassuring in others.
Glad it’s helping you too :)
@@h2ostorm703 deeply humbling to know that - thank you. Wishing you so much healing x
Took me two years to get my life back in order after klonopin
This topic is so important to me. I was prescibed Xanax at 14. I stopped taking it, because I didn't like the way it made me feel. It horrifies me that these drugs were/are given to children.
To anyone suffering from this condition; I believe you, I tell your stories, and I try spread awareness as much as I can. What was done to you was wrong, but the perservierence you all have to get by every day is something no words can express.
Sadly I have heard there are a few hundred thousand children under 5 years of age that are taking benzodiazepines.
I couldn’t agree more re.prescribing to children. It’s horrific to think about.
Thank you for your uplifting words :)
It doesn't help that so many doctors think/believe their patients are the problem.
Ich habe Akathisie😢
Und die Ärzte geben mir die Schuld, dass ich Themesta, Haldol und Olanzapin zusammen nicht verlitten habe😢😢😢
3.5 years clean after a 20 month taper from 2 mg of xanax a day for 5 years. And I am completely disabled. I am worse not than I was one year clean. It is all so horrible.
Taking benzos, after 10 years and actually learning from you Dr. Josef that there is a protracted withdrawal. Has made my system in utter chaos.
It's truly scary how uninformed most people are about these drugs. I was prior to my whole ordeal. I was listening to a guy talk on a podcast the other day and he was talking about opiates. Then he came out and said benzos don't have any real withdrawals besides psychological symptoms.
Informed consent absolutely needs to happen. It’s a public health crisis in most industrialised countries. Not widely known yet
This video is powerful and an inspiring healing story.
I had an acquaintance that started taking these a few years ago. I tried to talk them out of taking it but the doctor won. I'm not in touch with that person anymore. My heart aches just thinking what they're going through.
Thank you Dr. Josef for everything you are doing!!!
Im still going threw this im in pain so bad everyday I hope I get better like you❤❤ thank u
You will. The brain is a remarkable and resilient organ
I was prescribed xanax after a 10 minute visit, 8 months later l felt like the medication itself was causing me anxiety, l abruptly stopped and ended up in three different psych wards. I stopped eating and sleeping and at my worst l walked into my garage and grabbed a heavy electrical cord l wrapped it around the door frame and put my head in it, l put my weight on it and was ready to end it, the thought of my wife finding me dead was unacceptable. l vowed to white knuckle the withdrawals. Today 3 years later l'm still tapering off Seroquel. Not out of the woods yet but at least I'm not on Benzodiazepine medication.
So glad to hear you fought through it. It is an insanely hard thing to endure but the farther out we are the more the worst is behind us - and the closer we are to that life of freedom. With more resilience, gratitude and perspective to fully embrace all the good things in life again. Thank you for sharing your story 💚
Ty going on 7 years here. ❤
MASSIVE congrats on enduring 7 years - I am sure you are close to turning huge corners if not happening already❤️
5 yrs after Kolonopin CT, doing soooo much better but still struggling so I was happy to see that I’m not alone. Thank you! I have never, ever heard a doctor who admits this is an issue or express any interest or concern until today. All they do in the US is suggest that you get back on your Benzos. It cost me my career, the house I built, my family, my freedom, almost my life and it cost me myself. 5 yrs out… still struggling, microdosing has helped, but this too shall pass. Could you put Emma’s info and link Toxsick in the description, pls?
Dr. Josef I’m from Melbourne but have recently found you due to having no success with’ any’ Drs over a 2 year search for answers. This has been possibly the best interview to date along with the Ibogaine chap’s amazing story. I benefit from them all tho! 45 years on Valium 20 mgs for ABI induced tics til inter dose w’drawal became apparent. You taught me to titrate slowly & it’s unpleasant, long but it is working. Thank you so much.
Sending you all the best wishes for your continued healing - so glad you found this channel and the guidance to safely handle these.
We may be filming in Melbourne - if you’d like to potentially be involved in the film feel free to reach out to us on the site
Ireland is still treating people . with ALL the drugs you mentioned in this video. I know because my mother who died 4 years ago was on all those drugs for YEARSSS!!
😢
I am So Sorry you were forced to try to work under these horrific circumstances. That is Appalling.
Thank you. I do wonder if I would’ve healed sooner without extra pressures. A nurturing, calm, safe environment is pretty key to healing but not always there for people. I’m sure it would’ve been easier if doctors recognised what was going on in the early stages. That’s why (aside from prevention) there needs to be this awareness, for the public and for the medical community. Appreciate your empathy x
Tapering off of benzodizapine drugs now....... complete hell and I have an excellent doctor working with me on the tapper..... very, very, very slow tapper.
Still hell
So glad you have a great doctor. The hell will be in the rear view mirror one day, hang in there
@EmmaHames .125mg is the difference between able to function vs. crawled into a corner.
The doc who started all of this for me should have his license pulled!!!
We still do not know the 'best' way to get free of these drugs. Slow tapers could be as harmful as a quick taper. We just do not know.
Hang in there! It does take some time but it does get better.
@@THXx1138Agree. I had no symptoms at all during a reasonable taper, thought I was going have minimal problems after jumping but now I'm in hell every second of every day. It's just relentless indescribable suffering and I'm at 5 months off. There is no way to predict anything when it comes to benzo hell 😢
I took clonazapam at high doses for a decade. taken off no taper. it's been 6 rough years and still feels like I'm a long way away from healed
Whats "High Dose" ? If you don't mind . Thanks
@@DavidJones-ib3zy 6mg a day
@@jasonsenator6144That is what I have been doing for more than 30 years. I have tapered down to where I could hardly walk, but having a previous movement problem I have found no alternative solutions that are not purely experimental at this stage, although I lack the broad experience of a clinician. None the less, I have plenty of experience with tapering and heavy withdrawal symptoms.
Really don't know what to say. That's a high dosage for a long time and then to abruptly stop was a recipe for a complete train wreck. I am so sorry that you have and continue to go through this suffering. Words are hardly helpful but maybe knowing someone out there feels bad for the pain you have had to endure is in some way a little comfort. 6 rough years can feel like an eternity....I am personally getting close to that mark also so can somewhat relate. Length of time on clonazapan was similar but the dosage never quite that high. From what I'm hearing we will eventually come out the other side. Please stay strong. Don't know if you are religious or not but either way...will say a prayer tonight that you will find more and more days of healing and comfort. Best wishes for your healing.🙏
@jasonsenator6144 Thats a high dose indeed. Stopped 1.5mg for 8days.. an felt like was dying. It's no joke. God bless all! -NW Ohio
These lawsuits, however, are leading to overdoses and doctors suddenly stopping prescribing. There should be either 100% acceptance or zero tolerance. We are going to have a opioid problem x10 if this continues. We need to help the patients who have been on these meds for a long time!!
I’ve taken Clonazepam on and off for years. I never exceed 1.0 mg x 3 p d. I use as needed and take drug holidays regularly, taper off, taper back. If max dose doesn’t work, it’s time to take drug holiday. I’ve never gotten addicted. No, not a miracle drug, but it does get me over rough patches.
In my case, the worst symptoms of protracted withdrawal showed up after almost a year. I was told after several checks they are idiopathic.
I lived in excruciating pain for 6 months and later it continued for 2 years, chronic insomnia with zero sleep on days on end.
I didn’t think or crossed my mind it can be that.
During Covid I got back on the medication. Then I found out as my behaviour began to change. Today I am trying to cut them down. It has been 20 years and feel I have lost decades of my life. I barely got family support. I have autoimmune with life spent mostly in hospitals. :( I am resilient and will brave through again
It’s encouraging to see that your ok and talking about your experience, I’m tapering off of an awful med called pregab , it’s horrendous and the side effects are frightening, there’s no help here , it gets lonely and feels like it will never end
I know how scary it is, and it’s somewhat “normal” to feel like it will never end, and to be scared of it. But I hope my story, and others who have started healing helps give some reassurance that it will end, it will improve, and one day this will all be behind you
Just so much human misery , its terrible, crime against humanity, damm , how the govmt. allows this to happen to people.
Benzos destroyed my life for 20 years
Ditto 🙏🙏
SSRI destroyed my life for 20 years.
Yeah but them bars look so yummy! Almost like PEZ candies. The little score marks on them 😋 yum!
I have a story, and it's similar.
Knowledge from these sites is the only way to cope and continue the hellish journey.
That's so true.
Thank you so much for sharing.
🙏🙏🙏
THERE IS NOTHING THESE PATIENTS DON'T LOSE, DR. JOSEF. FOR ME, EVERYTHING, AND PROBABLY FAR IN EXCESS OF $300,000.00.
Why are normal & gentle comments being removed? Never experienced that before on this channel. What is going on?
Had to take numerous types of benzos in 30 yrs but turns out it was an abusive relationship of 29 yrs! Since he is gone no more benzos
Everyone look cleverly at your lives and see what it is that’s giving you panic attacks and do your best to get rid of it.
YES!!!
🎯
🥺😢♥️🧸
I am left with permanent neurological injuries from 2 decades of benzos and SSRI's .. muscle tension, cognitive damage, weakness. I've bene had by a pseudoscience.
Me too😢😢😢
Pharmaindustrie möchte nur Geld😢😢😢
She's very very strong, insightful and how eloquent she speaks. Remarkable story.
I'm in my 8th yr as well. I did a 30-day rapid-detox from Klonopin > 6mg. /day. Has been a hideous nightmare.
It's crazy how Benzo WD & Taper can vary person to person . On Xanax 4 mg a day taken 2 X a day for 18 years & I don't have inter-dose WD but ? After 16 or so hours W/O dosing Ill sometimes feel like I'm bitten by a Fire Ant here or there when busy . ( It was about 5 bite feeling in 3 hours 'last Friday ' on the back of my neck & on my left Calf ???? God Bless all who are coping with this issue .
+ I'm 95% sure I have Benzo Belly , I had Hernia / Re-flux Surgery last Oct & That only helped by 40 % . My stomach pain is mostly upon waking or even naps . + Have a history of Stomach ulcers but they have healed Thank God.
Gosh that sounds awful! It can vary so much from person to person. I hope that dissipates soon!
@@DavidJones-ib3zyI had the hernia before the withdrawal. It's painful & extremely difficult to eat. Now I need dental surgery. 😓
I never had a paradoxical effect. I was fine until I was CT'd.
My doctor doesn't know how to wean, so I was tapering myself off very gradually. It was a corrupt hospital that CT'd me. It happened once before and reinstating helped. By no means am I advising anyone to stay on benzos but I think it's important to be stabilized before being tapered.
@@newjerseydevil6115 I had all my teeth pulled years ago , ( most here and there to get pain pills ) then had the last 7 done all at once . I been toothless for almost 9 years , I'm on SSIDA & they don't cover dental ??? If I could chew more fruits , Veggies & nut's I'd be better off in the tummy area IMO . Good Luck & thanks for the comment .
I took klonopin for four months with a one month taper. Still protracted, but way better, after 7 years 😢 I was also paradoxical within a week. But all the doctors said it couldn’t be the drug. It took me 3 months to figure out, through research and the internet, that it was the drug. But by then, four months in, I was screwed.
I feel you. 6.5years here too. When do we heal? I want my life back!
Be careful of taking antibiotics
I hope you’re in the road to recovery - amazing you figured it out so quickly
God Bless Dr. Josef😊
BRAIN DAMAGE DOES THAT TO YOU. PLEASE CALL IT WHAT IT IS, DR. JOSEF. "BRAIN DAMAGE."
Yep. At some point it's not about "withdrawal." Its damage. Period. Fortunately healing happens.
I do agree with this - although personally prefer “brain injury”as I think it’s important to keep the hope alive at every stage of this. The brain is very neuroplastic - I believe in healing, but it doesn’t detract from the severity and horror of this. I guess it’s a medicine-induced TBI, in my opinion!
@@EmmaHames That's a good and positive way to look at it. Thank you. And glad you are healing. I watched the entire interview.
@@allencollins6031 💛
Neurotoxicity? That was a term I'd seen used. Has been a nightmare - 8 yrs off K 30-day rapid-detox ~6mg/day. Still going. I try to hold a positive bit of trust if I can. Benzos are Soul-Crushers.
I’d travel at my own expense to assist with Emma’s movie if she needs any help. I’m also a pro musician who can no longer play at all. Valium has destroyed my existence but I won’t fail. I’m articulate & halfway thru my journey of recovery.
🎉🙌 big celebration on being halfway through the recovery!
It would be great to chat music and movies for sure! I think I mentioned it before above but if you email us via the website we can arrange something
Why does no one mention brain damage when talking about recovery or withdrawal? I’m starting to think mine isn’t even withdrawal or recovery related because I don’t have any lung or respiratory problems or heart or body issues except for brain damage/neuron damage and eye damage. It was this exact week two years ago when I was abruptly taken off klonopin after 11 1/2 years.
She had lung problems from a viral infection, not from benzoes.
@@AlbaLynxQueen but they’re many ppl saying they have heart problems and lung problems from benzo wd and protracted wd, never brain related issues or vision damage.
@Carolina_girl86 I think it varies. I didn't have lung or heart problems. Most of my symptoms were brain symptoms.
@Carolina_girl86 also, I'm sorry you are dealing with this.
@@tracymassimo2114 like what kind?
I was put on them when I was 18 against my will in I lreland it's hell even though I am still staying on the same dose withdrawal without reducing I am glad you finally got free.❤
I’m so sorry that happened to you!! There will be a way to get free for you too. If you’re experiencing tolerance withdrawal without reducing then it might be worth seeking out safe ways to manage that (obviously recommending Dr.Josef’s channel as a start).
I was forced of of a super high dose of methadone after 4 years; it was a nightmare i couldn't imagine for nearly 6 months. I cannot imagine what this must have been like for you 😢
Yes, for me it's been more mental: depression anxiety anhedonia dysphoria insomnia grief cognitive function impairment akathisia hyper-sensitivity to stress depersonalization derealization intrusive thoughts . . . etc.
Has been 8 yrs off K 6-8mg/ day, 30-day rapid-detox. Has been a nightmare straight through. Benzos are Soul-Crushers.
psychiatry is a dangerous PSEUDOSCIENCE
How long did you have akathisia for? And how did it improve? Windows and waves also? Or just slowly improvements?
Daily for a couple of years at least - gradual improvement as CNS healed with time. Again, non linear in the micro but healing in the macro. I can still get it if I’m under the weather / stressed / sleep deprived / eat triggering foods (eg. sugar or gluten)
@@EmmaHamesI think I've missed the Akathisia part in this video but did you have the movement or the inner? Or both?
I had / have both. Much more severe in early stages - I now can actually feel a certain calmness when I’m still. But there’s still a faint “buzzing” in all the muscles I experience, and some spasms (mostly abdomen for some reason) - if I’m sleep deprived / stressed. I believe it will completely go at some point.
Can I ask if you experienced dpdr/dissociation with all this? If so, when would you say that subsided for you?
A doctor did the same to me. Just slid me a script and never told me anything 😢 now I'm tapering and I'm feeling slightly nauseous. I'm going to keep going.
I do take brazepam 3mg for anxiety. Sybicord for breathing problems.
Being on social security disability limits access to appropriate health care of any kind. Because of the mental health commitment act that is the law in Nebraska and i believe everywhere else means that you have to take your prescribed medications. If you don't then you risk your freedom and your life! "Take your meds" is drilled into you. I asked my doctor about my memory problems and asked him about developing early dementia and he said i was fine. I trusted him and clearly i was sooo wrong. Psychiatrists have all the power and the police department and the law behind them. Because of the horrible stigma against people who suffer from a severe mental illness there will not be any progress made in the health care field. It has to be decriminalizatied and psychiatry has to drop the chemical imbalance theory! The fear of forced meditation is real.😢
I’m 76 years old and have pulmonary Fibrosis and I have been on Xanax for years, started in my twenties. I would like to know what I should do? Should I continue taking this or shouldn’t go off, is there any hope for me? Thanks so much for being on here! ❤
😮 so sorry.
I would love to write an essay or send a video to see if you would like to include my story. I’ve never told it. It’s a doozy. Haha. Either one of you. I’m sure you have plenty but I do feel I can add many decades of different age experiences on these and off these medications. I’ve had heart surgery too! Haha Added drama! ❤❤
Absolutely! Feel free to get in touch via the website
I am on 25mg of diazepam and I can't get help getting off them. I feel so stuck and don't know what to do. I guess I'll have to do it myself but I want to do it safely. I have to educate myself and become my own doctor because they don't even know how to taper people off them. I hope you see this comment and can help me and suggest something. I have no choice but to do it myself.
Concerning drinking with friends, alcohol and other drugs especially psychiatric drugs don't mix. Good on you though for being determined enough to move on from such an awful experience. There's a place for benzodiazepines (eg. my mother was given Valium as a pre-med before open heart surgery). But is it safe for long term use ?? Not from what I've found.
I completely agree re.short term vs long term uses of benzos. Emergency 1-off situations only at max, like with your mother.
Re. alcohol - doctors had told me it was fine to drink in moderation so again thought it was all ok, nothing dangerous going on. Obviously hindsight is 20-20
No !! Never for more than 1-3 weeks use .
@@colleenevans6894Benzos should only be used for 1-3 days ideally for emergencies like severe trauma and surgery.
Lorazepam is sold in the States.
You did not say anything about the use of alcohol, even though very small and not often, seemed to trigger benzo withdrawal symptoms. I wonder if people who have innocently taken a benzo that was prescribed by a neurologist will ever be able to drink socially again????
I would love to do an interview with you about my story and I think it would help others too. Was put on huge amounts of benzos at 21 after an abusive relationship. He never told me about addiction or risks but put me straight on 5 lorazepam a day then it went to clonaxepam then it went to diazepam 25mg daily. Im almost 30 now on the same dose.
So sorry you’re going through that!! I really hope this channel can help with the guidance to safely manage that 💚
God work 💜
I love having access to benzos.. I'm not able to do things like go shopping by myself which is something for most of my Life by crippling anxiety didn't allow me to do the trick is to only take them for special occasions they're not something that you can eat every day
Take care..I know of people that took that very sporadically for flying / occasional anxiety, and ended up in years of neurological injury. In some case 15 years later. These are very dangerous drugs. They should only be used for life and death scenarios (like seizures) as an absolutely short term one off fix.
Most people that take them daily I have been told by doctors that’s what’s safe, that’s what’s needed, before they know of the true risks (as was in my case)
Dr Josef, look up Dr. Howard S Weiss, greenwood village colorado, this doctor ruined many lives including my son, he was finally held accountable on 120 felony counts , overprescrbing, profit over patient care, these stories are real and thank you for sharing.... Bless you all and stay strong ....its a daily struggle and battle ♥️🙏
Dr Joseph can you develop tolerance withdrawals on long term antidepressants or is this a phenomenon seen only with benzodiazepines?
You get tolerance withdrawals off of ALL drugs you take long term if you dont continue to consistently up the dose?
@@steph7960 do you have a source for this? Not doubting this..but what you are saying is based on what? Lived experience? Anecdotal evidence? At the same time I should mention it’s important to distinguish between tachaphylaxis vs tolerance withdrawal.
Do you have suggestions or stories of people who were prescribed as children and are now adults? I am 30, and was prescribed Paxil at age 7. Have been tapering for 4 years. I was hoping to work with you, but you do not service the state I live in sadly.
NO NEW PRESCRIPTION OF BENZOS AT ALL!!!!
I lost my face due bezos. Today i am a broken face.
Can you please put chapters in your videos?
Would Lions Main help?
Funny how you say that. I started drinking mushroom coffee 2+ years ago and I believe it helps
Which one if you don't mind sharing😊 @@atomicblonde2180
I’ve now watched three episodes..reminding me of what has been. I cried out to Jesus Christ when the suffering was at its worst. He never left me… Thankful.
I’m probably not going to make it. I’ve got akathisia again bad
gabapentin helped me get off many different unnesessary drugs
Same!❤
Yup...I'm on 100 MG Gabapentin 1 or 2 nighly! It has helped tremendously. It helps with restless legg and spasms. I only ONLY take it if it's really bad
@@atomicblonde2180 it can be helpful if you keep the dose low , as it is sent through the kidneys and not the liver.
The old it's all in your mind treatment. 🙄
Benzos are useful in the short term but not long term.
Define life because life is very long and who knows maybe you never die you just suffer for all time without end like the dinosaurs.
Struggling to follow it entirely because I’m in withdrawal and not a native speaker.. what did she do to recover?
THEY ALL KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO YOU. EVERY ONE OF THEM.
U can’t be from the USA. I have epilepsy but my neurologists for the past 25 years love to feed me benzodiazepines and new FDA approved drugs which are benzos also. They get compensated for Rx’n me I’m sure. I told my neurologist now that I am done taking the new drugs bc the side effects and she got mad! I’ve been on Topamax and Lamictal for 20 years and periodically Lorazepam for 25. I abused narcotics and benzodiazepines in my 20’s when I partied. The only new drug I have been taking since ‘19 is the Epidiolex. It’s great you talk about this but USA doesn’t care. It’s about $$