Dr. Christy Huff, benzo survivor and activist.

[@estelled389]

REST IN PEACE BEAUTIFUL ANGEL 😇 💜 YOU PUT UP THE GOOD FIGHT.

[@1summerflower]

Needs investigation

[@katrinamenzies9398]

@@1summerflower💯

[@ShawnRKA]

​@1summerflower yes I agree. Something feels very off.

[@dianesams943]

How I would love to do public media story. I was a 71 year old wife and my husband was spiraling downward fast with heart failure. I finally realized I needed something to help with the anxiety. Spent maybe 5 minuets with my drs.associate and walked out with a prescription for Ativan. to take twice a day. No info about the medicine, no warnings, no nothing. This was in late May or first part of June 2019. One month later my husband died. Between the time I was prescribed the benzo and and two months after my husband’s death I was hospitalized four times because I wasn’t told I could not stop the medicine abruptly. I am very disappointed in the way this was handled. I had to be my own advocate. Again I would so love to share my experience publicly.

[@ringerheringa3052]

Thank yoy, Joselyn. Great video, and, may I say, you're looking wonderful! You must be healing so much!

[@devinramos6317]

Medical mystery tour I like how Christie puts that❤🙏🏼❤️

[@tammyuptegrove6589]

I just started my water taper off of 10mg Valium today 🙏. I am grateful for the video you shared about your water taper and how to go about it. I’m praying I can get off these meds without horrible withdrawals ❤️🙏. Any advice would be much appreciated 😊

[@BenzoBrains]

So glad my video helped. Just listen to your body and take good care of yourself. Eat whole foods, simplify life where you can and surround yourself with supportive people

[@tammyuptegrove6589]

Benzo Brains I do have a quick question....during your taper did you dose twice a day or three times a day? I have only been dosing once in the morning and once at night, but it’s 6:00 pm and I’m feeling kinda jittery and my night dose I do at 9:30 🤔

[@GipsyStarpavlovce]

2 years and 4 months off and feel almost like me still some anxiety but is different no I can see all and want to cry about how the mind was fooling me great video you making

[@sangeetalambh6389]

David how r u now frd

[@micahcooper4505]

Jocelyn (sorry if i butchered your name) I really wish you would write a book! I would buy it in a heartbeat and it would bring attention to the benzo problem more than anyone else and it would champion the cause.

[@BenzoBrains]

I just posted a picture on here yesterday of my book cover! It will be coming out June 1st 😊

[@amydavidson7166]

What is the name of your book?

[@briank1263]

Thanks Christy and Joselyn for the information. Currently 30 days into jumping off Clonazepam after 15 month taper from 1.5 mg. It has been a journey and I know I'm still in the beginning stages of the healing process. What are some ways that I can help others by sharing my story about tapering off benzos?

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi benzoreform.org is looking for people to submit personal case studies. Look on there for more info. Often times benzoinfo.com needs people willing to talk to local news outlets so follow them online and/or Facebook to keep up to date on that. And there's this post I just saw facebook.com/groups/LetsTalkWithdrawal/permalink/2025180467626562/

[@briank1263]

@@BenzoBrains I'll look into that for sure. Definitely want to check out your book too. Congratulations, by the way. That is an amazing accomplishment. You are such an amazing person for taking the time to answer questions. If anyone in my community needs help with this I will know where to send them for information. I certainly will try and help spread the word about your book as well. Thank You Joselyn- a diamond in the rough.

[@michelebergman4336]

The worst are the paranoia thought of panic overload

[@Harmanizer]

Thank you for posting this still tapering I would go faster if I wasn’t the soul provider of my household. But I definitely feel weird and dizzy these last few days.

[@BenzoBrains]

No need to push. If it gets overwhelming hold off on tapering for a few days or weeks and then resume

[@michelebergman4336]

Start to drink Pink Himalayan Salt Water day & night to BALANCE Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure & Lower Anxiety & Flush Cortisol & Adrenaline!!! U make it yourself ! Google Sole Water! U can even put the salt directly under tongue followed by room temp water! It’s like a Saline IV drip that replenishes all ur bodies Minerals that are being stripped from body during Stress🙏This was the Only way I was Actually able to Taper ! It’s calms heartrate & heart pounding allows brain to feel calm! Especially in morning when u get that panic from Cortisol Rush! I was drinking a gallon a day? Add a splash of Lime to taste better & also get extra vitamin c which lowers Cortisol aswell👍🦋🌸blessings🎄

[@mondrac]

Dr Huff is very good and patient. I follow her on social media.

[@cliffordhall9525]

hi I cant seem to find her on insta or facebook ?is it twitter only? If so ill sign up to twitter

[@Radhey2223]

I am 5 months off xanax, and I have lost lot of weight recently, and muscle mass is also reduced very much. I eat normal like before, no change is made. So why I am losing weight and body mass? Is it ok and common in benzo withdrawal? I feel weak , dizzy and pains all over

[@BenzoBrains]

yes this is common. when you're in withdrawal your GABA/glutamate cycle is imbalanced an glutamate is too high. glutamate eats muscle. This also throws insulin off big time. So getting plenty of protein is key, avoiding sugar and processes carbs - getting plenty of good fats will be helpful as well

[@lenorabiason8846]

I’ve been off lexapro for 11 months now,I’m too having weigh loss ,I eat normally maybe more then before and just can’t gain weight ,I’m glad I seen your post ,it’s not just me

[@JWick-iq6lp]

I have to keep it 100. I know I probably should start tappering off of Benzos again, but I just don't wanna lol. I've done it before cold turkey, had some clean time but always went back to my pills. I don't have to quit. Even if my doctor did cut me off I would be prepared and stocked up. I'm 33 now, been on Benzos for like 15 years, and I had such a hard time kicking before I'm not sure if my body can even handle that again. Are there some folks that are just better off staying on them forever?

[@BenzoBrains]

It sounds like much of your previous suffering was from rapid taper and cold turkey. That's the worst a slow taper will give your body time to heal and your mind a chance to learn how to cope without the drug in your new life.

[@JWick-iq6lp]

Benzo Brains Thank you. You're right, I've never tried to tapper off the right way. Part of my problem is I've always had a hard time doing things when I feel like I'm being forced. In other words, I'm not good at following rules and that has landed me in a lot of trouble in the past. I'm still going to stay stocked up on Benzos just because I hate having the fear that my doctor will cut me off. At least if I have my own supply I won't have to worry about what that doctor might do. If I'm gonna ween off I'm doing it my way and on my time table. I'm so glad I found this channel to show me there is a way out with minimal pain.

[@michelebergman4336]

Micro water Taper & drink lots of Pink Himalayan Salt Water to Replenish your 98 Minerals & keep your Blood Pressure Stable !!! It lowers Cortisol & flushes Adrenaline & it’s like doing a Saline IV drip! Google Sole Water to make it yourself! Add a splash of Lime to make Salt taste drinkable & bit C lowers anxiety too🙏🌸👍🦋

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

Hello, I'm 38 days free. I know I have a long road to go. But im going through some withdrawals. I can't do much physical things. I feel basically disabled/handicap. I have to be careful not over due myself which isn't much. Increased pounding heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, easily triggers, pain like im dying. These are my worst symptoms, on top many other symptoms. I had to change career, to part time 3 month ago. I have to make lot of adjustments in my life. Is it safe to take any calming supplements, which helps the most. Im taking cbd oil, it helps alittle but inconsistent. Anything to help my withdrawal symptoms. Any advice would appreciated.

[@mikel4526]

Stay strong warrior. Do not "take" anything. Your body must re-learn how to calm itself. Spinach contains natural calming chemicals. Saute it in butter and add salt.

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

@@mikel4526 sound good. Thanks

[@mikel4526]

​@@user-et1mi9ck2n make sure to absorb morning sunshine. About twelve hours later, natural Vitamin D converts to melatonin. Eventually, it will help you sleep.

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

@@mikel4526 thank you, again.

[@BenzoBrains]

@@user-et1mi9ck2n diet is a big factor for me. I've made some videos that addresses this. I would say it's not just about the sunshine but actually getting outside and touching feet to earth if you can. Kundalini yoga is helpful for me too.

[@michelebergman4336]

Is Dr Huff in touch with Jordan Peterson? He’s a HUGE PLATFORM & all of us need HELP RELIEF FROM THIS HORRIBLE Suffering & Losing SO MANY YEARS of our lives trying to Tapper off & Heal our Brains?

[@tony--james]

coming off this demented stuff, is truly horrific, day 684 of my Klonopoison taper, got 0.19 mg's to go, with complete loss of all quality of life, living the good life alone on welfare with little support has been rough, seriously , I wouldn't with this on anyone !!!

[@briank1263]

I've just got off Clonazepam. Day 30 off of 15 month taper. This stuff is ridiculous. Im certain the PAWS from benzos is worse than from any other substance. it is a constant struggle but it gets better. I feel good. Diet and exercise and supplements are what helped me through it. Also support from others. Try to build a positive support group.

[@NoName-pu5ls]

@@briank1263 how are you now? I just completed a clonazepam taper ( well almost skipping days in between) but this paws can happen later on?

[@THXx1138]

I am just over a year off and still disabled. I do see gradual improvements with each passing year.

[@DONALD1951]

THX 1138 what are your symptoms please.

[@THXx1138]

@@DONALD1951 Insomnia, gut issues, fatigue, agoraphobia, depression.

[@THXx1138]

@@DONALD1951 I am just over 2 years off now - much improvement to report.

[@adrianlozano998]

Tapered off two years ago, still struggling with asthma-like symptoms, ironically I was better off with the waves but now it’s the waves plus the asthma like sensation. Nothing I’ve tried has made much improvement. Could this get any worse?

[@ms_jadah]

Hey Jocelyn so im wondering since i am having so many problems still two years off just so many debilitating symptoms.. do you think maybe i should try to get on valium and then taper off that? I just cant take this anymore i want to live my life. I found a new doctor and she is trying to prescribe gabapentin to me and Ofcoarse i am scared to take it . Im having severe pain do you think kava kava would be a safe alternative to try . Why is there no answers !?!? 😭😭

[@BenzoBrains]

I think it's good to keep looking for amswers and things that help you to heal. I don't think a taper at this point would end up helping in the long run. Watch my interview with Sarah. Healing happens in different ways. It takes a long time for some of us i know. I'm sorry 😞

[@ms_jadah]

Benzo Brains hey! So an endometrial cyst was found last week on my right ovary! Explains the pain.. but guess what my doctor tried to prescribe for it!?!? Gabapentin Cymbalta . I refused to take them Ofcoarse.

[@Radhey2223]

Is there any relation between diet and mental symptoms? I am two months off, but feeling horrible. My symptoms fluctuate every day, sometimes physical, someday mental, but these mental symptoms were not so disturbing during tapering, a constant feeling of unreality was there. But now I am off xanax ( I have not taken any supplements, or any meds, ) I get weird sensations, heavy confused head feels like detached from surroundings. Everyday I try to find the causes that triggers these symptoms. Last night I meal was heavy, can it causes the gas that trigger feeling of unreality with foggy head? Please help.

[@1266822968]

How can I find a Dr in the Dallas Fort Worth area that is experienced using the Ashton Manual?

[@ranim7618]

Hi... your videos are always helpful. I am 3 weeks off xanax after tapering for 5 months, the initial two weeks were really hell, was hoping to get better, but 3 days ago I applied candid b cream ( contains betamethasone, a steroid) for iching problem over my neck area, ( I applied it 3 times) and I felt terrible dizziness, severe anxiety, out of my mind, blurry vision, couldn't read at all, and shakiness, inner jerks etc. Do you tell me the reason for this? Can a topical steroid make the symptoms bloat to thousand times. Please respond

[@BenzoBrains]

Yes unfortunately steroids can really aggravate things, even topically. Hopefully you should stabilize in a few weeks. Perhaps advanced TRS might help work it out of your system? I have a link to that in my most recent video.

[@ranim7618]

@@BenzoBrains thanks for replying. What is TRS? It's unfortunate that I used that ointment without much thinking.

[@BenzoBrains]

@@ranim7618 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqHUaoqIn79rb7csi=ncv_moUgKH-JWycW

[@ranim7618]

I am really so scared to take any solutions. Never know how the symptoms will take a turn. Now it's so unbearable.

[@JacquiQ]

I was a Reg'd Nurse. We dished out meds like lollies. We knew only a few major life threatening side effects of each drug. Even the books we had to refer to, lacked any real kind of information abt the drug side effects. It was like they all had no side effects or if they did you got another drug prescribed for the side effect. People think Dr's know everything about everything, the reality is they do not, they cannot possibly, they are woefully lacking in knowledge about the side effects of ANY drug they prescribe. The older u get the more pills they put u on, the more side effects you get, the more u get diagnosed with something that is actually a drug side effect, the more drugs they put you on for that. All done with the best of intentions, but prescribing is not Health. I have often thought, these drugs are killing us. Currently half way through a hideous protracted "safe" taper off Benzo's.

[@BenzoBrains]

Best wishes for you taper and may you have a fast and full recovery

[@THXx1138]

Never abruptly begin taking a benzodiazepine.

[@mikel4526]

Nailed it! You have won the internet today!

[@BenzoBrains]

🤣😂

[@Sagittarius0nFire]

Benzodiazepines have helped me and I have never had any side effects you guys have had. Not saying you guys are lying. And I've been on Ativan. Xanax and I'm currently on Klonopin. Over 11 years. All long term. Nothing has happened to me. My question is... Do you want people who actually need the medication to stop getting it? Because you guys will make it harder for people who need it. And that can cause a problem for people with mental health issues like myself.

[@THXx1138]

@@Sagittarius0nFire Are you aware of the method of action with this class of neurotoxin, the damage this drug is doing to your central nervous system? It is doing the same thing to you as it does to anyone who ingests it - including the countless others who have suffered iatrogenic injury. Since you have been consistently introducing this synthetic agent internally your CNS has created neuroadaptations that can only go on for so long until you reach a critical mass. Benzos force GABA-A receptor sites to remain permanently open which is completely unnatural. The reason why you 'feel' a sense of relaxation from taking this drug is not due to the drug. It is because the drug forces a naturally occurring neurotransmitter called GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) to flood into these receptors -you are basically overdosing on GABA. Our bodies can not live in too relaxed of a state - we will die. So the body has to compensate for this incredibly dangerous drug by 'downregulating' GABA-A receptors all over the entire body. The body actually begins dissolving GABA receptors. I can tell you that your body has eliminated most of your GABA-A receptors by this point - eliminating the very structures that your central nervous system depends on to bring a sense of calm to your mind and body. The body also increases Glutamate in your brain to counteract what the benzo is doing. GABA is like brakes on a car - slows everything down. Glutamate is like the gas pedal - revs everything up. These two amino acids - GABA and Glutamate normally work together to maintain processes in the brain and CNS. Since you have been using benzos this arrangement is in complete disarray. Your central nervous system and brain has rewired itself in order to compensate for this synthetic neurotoxin. When you decide to get free of this toxic poison, please refer to the Ashton Manual for guidance and join any number of benzo support groups online. You are going to heavily depend upon a support group of people who actually understand. No one "NEEDS" a benzodiazepine. I along with countless others are living proof of it.

[@sharonvicario9565]

Him my name is sharon I am 61 years old. I’m ready to start my water titration from 2Mg. Of Xanax. Been on since 2013. My doctor will put me on Valium, she is wonderful. My question is, is the 200 day water taper from Valium when I get adjusted to it enough, I mean is that the standard length of time? I will be starting this soon and I really need help in guidance I hope somebody would answer me or guide me to somebody who can. Thank you so much and God bless you all and keep you all safe🙏🙏

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi if you're following my water titration video that's a 300 day taper which is a 10% per month reduction which is usually the average

[@THXx1138]

If you do the water taper please do not dispose any of the drug down the sink or toilet. We recommend collecting it and properly disposing of it at a local pharmacy. Thank you.

[@JWick-iq6lp]

Sharon Vicario Good luck. You got this!

[@michelekisly2535]

Can you elaborate on the "bedridden " symptom

[@michelebergman4336]

Like in a Trance of Terror

[@dianelindenberger6941]

How can you go to sleep after getting off of benzos..

[@BenzoBrains]

It's hard at times but your body heals and if you learn skills to calm your body down and good sleep hygiene it happens. Sometimes there are underlying physical factors that need to be addressed like hormonal imbalances or iron deficiency

[@PatrickA1]

@@BenzoBrains did you ever experienced sleep jerks? I get them right before falling asleep.

[@Elizabeth-zq9pf]

I am suffering very much and don't know how much longer I can hang on. Been on clonazepam for 14 years and in severe tolerence withdrawls as well as mnay health issues. I dont know what to do. For the past year I developed severe neuro issues and didn't realize that the last generic manufacturer they had me on was causing an inconsistent dose in my body. If I ate with food it would enhance the effect of the benzo even if I ate food 2 hours before or hours after I took my dose. It felt like I was on several pills instead of my usual dose. This has been going on for a year. I never had this with any other generic. I tried to switch to another generic and it was even worse than the one I am on. At first it felt like I cold turkey'd. Then it started working better in my system and then it alslo interacted with food. I tired various different foods to minimize this but it is impossible. I try to eat the same exact food every day and I barely am eating and it still is inconsistent in my body. One day it feels like I took a bunch of pills the next day I feel like I took none. I feel like Im kindling on a daily basis and I dont know think I can do a slow taper if one day I feel drugged up and the next I dont Im terrified of going to a detox center since Im bedridden and have many serious health issues non benzo related. Sensitive to most medications and supplements. I dont know what to do. I have been stuck in terror and paralysis and every little thing is affecting how it is absorbing in my body. I am getting worse everyday and hvent begun to taper yet because I am in agony and everyday my dose seem to change. I cant sleep I cant function. I feel like Im dying. I dont know who to turn to nobody has ever heard of this kind of reaction. I am a very private person so to write this shows how desperate I am. I dont know what to do. I scared to crossover to Valium my body may go into shock its so sensitive I dont know what to do. Also Im afraid I will be cut off benzos if I let my provider know whats going on and I dont have any other place I can go to stay on benzo. How do I taper if one day the medication drugs me up and the next day its as if I took nothing at all? I dont feel I can take one more day.

[@BenzoBrains]

Thank you for reaching out. I will do my best to help you troubleshoot. Also if you're not in an online benzo support group you may find help there as well. How many times a day are you dosing your clonazepam? What's your current dose? Are you on any other meds or have you recently started or stopped any meds or supplements? Most likely dosing smaller doses more frequently will be the best option to help you stabilize better so you can micro taper

[@Elizabeth-zq9pf]

@@BenzoBrains Thanks so much Jocelyn. I so appreciate you replying and all that you do. . I was wondering if there is a way I can contact you or for you to contact me to talk about my situation in a more private venue?

[@BenzoBrains]

@@Elizabeth-zq9pf Hi I don't usually do private chats sorry. It's best if others can learn from your experience here. I understand the need for privacy though. Support groups are more private and may be a good option for you.

[@olgaodobescu6782]

​@@Elizabeth-zq9pf Did you manage to stabilize and taper off?

[@ClutchboyzHQ]

rip im currently suffering becuz of abruptly stopping

[@BenzoBrains]

I'm so sorry. Is there any way to get back on so you can do a proper taper?

[@ClutchboyzHQ]

@@BenzoBrainsis that the only way its been 2 years without now

[@austingode]

So even a doctor won’t listen to a doctor ....... what chance do the rest of us have ?

[@BenzoBrains]

We might be caught between a rock and a hard place with the current system. My hope is by speaking out we can change that for future generations

[@erinseward]

@@BenzoBrains Thank you, Jocelyn, for giving those of us who are sick a voice. ❤🙏🏼 Thank you for trying your best to change things and protect those who are unaware of the dangers. It's such an important issue, but I hope you take good care of yourself too and you are healing and being loved by a loving support system of family, friends, and fellow survivors. Many blessings to you for your contributions and work. 🙏🏼❤

[@evjogkg344]

i cold turkeyed so yea i did not knw any better its not my fault but my doctors. im 340 days off

[@taghreedrulia5168]

How long until you become addicted to benzos? They prescribed Ativan for my son to be taken everyday to treat sever akathsia caused by an antipsychotic?! He has been taking it for about 3-4 days and they want him to continue taking it until that injection antipsychotic wears off of his body!!

[@mikel4526]

Stop drugging your kid. Immediately.

[@BenzoBrains]

I'm so sorry he's experiencing this. Dependence, not addiction, is likely your biggest concern. Unfortunately we don't know when exactly that happens for any given person but it's possible for some that the dependence or chemical injury happens right away. I know he needs some relief from the akathisia so all I can say is if he chooses to continue take the Ativan, encourage him to wean off of it carefully.

[@taghreedrulia5168]

Benzo Brains Thank you for your kind reply He was forced to take an Abilify injection at one of the hospitals and that caused neuroleptic- induced acute Akathisia The doctor at the other hospital told me””I don’t want to give him Ativan but unfortunately I have to,,in order to fix other doctor’s stupid mistake” The only treatment for Akathisia is ativan and propranolol he’s taking both and still can’t sit or sleep very hardly Sometimes they add Trazadon and/or Benadryl He’s suffering too much..

[@michelebergman4336]

STOP IMMEDIATELY!!! This is what causes HORRIBLE IRREVERSIBLE AKATHESIA !!! It only takes a few days for Benzos to Destroy the Gaba Receprors & then ur STUCK !!!! Have him drink Pink Himalayan Salt Water to Calm the Akathesia!!! It’s balances Cortisol & Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar and Flushes Out Addrenaline!!! Replenishes all 98 Minerals in body!!! STAY FAR AWAY FROM ALL BENZOS!!!!

[@garysimone4977]

How all of you deal with sleep. I nêd to get of thí dam ambien

[@BenzoBrains]

I find i sleep better if I'm careful not to spike my blood sugar during the day, don't eat at night and do some kundalini yoga. Also I use trigger points on my feet to help. I've also heard good things about earthing mats

[@garysimone4977]

@@BenzoBrains how do you not spike the blood sugar what tips can i try When do you do the yoga just before bed?? Trigger points on feet how and were

[@michelebergman4336]

@@garysimone4977 Pink Himalayan Salt Water helps lower blood sugar

[@mikel4526]

Hi.

[@BenzoBrains]

Hi!