How Long Do Benzo Withdrawals Last?

[@DrBAddictionRecovery]

Here you can find more videos on Benzodiazepines: kzbin.info/aero/PLvvylY4ajkHo9vn8bg-bb5T0OoeLFZFp3

[@stephenleverette2643]

Thanks for the information Doc👍🏻❤️

[@stephenleverette2643]

Thanks for the information Doc👍🏻❤️

[@JuanitaLRL]

Much appreciated Dr. B

[@morningwithgracie7870]

Doc can u help benzo sufferer to wean off?

[@theway9828]

Hey doc I get prescriptions for subutex and Valium. I’m supposed to be on a taper for benzos and it was working until I started to get bad anxiety again and I started to seek Xanax on the streets. I got myself into trouble because I didn’t know withdrawals were this bad. I told my doc what happened in an email and he hasn’t responded. I’m afraid he’ll cut me off entirely. What can I say to him to get him to agree to start the taper over? I can’t be going around these people anymore to get pills and I’m ready to listen to my docs instructions. I’m lucky he gives me 45 (5mg) Valium a month. I feel dizzy and I feel like I can’t breathe. It’s scary and I just want to feel normal while I taper. He will give me all the subutex I want but not enough Valium. Even when I buy pills off the street I take them modestly. I never exceed 4mg of Xanax a day.

[@edwelndiobel1567]

Benzo withdrawal was the most horrific suffering Ive ever endured. Beyond description.

[@colspiracy8326]

You made it tho? Well done. How are you now? I'm still hooked. ☹️. Fed up tho, that's why I'm here. I stopped the booze 13 days ago. Benzos next. I dont think you can rush these things tho. Good luck. 👍

[@edwelndiobel1567]

@@colspiracy8326 Oh well Im happy to say Im 100% fine now. For the first few years it was withdrawal attacks every day. It took A LONG TIME about 3 years but now I dont have ANY anymore. You brain will heal with time. Takes time for those GABA receptor sites to upregulate. The good news is you can recover but it will take a lot of time. Far more time than any other drug. SLOWLY decrease your booze intake. Dont stop cold turkey. Get a LOG and parcel out what youve been drinking and log it in the book. Consider what you drink normally as a "dose" how much alcohol is in it is what matters. You have to decrease dosage slowly over time week by week. Try 10% reduction each week. If thats too hard do 5% but just keep the dosage going down and you will get there. You can do it, I know you can because I did!

[@justendanen7013]

i relapsed and i need help

[@colspiracy8326]

@justendanen7013 I live a benzo nightmare, life. I know how hard it is. Get help brother. I do. It does help a bit. Iv got a drink problem too but im 7weeks sober (tomorrow). Not that I'm counting lol. Day48. Don't give up. Good luck brother. Do you take Baclofen? It's meant to help with anxiety but it's not a benzo. It's actually for MS or something. It has useful side effects. Get help. Good luck. God bless you ❤️🙏

[@justendanen7013]

@@colspiracy8326 thank you no I haven’t but I will look into it

[@zoosolo4779]

I remember feeling as though I was being burned alive inside and out for months. I remember feeling like fire ants were stinging me all over my body. I remember my mouth and teeth burning. I remember the feeling of bugs and worms crawling on and under my skin. I remember the losing the ability to talk. I remember not being able to drive anymore. I remember having psychosis. I remember not knowing who I am or where I live. I remember thinking I was being held hostage. I remember being terrified to go anywhere. I remember when I couldn't walk. I remember crushing anxiety. I remember when I could not stop pacing for 4 1/2 months 12 / 14 hours a day. I remember hugging myself crying out all night long begging for someone to help me. I remember always saying please help me. I remember crawling in the yard not knowing what was happening to me. I remember being in a different dimension than the rest of the world. I remember laying on the floor kicking my legs and arching my back as my family watched and could do nothing. I remember laying on the floor for 6 months. I remember learning to sleep in a bed again. I remember losing my job. I remember feeling forsaken. I remember feeling like I was laying in cactus all the time. I remember being submerged in the bath with only my nose out of the water trying to stop the burning. I remember nothing helps. I remember being terrified and not knowing why. I remember losing bodily functions. I remember thinking I would be this way forever. I remember wanting to die. I remember praying to die. I remember the hissing Jet airplane inside my head. I remember my feet feeling like they were being boiled in water every day. I remember not sleeping for six days. I remember being up all night every night. I remember the Doctor that told me it should only take two weeks. I remember being in agony for 9 months. I remember my scale. I remember tapering. I REMEMBER 60 MONTHS AGO THAT I WAS FINALLY FREE FROM 13 YRS OF BENZODIAZEPINES. I WILL FORGET ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I WILL NOT BE RULED BY FEAR ANYMORE. I WILL NOT BE HELD CAPTIVE BY A DOCTOR ANYMORE. I STILL SUFFER.

[@zoosolo4779]

This is absolutely true and not an exaggeration. I still have permanent CNS damage. My feet and legs burn constantly to the degree that there are times I would rather not have feet then to have them feel like standing in boiling water most of the time. The tinnitus has gotten some what better and is not as defining. The withdrawal is not the hard part... the misery of the brain damage is! How can Benzos remain on the market? I know that I am not the only person this has happened to?

[@billybarr7443]

Are you drinking alcohol yet

[@zoosolo4779]

@@billybarr7443 What kinda question is that?

[@aileenfulgens1909]

@@zoosolo4779 I'm six years off a low dose for insomnia and have no life. A hundred symptoms..my burning was in small areas. I think it's gone. Just feel like I'm dying today. It's not ending anytime soon. Are you healed now?

[@tweedspeculum6820]

you are EXACTLY the one who WILL be held captive. Did it ever occur to you to find out what you were taking and how to interact with it? You do realize that there are many other people who have successfully stopped taking this medication for one reason or another and had NOTHING like this happen to them? You do understand that they ask you at the pharmacy if you have any questions about this medication as well as include a very comprehensive informational package with the medication right? How could you ingest something for 13 years and not know what the fuck you were taking? Jesus Christ man... You have to do shit for yourself unless you prefer to go through that. I mean you could have even asked someone like "Hey, thinking about getting off of these, whuddaya think" No trophy for you

[@buckjackson7328]

I can't explain to you how nice it is seeing a doctor acknowledge protracted withdrawals. Was the most painful experience of my life by far. Thank you for recognizing this.

[@usmanahmad7682]

how long it took

[@bryanchavez6186]

How did u heal from protracted withdrawals?

[@joeljoss1916]

I relocated and my new Dr said "I'm not writing those for you" not a word about helping me get off them. They don't care.

[@inoshishi8]

​@@joeljoss1916 They need serious lawsuits 😢

[@yes55504]

Benzo withdraw last as long as it takes your CNS takes to repair the damage the drug has done. No one can give you a definite answer on how long it lasts, because it's all individual. This drug should be banned.

[@jeffgalaska9277]

I agree

[@claudiacastillo5898]

Does it get repaired eventually? I have terrible fibromyalgia like symptoms. I feel excrutiating joint pain... why do I even get joint pain? Why do benzos cause joint pain?

[@suzanna6]

I agree. They are more harmful than they help in the long run. My experience was horrific including a 3 day stay in the hospital. I regret letting the doctor talk me into taking them. At the very least there should be serious warnings associated with taking them.

[@AbhayKumar-cm2kh]

You can't ban drugs you don't like.. millions of people with acute anxiety have found relief due to benzos.. it should be regulated into oblivion tho

[@mralapenosarespicy]

Banned?? Stfu. I’m sick of shit being taken away from us just because some people can’t control themselves. I don’t have a problem and Xanax has helped me for years and I use it 3-4 times a month. Not my fault certain people can’t learn self control

[@Sears111]

Finally a doctor that knows what he’s doing! Not many like him out there.

[@DrBAddictionRecovery]

🙏

[@lindsaygraham9115]

No there aren’t!! Thanks for this video Dr. B 💜

[@joeymarino7]

If you could have some Success Stories for this community it would be deeply helpful 💙 thanks for what you do.

[@Sears111]

@@joeymarino7 Amen!

[@tylerrawson21]

@@DrBAddictionRecovery I'm in hell!

[@MrsATX]

Sober from alcohol since 2012, narcotic pain meds since 2016, heard benzo withdrawals even worse. God bless all ❤❤

[@Eire4life]

Well done❤, off booze, off narcotics , off antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers, just 10mg diazepam daily and a sleeping tablet to go, good luck all

[@jeffha4057]

I wish there were more Doctors like you. I'm amazed that so many doctors don't understand that withdrawals can last for years.

[@notofthisworld5267]

I was in klonopin 9 years, detoxed in 2012. It was terrible. Only thing I could do is lay there in my own misfortune, psychosis, and nerve pain. Well, I’m 10 years off, and I’m healed! Around month 16 is when I took a turn for the better. You will get through this! I’m not a strong person either, just made it through humbly.

[@الحمدلله-ت7ف9ب]

Thanks

[@kaylapeery2140]

I took Klonopin for 16 years! I wanted to stop.. So winged my self down in November 2021..im in major nerve pain pls tell me it will stop i have to work been a waitress all my life never been in pain like this does the nerve pain go away??

[@MillerTheOriginal]

Dude. You cant say your not a strong person! Going through that withdrawal takes a tremendous amount of courage, hope and strength. God bless you

[@MIKExVICKx7]

Take care

[@rytyhu2127]

Fair play

[@johnsterman77]

I’m always amused when I hear that one should withdraw from benzos “under medical supervision,” when many, perhaps most doctors, don’t recognize protracted withdrawal as a real phenomenon. Short of finding a sympathetic doctor, you’re on your own - for years!

[@glenn5517]

True, went to the ER like many say on here and it was a waste of time. They gave me adderall and a anti depressant to taper off of benzos? Wtf. Of course I never filled the prescriptions. Seemed like it was just adding fuel to the fire.

[@charlydavis9242]

Exactly!!! I was on Klonopin for over 30 years and a new doctor took me off. I only took it as prescribed! Now, I'm living in hell on earth. Good luck to you! 🙏

[@wendyroberts3363]

@@charlydavis9242 oh my you are so brave, it’s so hard! I was in klonopin for over 10 years when I got pregnant and had to pretty quickly come off. I was struggling so bad I would take like 1/4 of a klonopin once/week or so just to take the edge off. Then while breastfeeding I was most off of it except taking the 1/4 like once/week. Then after nursing my daughter I got right back on my 1 mg/day prescription. I call my doctor ‘dr. Feel good’ because she’ll prescribe me pretty much anything o ask for (I have chronic fatigue syndrome amd fibromyalgia, so lots of disabling symptoms.). I swear I’ll need to go to treatment or rehab, I don’t feel addicted like I did with alcohol (I have 10 years diver in AA) to get off of it. Supposedly getting off benzos can have a lot of benefits for energy, cognition, mood, etc. I want as ll the benefits of getting off the benzo, while still being able to sleep, and without the freaky withdrawal process thee we t met last years. Which is worse, the negatives being on Ben is or getting off and having your original anxiety & insomnia back along with continued CFS/fibro plus now horrible withdrawal for ab unknown amount of time. I prob need a good doctor to help me ween off super slowly.

[@charlydavis9242]

@@wendyroberts3363 I'm in a support group called 'Benzo Warrior Community'. This is an amazing group! They're so supportive. I wish you all the best! 💞🙏

[@charlydavis9242]

I forgot to add that this group is on Facebook. 💞

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

And by the way THIS DUDE IS THE GOLD STANDARD how ALL DOCTORS SHOULD BE !!!!

[@SpeedSyko]

I agree 100%

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

@@SpeedSyko 🤝

[@alexwashington4701]

What about the quacks that say xanax is not addictive?

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

@Kevin Hall It’s obvious you don’t know what you’re talking about . I’m not gonna argue with someone that is UN-educated about the situation so my reply to you is simply....... OK

[@mike245401]

Why aren't their meds to help you get off this hell like opioids? This is a far greater hell than opioids!!! The pharmaceutical company needs to be sued for making such a horrible drug!

[@marcind-ec1de]

C'mon, these drugs, along with opioids, have saved my life. Thanks goodness they exist.

[@daboidaboixxxtraodinary8280]

Better than pesticides

[@jonanderson7355]

I wouldn't be able to tolerate life without being on xanax, I'd kill myself. It's in my medical records, they aren't willing to cut me down in doseage, or change to a lighter benzo without putting me in a hospital. It's a double edged sword. It helps me cope with debilitating anxiety, but I also cannot be taken off of them. Multiple drs have told me, if I come off benzos I will die.

[@regineheine5707]

@@mike245401 I am suspicious about drugs taking them to Turn Bad things into the better. These Mixturen does’nt make anybody happy but Big Pharma. Your Doktors will give up on you. I prefer to make really Teeny Tiny steps downwards.The only thing that’s known for sure is that it’s a hyperbolische Turn: the more you reach Zero the more one step matters.You improvevon one Side but have Problems on the other. Nobody knows how one drug interferes with another, to which degree and when to reduce Those. Which drugs do you mean are helping to get off opioids( I mean getting off, Not replacing them)?

[@regineheine5707]

@@daboidaboixxxtraodinary8280 This isn’t a subject to kidding.

[@christopherlee1695]

Thank you everyone for all the comments it made me realize and remember what I went through coming off klonopin and suboxone after many years on high doses. I did a 30 day stint in jail cold turkey before I finally got off completely and almost died. I had several seizures and could barely talk. I could barely tell the doctor what year it was and who the president was.. I was trippn balls!! I will never ever forget that experience and thank you God I recovered from that.

[@jasonpavlak2055]

This is my biggest fear

[@DoubleDash28]

I’ve had 8 different seizures from Xanax withdrawal. I remember being in the ambulance and then asking me questions and I couldn’t answer them really strange feeling. Felt like I had no brain juice and I was just dog tired.

[@derekomeara]

Getting locked up without valium?

[@jasonpavlak2055]

@@derekomeara getting locked up while on medication you know they def are not gonna give you in jail so yea, biggest fear is withdrawal from the sub and xanax combo. I couldn't imagine.

[@derekomeara]

@jason, it ain't cool. You get a green tablet here and you are on the toilet for 3 days.. Horrible!

[@aarondaniel7777]

50 days free today. I still feel horrible but my mind is clearer and i don’t have panic attacks anymore!!! which is huge. however i just feel so restless and irritable. also i was taking between 2-4 bars everyday for 2 years! if you’re going through hell, you’re not alone you got this!!!!

[@mwilson3422]

glad to know

[@TheNarrationStationX]

I’m on 4 bars a day and 4 8mg subutexs a day I have 100 of each then I’m OUT what’s ur recommendation to stop the most comfortable

[@TheNarrationStationX]

I should say I got myself comfortably down to2 of each a day though

[@whatwillthydo6470]

My withdrawals were the worst the first 3 months. 4 - 5 months in some symptoms got a tiny bit better. By the 6-8 month point, I started to regain some health back to normality but very little and would come and go in waves. From there to a whole year at the 12 month mark I had long lasting psychical and mental symptoms from the withdrawals but I was able to slowly get back to life but it was still very difficult. I'd say my actual withdrawals lasted a whole year. After that initial year, the next two years was left over long lasting effects of the psychical and mental trauma that the experience has caused me. July 2018-2021 it's been tough to get back to the healthy life I use to have, but slowly it gets better. No one give up! I promise over time your body will adjust and you will be free of all the torture this nasty pill brings

[@abbyolivia]

How long were you on

[@whatwillthydo6470]

@@abbyolivia I was on Ativan .25mg from January 2017 to February 2018 then increased the dose to 1mg twice a day until July 2018 and then tapered off from there and never touched it again so around a year and a half

[@chrisqui6685]

@@whatwillthydo6470 what taper method did you use if I may ask

[@SAMEntalhealth]

Benzos are tricky Some people don't even experience withdrawal, actually a big percentage, like half abnd half. Like me i took xanax for sleep 1nce at night, most nights, there'd be times i wouldn't take em, but i stopped for 2 days, nothing. I tapered down from there just to be safe

[@chrisqui6685]

How long and what dose. Also what were you taking please

[@lipton87]

I got a bit better about the 3 week mark but really felt more like myself again around day 28. I hope this info is helpful. If you need someone to talk to, you're not alone

[@MPD_dogmom]

I’m coming to week 3 it’s awful but I’m getting better 😢

[@yonismursal3853]

May I ask how long you’ve been using it?

[@Q1776Q]

You were one of the very lucky ones...It took me about 3 years to start feeling better.

[@anotherarmchairhistorian2831]

It's been about a month and today was the first day I ate anything. Or slept. It's truly been hell

[@peanutarbuckle2980]

I’ve been off benzos for five years now, but I will never be the same again. It does irreversible damage to your brain, completely alters your personality , mostly in ways that are hard to even notice. Took me about two years to fee back to normal after a 4 month taper

[@chabad91819]

I really appreciate this video. I’m 51 and have been on Valium for GAD & panic disorder since 1998, or 26 years. I recently decided that I wanted to stop taking it, and had NO IDEA what I was getting into. Listen to this guy. He tells it EXACTLY as it is. I thought I could discontinue it within a month. Uhhh, no. Not even close. I’ve developed a SEVERE benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. I don’t know if I can survive this. My heart absolutely pounds out of my chest and is tachycardic as well - all night long. I can’t sleep at all. For over a month, I can only sleep 30-60 minutes a night. I lay in a ball and shake uncontrollably. Nothing helps. I have strange symptoms too. My own voice hurts my head. Every sensory input from the world is amplified times a million, and these are the easy symptoms. I’ve had a resurrection of my anxiety, but NOTHING like I’ve ever experienced before. Before was cake compared to this. I hadn’t had an actual panic attack since 2006, and now it’s daily. Actually, it feels non-stop. I’m in a living lower circle of hell. I’m in a state of fear like I’ve never experienced. This is hell. Pure hell. It’s been a month and a half since decreasing my dosage from 10 mg three times a day (which I rarely use ooo that much, mostly once a day) to 2 mg twice a day. This was too little and had caused this series of symptoms. Now, I’m have to go BACK UP to at least 5mg three times w day, just to get back to baseline, then taper more slowly. I spoke to my doctor today, and he said exactly what this guy is saying. It can take a year, at an EXTREMELY LOW TAPER DOSE. I have NO quality of life. I’m “existing” until either I die, or my next dose of Valium. I’m also taking a beta blocker regularly, for the heart pounding and tachycardia. But it doesn’t really help, for more than 30 minutes, so here time a day. So, I get 1.5 hours of a little break from hellish symptoms, in a 24 hour period. I don’t know how I can live like this. But his is pure hell. I don’t know if I can do it anymore. I think I’ve lasted longer with the WORST SYMPTOMS on earth, longer than most people would. Because I thought it would end. But now that there’s no end in sight, I’m going to be on an A VERY protracted withdrawal. Also, one last thing. I don’t like the use of the word “withdrawal” I never abused Valium. I “used” it as it was prescribed. Less, even. I have a “dependency”’in my brain chemistry that’s going to take a really long time, and maybe never. I when to accept that now. Not sure how, but this is WORSE than anything a human should endure. I only have a small piece of advice for whomever is reading this. Go slowly! It’s not a race. If you’re alive in a year and are at a lower dose, you’re winning. My doctor told me today, “if you’re on 10 mg three time a day, after a month, go to 9mg three times a day…” This is an example of HOW SLOWLY you must go. Good luck.

[@belizejuliette7223]

Same here! I never abused my meds.

[@benberkovic]

I CAN'T BELIEVE this is the first medical professional I have encountered in my 16 years of X dependence who actually knows how hellish and hard it is to get clean. A quick taper is hell, I tried, almost lost my mind entirely. But all the psychiatrists and docs I've seen suggest such a taper (2 or 3 weeks). It literally takes years, or you risk losing your mind, committing suicide, a stroke, etc.

[@brettwilson7680]

I actually did lose my mind from cold turkey xanax withdrawal. I was forced by evil doctor. I had a phychotic break, full blown man. I literally was bat shit crazy for one month, didn't think I was ever gonna come out of it and therefore wanted death every second. I also had insomnia for a whole month which exacerbated the symptoms. What a nightmare that month was. The only way to describe it was like living in the torments of hell, every minute felt like a day, every day a week. No escape from my own mind, not even for a second. No reprieve.

[@benberkovic]

@@brettwilson7680 how are you now?

[@brettwilson7680]

@@benberkovic I'm doing quite a bit better thanks for asking. I still have the tourettes of the brain or the intrusive thoughts but they aren't as bad or as frequent. Seen a phychiatrist last Wednesday. He put me on Seroquel for the insomnia and phychotic symptoms and Lexapro for the overall depression that I've had since coming off the xanax. Seroquel has been real nice for the insomnia. It's been a crazy couple months though but I'm glad I endured the cold turkey withdrawals because everyday is getting better and better. Mornings I still have symptoms and my brain fog comes and goes. I am twitching when I go lay down at night which is weird. My brain still feels like it's got a lot of healing to do. How are you doing now?

[@benberkovic]

@@brettwilson7680 hey man... I'm happy to hear you are doing better. :) Maybe we will forever be scarred by the many years we were heavily taking X, but... I ENVY YOU!! for not having to take it anymore. As for me brother... I am still taking it. I think it's been about 15 years now that I have been taking X. I am absolutely, without a doubt completely addicted to it, my world literally depends on my X pills. I tried CT'ing, and almost ended up in the ER. I tried weaning of slowly, tapering, and that also didn't work. My main problem is that I don't have enough free time to concentrate on tapering down and getting off of X. Whether I taper or CT, I will most certainly lose my job, you know why, and... I can't afford to lose my job, my only source of income. So... I keep taking X every day. Cause without it I'm not normal. I've been working on investing in some projects that would leave me less dependent on a 9 to 5 job, and give me more freedom to concentrate on getting off of X, so... hopefully I'll somehow get off of X before I die. :)

[@brettwilson7680]

@@benberkovic I understand your situation. I would have never quit taking it cold turkey if I hadn't been forced. It can definitely kill you and if you don't die you most certainly will want to. Those short acting benzos are exceptionally dangerous when going cold turkey. To me it's also impossible to dose down effectively off x. You need to switch to a long acting benzo like Valium and see a specialist who is in it for the long haul to see you dose down safely. It can be done if you do it that way, but it's not a quick fix. If you have been on it for 15 years, even if you started to dosing down now, I'd imagine it's going to take some years to dose down. My psychiatrist told me today that his x patients that have been taking it everyday for over 10 years will most likely be on it the rest of there lives. I would also stockpile the shit out of Xanax and or Valium or both if I were you.. If there was national disaster which caused are system to shut down for awhile it would be real bad, it would be hell for millions of people, a lot of them could even die. A lot of them that don't die will be completely unable to do anything. I know I was completely useless, mind and body when I was suffering from the withdrawals. Anyways, I hope that things work out for you and that you will find the time and have the situation financially to be able to taper. I know I would have lost my job for sure. I had to take FMLA.

[@rabeealwan174]

Oh wow… a doctor who actually acknowledges that tapering should have different time frames depending on how long and dosage the person used? Also, openly admits that “we need to realize that some people will be on it for long term or life but at a safer dose.” Need more docs like you.

[@sandeepshah9489]

Yes dear if the case is of severe enxiety person has to take since he died. It's okay if he operrates day to day routine benzo is not bad things rather than lying in the bed for the whole day

[@kathycrawford4652]

I'll be one that takes it long term on the lowest dose. I'm elderly and I can't expect to go thru all this and lose what life I have left. plus it's probably already causing alzheimers.

[@bennetttyler6019]

​@kathycrawford4652 I'll pray for you and your mind. Stay on your medication because your right.

[@SlippinJimmy4Life]

You have to go at your own pace. I appreciate that this guy understands this when so many don’t. A feeling of personal empowerment and control / safety is important for the individual looking to make a full recovery. Great video.

[@darkdeepdepressed]

I think the worst part for me of the withdrawals was the psychosis. Worst thing ever and still going thru it after a year off benzos. I had to be hospitalized over five times due to the psychosis. I just hope to feel like myself again and be free from the psychosis

[@loribenintendi5843]

🙏🕊

[@JessLovesU86]

I hope you’re better now

[@ellerich7370]

This is such an informative video. I’ve been on Klonopin for over 20 years. My psychiatrist who is an addiction specialist and the Director of Behavior Health at Vanderbilt in Nashville saw what I was taking and explained what happened to me. He wanted to wean me off and I agreed. I reduce.25mg at a time. It’s been very difficult but thank God I have a supportive husband of 44 years. Yes I am in my 60’s and am determined to get off this. I don’t drink alcohol, I don’t indulge in any street drugs. I did start smoking cigarettes again and that ended when I had Omicron. I’m having major withdrawal symptoms that seem to come in waves. I’m a breast cancer survivor and will take one baby step each day to say goodbye to benzodiazepines once and for all.

[@blairsterling6141]

You are lucky to find a specialist in addiction to help you ween off. You MUST ween extremely slowly. It is absolutely a must. We mean extremely extremely slowly.

[@steamedclam1]

I was on 2mg per day for 2 years. I weaned down for 1 month with some uncomfortable withdrawals but I was functional in my daily life. 12 years later I started having panic attacks again & had to go back on Xanax, but this time, I only took them for 2-3 days, and then none for a couple of days, & then took them a couple days, etc. and when I didn’t need them anymore, I had ZERO withdrawals. For me, truly only taking them every now & then was what prevented my body from forming an addiction. But I swear, if it weren’t for this medicine, I wouldn’t have gotten through some parts of my life.

[@Itslorena_618]

How did u wean off in a month

[@DreBlacc]

Been on Alprazolam for over 4 years now and honestly has caused more damage than my actual problems. I’ve felt the withdrawal symptoms before due to running out but now knowing my doctor has completely stopped it without warning or tapering . Day 2 and My body hurts, heart racing, headache, dizziness cant sleep and I think Im hearing and seeing things. God I wish I never started those. My life hasn’t been the same since and Im only 25 and it feels over.

[@zoosolo4779]

You will get better... I did, Hang on.

[@nafihasanzahid]

How much time it taken

[@isabelreyes6387]

hang in there - you will eventually be back to normal

[@nathanstice8456]

I have experienced benzo withdrawal 4 times in my life. I am on my 4th right now day 5 in on 2.5 mg Ativan cold turkey. It really depends on how much you were taking. Each withdrawal was short in duration 2 weeks at most on 2 mg or less. The immediate symptoms (diarrhea, brain zaps, aches, insomnia) decrease after 6-8 days for me then you just get really anxious after that but deep breathing, prayer, meditation and sleep helps. I hope for the best for you

[@zoosolo4779]

I hope you are doing better? This medication is evil.

[@macmecouch159]

So many doctors that don't Even Know, Benzodiazepine Syndrome, Great Video ! You just can't stop or ween too fast, I was locked up & the jail almost killed me, I'm lucky to be alive, I have permanent damage 12 years later.

[@tinak3271]

I tapered for 2.5 years and the withdrawals lasted the entire time and about 18months after that last little bit. It is brutal but so worth it.

[@daviddolin3564]

I HAVE NEVER WENT THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE COMING OFF VALIUM, I'M ON A 2yr COME OFF CODEINE TOO! 53yr TERM I AM A CHRONIC PAIN PATIENCE MY DOCTOR DROPPED ME FOR NO REASON TO COVER HIS OWN SELF SAD BUT TRUE LATER DR B THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR RETURNING MY TEXTS AND ETC.David,OH.

[@realprodigious]

what

[@Dulcimerea]

To get off benzos: dissolve tabs in milk, then reduce the amount of milk by a tiny amount each day. One year per milligram. I went off a longterm 2 mg per day prescription in 13 1/2 months of tapering this way and it was actually a little too fast and I ended up in the ER at the end of the process. In 60 years I have never done anything more difficult than getting off of Klonopin by tapering this way. If you try to stop benzos suddenly you will very likely go insane and suffer terribly. But if you taper slowly and gradually by dissolving the drug in milk, you can do it, and become free of this incredibly addictive drug. Whether you are hooked on Xanax or Klonopin, use this method to free yourself. Getting off benzos 13 years ago was the hardest thing I ever did in my life and also the best thing I ever did with my life.

[@blairsterling6141]

What percent did you reduce per month. ?? Some doctors reccomend a 10 % reduction per month approximately. Then, the second month is 10 % of 90% ...so the cuts in reduction become less and less,,,staying at about 10%.. So, like the 3rd month would be about 10 % reduction of 82 % of original dosage. Please answer. Thank you.

[@tequilabumbum4373]

Could you please explain a bit better, why milk and how did you do it🙏🏽

[@blairsterling6141]

@@tequilabumbum4373 great question. Us victims of doctors neglect are needing exact information to ween off of dangerous benzodiazepines .. we need precise tapering programs to be free. And we know it could take years and years, but long term it is better for our minds and bodies.

[@paulettelamontagne7153]

I've been on benzos a total 12 years they started me on valium then they put me on Xanax and now I'm on 0.5 mg of Klonopin three times a day my doctor informed me last week that's why I'm here that he's going to start me on Tuesday for a couple months and then one a day and then none I am absolutely terrified I am diagnosed and on disability for a cute panic disorder and agoraphobia and this seems to fast to me he also wants me to start taking an antidepressant to keep me level which I am not going to take them I read the side effects I don't know what to do I'm absolutely terrified

[@paulettelamontagne7153]

@@blairsterling6141 I've been on benzos 20 years Klonopin 0.5 mg three times a day my doctor told me on the 1st of August he's cutting me down to two a day and he said that I will only do that for 2 months then one a day and then none he also wants me to see a psychotherapist and get on antidepressants I looked at these antidepressants and the side effects are awful and ironically they say they're for short-term they said I'm permanently disabled I just think he's trying to go too fast I'm absolutely terrified I don't know what to do

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Dr. This needs to go to the board of medicine. This needs to be a priority. I've been going through this for two years and saw someone in the ER last weekend and knew exactly what they were going through. In a word.... Sucks.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Update... Found out why I'm going through this for so long. I have pain from a cyst in my spine that's pushing on my nerve. I was sent to pain management and was given hydrocodone. This knocked me back about 2 yrs. I keep telling my Dr and they say no. I'm actually getting blown off. I've stopped the hydrocodone and am getting better. I'm getting a new Dr

[@shaunhaggerty8618]

Dr. B seems like he is one of the best doctors, who deals with not only addiction but also addresses the best way for a person who needs to be on some of these medications to manage and take them the correct way.

[@phoenixrising1576]

The dangers of these drugs need taught in school. I'd love to be part of a short doc, film, visual piece of someone going through benzo withdrawal. It could be a very intense experience for the viewer and educate. 2 half years out and I STILL have nervous system, brain issues that I know no-one could ever diagnose me. They are 'Satan's Sweets.'

[@phoenixrising1576]

@@craiglyles4755 its very very hard to get I remember trying. Its primarily for opiate withdrawal but I always felt it may work for benzo healing. Does it work when people are in acute withdrawal or post acute withdrawal? I'm doing OK now although still have issues however I think things will improve rapidly if I quit smoking. Smoking can rev up tremor and tinnitus. Nervous system. I think its the chemicals. Thanks..

[@phoenixrising1576]

@@craiglyles4755 Thanks. I hope in the not so near future proper natural medicines become available wide-spread in order to help heal people. Its not something I would consider now unless under the guidance of somebody knowledgeable although i will still investigate. I'm doing pretty good now. If I quit the smokes and increase exercise I think that will help. I'm well well over the worse nearly 3 years now. Cheers Craig il look into it. We have all the answers in Nature.

[@phoenixrising1576]

@@craiglyles4755 Thank You Very Much! I really appreciate that.

[@phoenixrising1576]

@@craiglyles4755 that's a great channel!

[@tweedspeculum6820]

Satans Sweets??? OMFG HAHAHAHAHA your killing me with this shit. better stay away from the devils lettuce too

[@JM-vz6ok]

I took my father's Bromazepam for about a week and a half 1.5mg every 2ish days due getting over a panic attack hangover. Now I stopped and even though I took so little for not much time, I feel as though I'm going through withdrawal symptoms. 2nd day I had burning sensations around my body, day 3 now and I had a minor panic attack in the morning. Can't believe people have to go through this for months or years on end. God bless you all and I wish you all very much to get better some day soon

[@hearme4581]

How are you?

[@JM-vz6ok]

@@hearme4581 it's day 4 for me now and I am feeling a bit better each day. I don't have the nerve pain anymore or it's rare. I still feel anxiety, especially in the morning. I also get light headed very easily in the morning until later in the afternoon. The symptoms seem to taper and go away in the evening then get bad again in the morning.

[@hearme4581]

Did you have anxiety before taking this? Vaping cause me a lot of anxiety issues which is why I took Ativan

[@JM-vz6ok]

@@hearme4581 on and off.. I never had anxiety issues until this year. Not sure what triggered it but I just randomly one day had a panic attack. I began exercising and eating well afterwards and it went away until 6 months later. Turns out I had pneumonia and it was increasing my anxiety. Got better after antibiotics but took a while to get my gut back to health. Ended up getting another really bad panic attack induced by keto a few months later which had me taking my dad's bromazepam for 2 wks while my mind and body recovered. Little did I know my body wasn't recovering as fast because the benzos kept giving me rebound anxiety after a while off them.

[@thatguymichaelhtx]

Same here!! Lorazepam, only 0.5mg three times over one week, and I am sick as a dog right now. Worse panic than before, trembling, hot flashes, etc

[@jaime9353]

I did this and it was horrible. Such a slippery slope. Took Xanax for years for panic disorder. Now I just take as needed. Such a love hate situation with benzos. Thank you for this. So many Drs. don’t believe the long term effects are real. 🙏

[@DearSouls]

how did you do it? im down to 1mg but I cant go lower without suffering a lot. help please

[@DearSouls]

@Joe Tomlin when did you jump?

[@DearSouls]

@Joe Tomlin but no seizures right? Oh man, a lot of stuff. Was it xanax?

[@DearSouls]

@Joe Tomlin so if the amount is less than 2mg no seizures! Wow I am happy now. The doctors dont say those things

[@DearSouls]

@Joe Tomlin man.. thank you so much for sharing. I already have some joint pain.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

My own experience of benzodiazepine withdrawal has been in relation to tapering off 40mgs of Valium and 7.5mgs Zopiclone. It has taken me 19 months to quit the zopiclone entirely and to reduce my daily Benzo intake down to 2.5mgs. It has been incredibly challenging on a daily basis with little respite from the myriad withdrawal symptoms. I prefer the term Benzodiazepine injury to addiction or dependancy. It truly has injured my body and my brain and in a wider sense my entire life. I expect to continue experiencing withdrawal/injury symptoms for the foreseeable future. Getting off Benzos is my life work right now. Thanks for raising awareness.

[@paulbillington8290]

Well said anthony, i,m just starting a taper off 40mg of valium, is it possible to do my friend and i didn,t know you could take valium with zopiliclone is that advised by doctors?

[@sybilprentice3494]

Likewise, I pray there will someday be the science to restore natural GABA

[@sybilprentice3494]

Life work as well, 10 years

[@xlauriestarchildstudios7777]

Benzo injury. Yes.

[@FactoryFugitive]

It's been 23 days since I've essentially been cut off cold turkey from a 5 year prescription of alprazolam. This is absolutely horrific. I've never been so ill. I've absolutely useless cognitively and psychologically & physically than I have been. So far in just 23 days I've had 3 seizures, followed by vision impairment, a host a CNS issues and an inability to even have any clear thoughts or ability to problem solve. What was originally a miracle medication that has helped with severe anxiety issues has become now what in hindsight was a cakewalk in relative comparison to what I originally started taking the medication for. I genuinely would not wish this upon My worst enemy. This is an absolute nightmare My friends.

[@Michael-mx3cp]

Im getting the exact same symptoms. contact me for support. take care Michael

[@priyanevanarnauld5987]

What dosage and how much have u been taking per week

[@sangeetalambh6389]

MrAR how r u now my frd

[@scratchandwinner]

I'm on .75 mg a day...is this something to worry about if I don't go any higher?

[@scratchandwinner]

@@priyanevanarnauld5987 hi...I am on .75 mg a day...if I stay there or less am I to worry?

[@joeljoss1916]

I had plenty to ween myself off. I spent nearly a year gradually reducing my dose. 5 yrs removed and looking back it had taken years to shake its influence and effects. I can't imagine what it would have been like had I been cut off stone cold.

[@downwithputinsaveukraine1313]

I've had to take them for really severe anxiety attacks. Benzo withdrawals are the worst thing you can imagine. Your body shuts down, 1 system at a time. Stomach & digestion, neural capabilities, muscular control and balance, thermoregulation, and then it can slide to oxygen management. Anxiety will rebound like never before; You will be unable to sleep. Trust me, it's something to avoid because even after you come off them, you won't ever feel right again. Tinnitus and vision problems are common as well. I thought adrenal problems were bad. I cold turkey'd 35mg of Prednisone after 18 months. I'd much prefer that because benzo withdrawals can kill you. Just coming down too fast does it. Opiates are actually far less bad.

[@carlyrobles8725]

Thank you so much for posting this. I really needed to see it. If I ever get enough money I’m coming to you for help. I’m so mad my insurance won’t take you. You seem to be one of the few doctors that understand all of this. Too many doctors prescribe these medications like they are candy and just leave people on them. Hopefully one day I can get off them.

[@vickikaravas8774]

Some doctors have alot to answer for.

[@BflyMom_212]

Thank you Dr. B ! You hit on several very important points in this video that so many of Us are going through due to either being cut off a Benzo or not being tapered slowly enough. Many wind up in Protracted Withdrawal for months to years and it is inhumane. It's not living. Pure Hell. Very informative video. Thank you Doctor for truly understanding it's REAL !!!

[@DrBAddictionRecovery]

✌️✌️

[@rebeccascott8404]

BevAnn. You are right on. I am dealing with PAWS as we speak. Did a fast taper by a so called Dr. No reason for this torture!!!

[@BflyMom_212]

@@rebeccascott8404 I'm so sorry you're going through the hell of PAWS. The most miserable feeling to experience and Nobody understands unless They have been through it. I know Dr. B does understand and believes Us. As much as I hate knowing what this poison does, I've reinstated on it after over 3 years of Hell !!! I couldn't find a Doctor who believed Me or would prescribe. After being on 8mg. Xanax for 23 years and being ripped off it. How much more inhumane can you get? I'd completely given up on life. Prayed daily that I wouldn't wake up. I understand many people don't want to take this drug class again but after this long, My brain doesn't work without it. So, the only solution for Me personally was to reinstate once I found a Doctor who was willing to help Me. I pray you can find what the answer is for you. Either way, know that you are not Alone. Your brain can heal but it could take a long time depending on your body/brains ability to heal. So many variables involved sadly.

[@rebeccascott8404]

@@BflyMom_212 Thank you BevAnn ... I think I am going to try to find a psychiatrist to see if he will prescribe klonipin for me. I think, like you , It will take me a loooonf time to feel good again without it. Wish me luck!! Kudos to you!

[@sangeetalambh6389]

BevAnn did u feel fatigue

[@sarak6860]

When my doctor cut my Lorazepam dosage in half, I suffered mild withdrawal symptons for a few months. Then it was over. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones.

[@BlakeJakes245]

How much were you taking?

[@Army1SGRetired]

Honest and frank information on BW, one of the few doctors out there who truly understands.

[@jimbob4456]

I take issue with the term “addicted “ to benzo’s. In most cases the term should be dependent.

[@brianserious]

Benzo withdrawals don't care about terms unfortunately

[@jimbob4456]

@@brianserious Well benzo withdrawal may not care about terms, but I do and millions of others who were prescribed benzos and became dependent on them do not care to be called “addicted” due to the negative connotation of that word.

[@PyroCinder1]

I'm 25 started benzo at 16 and already went through several benzo withdrawal some of them cold turkey or/with extreme dossge. I screwed up every times and went on benzo again to deal with my anxiety and many other things. Hard to see a way out of this nightmare. I wish I never took theses pills...

[@diaryofahomeschoolmama9191]

Same situation. I have come off them twice. Swore the second time I'd never take them again, that was in 2016. Stayed off them til January 2022 when my Lexapro wasn't working great for me and I thought I could control myself by taking it As needed. That did not work. So now I get to do this a 3rd time and I swear I will never go back again. Worst drugs ever made.

[@middlechild67]

It’s not benzo “addiction” or “substance abuse” with 99% of individuals and it drives me crazy when practitioners say this. I was prescribed benzos for hyperthyroidism and took as prescribed ONLY. I only took 1 mg of Klonopin daily for six months while my thyroid was treated. It’s not an addiction, it’s physical dependence. These drugs are horrible and damage your nervous system. You must go through a very slow taper in order for your system to adjust. Titration was difficult and withdrawal was very hard. Big problem is the crap generics that they give you that aren’t regulated when they are made in India or China. If you need to withdraw, make sure your provider gives you brand name Klonopin by Roche Pharma. This way, you know what you’re getting as they can’t deviate from the patent. Very important.

[@ChristopherGray00]

Your doctor misprescribed you, and you are blaming the substance for misuse, if your doctor told you to drink alcohol everyday, and you got withdrawals, would you blame alcohol? Would you say alcohol is a terrible drug? This logic is very stupid, it was your doctors fault but don't blame a substance for using it wrong.

[@paulbillington8290]

@@ChristopherGray00 She is totalyy right what shes saying its not addiction its the poison in the drugs that your body relys on after a while and by the way valium is fucking the best thing ive ever took so she is right what she,s saying cos they wanyt you addicted to sell yuo more bullshit pills that never work

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

​@@ChristopherGray00right.

[@yoga_iaini]

The majority of people that suffer benzo withdrawal took them as prescribed. Language is important, it has nothing to do with addiction or substance abuse in the majority of cases. Terms as tolerance effect, dependence and nervous system damage are the ones that describe it.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

It is substance abuse tho thats the thing. Wether yiu know it or not.

[@OGdirty1Kanobi]

Still tapering off what was 24mgs of clonazepam a day, did 22 mgs in 11 months in 2019 to 2020 paused due to covid and bad withdrawal symptoms, started again recently, down to 1.75mgs. It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done and has taken the last 3 years of my life from me. At times I wish I was just dead and didn't have to deal with this living nightmare. My dr is very compassionate. He's not the one that put me on that crazy high dose. Almost all the time my heart feels like it's too big for my chest, the sweating Even when it's-20°c outside. These "meds" are poison. I wish I never heard of benzos. This long tapering for the last little bit feels like forever. Just the tinnitus at times us enough to drive me crazy

[@Linda-oi4pj]

I did a slow tamper following the Ashton Manual method. Took 2 years. Never take a benzo going thru withdrawal is beyond hellish

[@Michael-mx3cp]

How are you doing now?

[@Videomama1972]

I stopped benzo's September 24th. I weaned down with the advice of my cousin who is an RN. I feel overall that I am better than what I was. My main symptoms seem to be joint aches, struggle to focus and I guess depressive symptoms..I am also suffering anhedonia. I hope this lifts soon. I started taking them after grieving a loss. I never abused them, but I never imagined that I could get physically addicted to them. It seems stupid now in hindsight but I just thought they were helping me.:(

[@DH-dh2nj]

Me too .

[@DH-dh2nj]

How did you do your taper?

[@DH-dh2nj]

The joint aching , I’ve been getting that lately and I’ve cut back 1mg day , some days I have to take 1.5 mg. seems like things start getting a little too bad . But my doctor told me when they took my blood last month. It wasn’t in my system that’s weird.

[@Videomama1972]

@@DH-dh2nj I dropped from 2mg to 1 1/2 to 1 to half and then stayed at that half for about 10 days before being done completely. Took about a month before I was totally done

[@DH-dh2nj]

@@Videomama1972 ok . Thank you 🙏🏻.. I’m at 1mg , right now . I do about seven days it seems like things start getting worse . So I will back up 0.5. . For a day or two, and then back to one.. Maybe I’m staying at one too long. I know my doctor don’t know crap. He says yeah just go to three days without it and you’re out. lol 😂… I wish I never started taking it, but I have bad anxiety and panic attacks, so I need to take something. I don’t know what other medication’s are out there that work good for anxiety. and panic. I can’t take BuSpar. stuff makes me sick..

[@aileenfulgens1909]

It is real and true. It's dependence NOT addiction. Doc prescribed Ativan for insomnia. 16 years later, 6 years off it, and I feel like an alien is inside me conducting painful experiments on my brain and body. It has to be genetics....why some can take benzos daily and stop and have no symptoms. I experienced adverse effects from occasional use of Ativan from the beginning, but my doc convinced me the medication can't do that, that I was mentally ill, and that started five years of other psych meds. My life is ruined. I just followed my doctors' advice. How can I ever trust the medical community again?

[@karijozsa9679]

DR.B!!! I just found you today & automatically subscribed. I’m preparing to slow taper. This isn’t my first rodeo detoxing from Xanax, but this will be the worst. 1 mg most days twice a day. 7 years now. I’m scared, but need to rid this thing off my back. So happy I found your channel.

[@Caretakerh]

Hello I just found this channel also. I'm really scared 😱 myself I been on these things for 20 yrs I'm 3 days without anything. I haven't had a seizure yet. Thankfully. I wish you long luck on your journey.

[@karijozsa9679]

@@Caretakerh Ate you okay?? You should be slow tapering. 🤍🫶🏻

[@ezekiel5687]

Thank you for this video!!! I went through it at 20 and it was torture. Went to a place, all they did was detox me for 5 days and that's it. The next 9 months were HELL. Real torture. Finally got back on them. It was worse than kidney stones, getting shot etc.

[@brettwilson7680]

Yes it really is worse than all that. Nobody can fathom the torments of it.

[@derekomeara]

Hi Dr. B, I have watched all of your Video Logs over the past 28 days. I have just finished a Valium taper ending a 24 year addiction. Thanks for your interest and help around benzodiazepines, the taper off is not a process one would wish upon their worst enemy! But it gets better as the week's pass & the sleep improves accordingly. Keep up the good work

[@leeibbertson1184]

How long did it take you for the side effects to go and can you function out in the community without debilitating anxiety without it?

[@derekomeara]

@@leeibbertson1184 Hi Lee, the full effect of the taper stopped 12 weeks after I took my last dose. I am ok outside and in crowds. I have A.S.D, diagnosed since I finished. Yep, I get anxious, but not over a lot of things. Way better being off them by a long shot!

[@jenniferaudet3446]

@@derekomeara Hi Derek Would you mind telling me what you mean by, the full effect of the taper stopped? I'm not familiar with all this. I've tapered from 4mg daily of xanax to 1mg daily over the course of a year and will be lowering again shortly. Therefore I would be interested in what you mean.

[@derekomeara]

@@jenniferaudet3446 I meant that 12 weeks after I finished my last dose on the taper, everything started to improve!!

[@kojacksfootballshack8191]

@@leeibbertson1184 I'm in month 3 of taking my last 0.2 after a short taper. I used to take , 4 to 6mg of Klonipin daily for 8 years. The first 3 weeks were hard, panic, anxiety, paranoid,brain fog. Weaknesses. I can safely say, that for me a good diet, lots of fluids, exercise will help. I'm in month 3 since taking my final bit of Clonazepam and I'm now finally starting to get excited about getting back to work, and back out in the world.

[@foxclover6]

I'm at month 12 and I can't even believe the physical things that have happened in the last year.

[@mayflowerpdx5706]

Omg.... I was on 2mg for years for my anxiety and insomnia. I lost my health insurance so my doctor stopped me cold turkey. I wound up in the ER because of it until it was too late. That was 5 years ago and I still feel off for lack of a better word but I thought I was crazy until I ran across this video. Now I realize it's not all in my head, so to speak. I wouldn't wish this on anyone because the muddled brain I have now is awful

[@bigbubbabrown7628]

should of just gone to a different doctor and just payed outta pocket. its cheap as hell

[@nimbus5526]

Thank you doctor. Such an extensive explanation of this epidemic. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines can be helpful, yet destructive at the same time. I’ve been struggling with benzos myself. It’s a long journey, but I’m staying positive. Much love from Michigan!

[@iaminvincible4441]

I was on alprazolam and opioid for over 4 years and goes cold turkey a week ago. I had the worst anxiety attack coupled with extreme insomnia, had gone without any sleep for 6 days straight. I was losing my senses and had seizure two days ago. I was hospitalized, prescribed a pill of pregabalin, nortriptyline with some vitamins and minerals. It did wonder, i slept 10 hours straight. Today, i feel good and rested and starting to hope for better days.

[@scotttravis8654]

After watching tons of videos on the withdrawal and tapering. This is the one answer I've heard that actually makes sense. For someone that has taken klonopin for over 20 years. I tried the taper and experienced the withdrawal. I honestly could not live life in such mental anguish.

[@Mrxleif]

Is horrible

[@Mrxleif]

What is your dosage

[@yukonstriker1703]

Great information Dr. B Wish there were more HONEST Dr's such as yourself! Best video I've seen on this topic.

[@nicw6190]

Thank you Dr.B I am on a final stage of a benzodiazepine taper from a prescription I received for anxiety when I was 18 years old. I am 34 now and will be done a diazepam taper within a little more than a year. I have already had hard time cognitively and psychologically with work and school. I know this experience will get tougher but I thank you for putting this content out for all that fight this battle. I have been researching to be as prepared as possible for when the protracted withdrawals come. I also battled opiates for years that battle is over but this one is worse. This has inspired me to keep a journal of this journey it won’t be a pretty story but worth something in the end.

[@lalouloune6156]

Did you do the taper plan with a doctor or on your own? Me I have terrible insomnia.

[@31stoffl]

How are you doing now?

[@nicw6190]

I worked with an addiction specialist to taper over the last 2-3 years. I am doing alright now on the last 3 months before end dose of taper.

[@internetsurvivor]

I recently came off a decade of xanax, then klonopin and finally vailum. Tapered down over 6 months and finally quit a year ago, and now I feel a million times better. I wake up and drink some water and go back to sleep with no withdrawals. Sleep is amazing, no night sweats or nightmares anymore. I feel better and more grounded every day.

[@MeghenFarley]

This is so hopeful. How ya doing

[@Postthisvideo]

Dr B does a great job of putting a lot of complex issues into laymans terms that are u derstandable to most of us.

[@irishman4671]

When I stopped xanax I found a psychiatrist who said the best, kindest way to taper is with diazepam. I did this over the course of about three weeks and it made it very tolerable. Stopping cold turkey was pure torture.

[@sutivu9112]

I've been taking diazipam for about a month. Here and there sometimes high doses other days none. I think the issue relays on xanex being the worst to come off rather than diaizpam, because of its short half life. I quit 3 days ago. Going through hell just now. But I'm supplementing with magnesium, vitiman C and using alpha brain for the anxiety. Well done for doing it in such a short space of time. How are you feeling now ? How long did you take xanex for?

[@irishman4671]

@@sutivu9112 I was on 4mg/day for 3 years not knowing much about it at all (my fault). I decided I did not want it anymore and when I stopped cold turkey all hell broke loose. After the taper I never touched it again and really didn't think much of it. I've heard of people getting it illegally and taking 10mg/day and then not being able to find it. I can't imagine. Hope you're doing better!

[@sutivu9112]

@@irishman4671 I was taking 40mg diazipam or 50mg some times I'm fine now. But I was unwell for around a week odds x

[@jenniferaudet3446]

@@irishman4671 Hi there. Would you mind answering a question or two. I also have been on 4 mg of xanax but have managed to taper to 2mg from mid June to now. With no problems at all except of course for the feeling you get when the next dose is due. I have heard about diazepam to help with xanax withdrawal however read that this too should be slowly done. Don't know what to think anymore because I realise it's so much to do with our own individual make up. Did you take equal doses of each then replace xanax with diazepam occasionally until you were left with only diazepam to take? Have heard this is the norm. So difficult to know what is best as someone here stated, diazepam made it worse. But being down to 1 mg twice a day now on my own maybe it could be just what I need to get off this horror once and for all..

[@irishman4671]

@@jenniferaudet3446 so sorry, I did not get a notification of your response. Hope you are well. To answer your question, I stopped the xanax cold turkey, had every symptom this doctor described, wound up in the ER who then gave me diazepam (forget the dose) to get me to an appointment with a psychiatrist who started me on this diazepam taper. So, no, I never was taking xanax and diazepam together and then tapering those together in different increments, although I have heard of that being done. What is your situation now? This stuff really is dangerous and a complete nightmare.

[@aileenfulgens1909]

SIX years off occasional use of Ativan for insomnia and living a nightmare. No more emotions but fear and anxiety. Too many symptoms to list here. I never wanted to take ativan. It has destroyed 16 years of my life...just a few doses for insomnia and it caused heart arrhythmias. Doc said take it for that. Then I developed anxiety, then panic disorder. I took Ativan as needed for ten years, not knowing it was causing the panic disorder. I had to research myself, as doc put me on nine other psych meds and they all made me worse. It was in support groups that I figured out what was wrong...DAMAGED GABA RECEPTORS! So now I live in almost constant FIGHT OR FLIGHT. WITH NO END TO THE TORTURE IN SIGHT.

[@debbiefinn6483]

Aileen..have u tried pregabalin..tbey help me alot...best of luck

[@aileenfulgens1909]

@@debbiefinn6483 pregbalin is a gaba agonist so if I took that my gaba receptors might not heal, therefore prolonging the symptoms. I took Lyrica for 7 months while still taking ativan occasionally. It did nothing to mitigate the tolerance withdrawal induced panic attacks. The last three days I've felt almost normal. I have hope. Maybe another year or two, and I'll be normal again.

[@JM-kq7rn]

I feel ur pain. Me too! Chronic fight or flight. Pure torture 😩

[@victalfaithful2003]

@@aileenfulgens1909 I feel for ya I've only been on them 6 weeks and thought I was dead meat, remember lots of water, fruits, light exercise like walking, supplements(do your research on what's best), intermittent fasting is great for your organs so they aren't being taxed to shit.

[@victalfaithful2003]

@@sangeetalambh6389 how long have you been on benzos?

[@tedthecommenter5364]

My dog saved my life from dying from a benzo withdrawal seizure. I took a bunch of sleeping medications in an attempt to go to sleep during the beginning of withdrawal as i had been cold turkey a few tims already but was lucky enough not to die. I laid there in bed for hours, next thing i see is my mother and brother standing above me with blood on the ground while my dog was hopping on me and barking. My dog was on the other side of the house and my mother had the tv on very loudly. I was addicted to research chemical (designer) benzos that i bought online, the one i was taking was called Clonazolam. It is estimated to be 4-5 times more potent than xanax. I have had seizures, cardiac arrest, psychosis, attempted suicide etc. My dog saved my life because he detected that i was having a seizure, which is apparently a thing dogs can do. I would not wish benzo withdrawal on my worst enemy. Thank you Rudy (my dog) for saving me, I am currently going through long term detox.

[@blairsterling6141]

Klonopin and Xanax are about equally dangerous and addictive...both drugs are about 20 to 25 times more powerful than Valium... both Clonazepam and Alprazolam are the most addictive drugs on Earth.

[@tedthecommenter5364]

@@blairsterling6141 im talking in terms of prescription drugs, not resrarch chemical benzos. Reasearch clonazolam is far more powerful than any prescription drugs available on the street.

[@blairsterling6141]

@@tedthecommenter5364 absolutely... the benzodiazepines...especially Xanax and Klonopin are the most powerfully addictive drugs ever !!

[@giacomorotondi7251]

I appreciate your honesty and clear approach. Respect. I'm a xanax addict and I wish I will be free someday.

[@motega33]

Dr. B does really care about the society

[@brianjansen3103]

I took 2mg Clonazepam daily for 20yrs & my withdrawal lasted about 6mos after the tapered dose, when I stopped completely. I tapered half a milligram a month for 3mos then quit the .5mg, the taper was way too abrupt imo & the start of the withdrawal coincided with the start of the taper. Hope this helps, hang in there because it does end & you're worth it!

[@mooseloose123moose3]

How long till all the symptoms were gone and you felt normal? You taking anything else atm?

[@brianjansen3103]

@@mooseloose123moose3 6 months until I felt back to normal & no I don't take anything now, just cannabis, I quit antidepressants a couple years after Klonopin so now I don't take any pharmaceuticals & I realize not only did the pills not help me, they just added to my problems, there's no part of it I miss, I felt like a puppet being controlled by doctors & pharmaceutical companies, none of that shit helped me & I've taken thousands of pills over 20yrs. Don't get me wrong there's a place for it, if someone's psychotic for example, but I was never able to find relief there for anxiety & depression & it sure wasn't for lack of trying, when I think of the money that people have made off me taking pills trying to feel better over the years it makes my head spin

[@heffe4257]

If only all doctors were like you.

[@5ylv1a]

I’m 2 years off and still not healed from this brain injury. Very protracted. Horrific horrific taper that took 17 months. Stay strong everyone.

[@Goat2024-l3d]

#Sylvya What benzo did you take and how many milligrams and for how long did you take it I take Clonazepam 0.5mg and I want to stop taking it for 3 years

[@5ylv1a]

@@Goat2024-l3d I stated on Klonopin then switched to ativan back to Klonopin. I was on for over ten years and in tolerance almost the entire time. When I tapered I was switched to Valium and tapered for 17 months.

[@5ylv1a]

I tapered off 20mgs of Valium

[@Goat2024-l3d]

@@5ylv1a I am scared of how to stop Clonazepam 0.5 mg taken for 3 years

[@loribenintendi5843]

Oh it's a serious nightmare. When i left NY to come up to NH i left my klonopin 1mg twice a day in my pillowcase. Now I'm in NH day 5 or 6 terrible stomach pain, diarrhea, I could hear all my insides, heart etc.. It wasn't until i went to urgent care & the nurse said to me " were you on any medication that you stopped taking"? That's when the lightbulb in my head turned on. Called my doctor in NY & got my klonopin. I've been on them 20+ years. Not looking to stop right now. I'm 58. Excellent Doctor.

[@dannylira9550]

Prayers! Dealing with the same.

[@loribenintendi5843]

@@dannylira9550 🙏s going up for you Danny.

[@TheFreezeCriminalFetusvideos]

Dr B - it doesn't matter how slowly you come off Benzos. If you "feel normal again" you probably shouldn't have been on them to begin with. WD from Benzos brings on the same symptoms they were designed to fight. So what's "normal" mean to a person that lives with GAD and the 24/7 feeling of Panic, fright and the uncontrollable acceleration of the Fight or Flight mechanism? I've been on Klonopin for 25 years and have been taken off them twice. After the second time, with no end in sight of what people normally perceive as withdrawal symptoms, I finally realized 3 or 4 months later that I WAS off Benzos and THE HORROR was that this was my normal self without them. Then came the question of "Quality of Life". Was I content with living as a borderline Agoraphobic, with no social life and in a constant state of feeling Attacked by my own self or slipping comfortably away from it all into the ether? I've been there and decided I preferred the latter option. I owe my life to the continued influence of Benzos.

[@Feroxing12]

i'm still surprised how many general practitioners and psychiatrists are unaware of this and are prescribing benzos long-term.

[@hammerdown4746]

I'm permanently damaged after 3 mg of clanazepam daily for 5 years. I built a tolerance and was forced cold turkey. I'm out 27 months my body is always burning and feels like a pound cake. Destroyed my gallbladder, prostate, bladder to say the least.

[@brettwilson7680]

I would see a specialist and see what you can do to feel better. Your body and mind are getting used to being without. Remember, this is mad made evil stuff not found in nature. Are body and mind don't know how to easily process or readjust itself after taking it. If you were in it for years, it's going to take time, but it does get better.

[@earthling1377]

I need your help I'm suffering and you're the only person I've come across outside of a FB support group that knows anything about this.

[@glenn5517]

How are you now? I'm 9 days off cold turkey 9 month binge daily. doctor said im past the seizure stage but I still feel scared.

[@mohamadkhanafer2630]

The way you talk Doctor radiates confidence and interest in the subject of investigation. It seems you're not the kind of doctor who is willing to shoot out perscription left and right, which is noble. Keep up the Good work, much love

[@eirini98]

I wish I'd never taken my first benzodiazepine. I was prescribed for years, not knowing that my body was getting destroyed. I wasn't informed about the damage they can cause, nor did I have a clue as to what was happening when I was withdrawing; I had to find out for myself. Thankfully, I'm still here to tell the tale.

[@joerobbins6318]

I Love this Dr. I never knew any of this when I started Benzos for my Anxiety .coming off .I lost my Job was unable to work had Grand Mal seizures and still suffering the physilogical almost caused me to commit suicide these meds are life changing and potentionally life threatning

[@SmithsNYI]

I’m almost 5 years since my last benzo and I remain extremely ill. This has destroyed my life.

[@DearSouls]

how did you took it last? did you just decide to do it?

[@saulrodriguez635]

You still feel withdrawals

[@frankk1512]

wow really?

[@makiaskeksitupa4160]

Then take them the rest of your life resbonsible

[@Walsh25]

@@craiglyles4755 ye you could die if your out Lee going don’t look back -- get functional doctor -- herbs , oils etc help

[@intothemystic1690]

I've been on benzos since 2012. I've been doing a very slow taper for about 2 years. I currently am on 1/2 the amount of medication I was on during my peak of benzo therapy and figure it's going to be 2 plus years before I'm off them. . Slow taper has worked fine for me. Although I'm feeling occasional withdrawal effects, it's not a nightmare and I'm able to work and function.

[@patriciadeleon5385]

Can you tell me how you did it?

[@traceycampbell1142]

I'm working with someone who detoxed from Benzodiazepines, then went into acute withdrawal and had no assistance or supervision with the withdrawals and the hospital did not offer support for the withdrawal phase. They sent her home and eventually she went on the Benzodiazepines again. Fast forward 1.5 years and she has suffered from severe akathisia and debilitating nausea since. Doctors are telling her that her symptoms are neurological, there's nothing they can do, and there is no one telling her that these may be related to the Benzodiazepines.

[@arkarh1114]

One of the most cruel thing about Benzo withdrawals is the lack of intel about it in society, when you talk about heroine to people they get a pretty clear image, Xanax, Kloneopin, Bromazepam being kinda new aren't portrayed that much in culture and average people's mind, so having to explain multiple times what it's about to friends n family, seeing people's ignorance while you live threw hell, them assuming you are unwilling to make efforts in life while you literally fight against your psyche for months and years on end is a torture. thank you Doc for the explanations you a real one ☝

[@zulufoxx3829]

Damn right!

[@jsail5508]

Many many years! It really is true hell on earth.

[@clonazepated]

I wish I could sue the doctor who originally prescribed me clonopin. He told me I could take it for the rest of my life and didn't warn me about anything. When I had to move out of state it was a torturous process of being treated like a criminal by every doctor I saw. It's almost easier to just go cold turkey than to deal with doctors and the way they treat you when they find you take benzos regardless of having a low dose or being a model patient. All the other drugs they swear will help you go off it but only make things worse. I can't count how many times I have seen their faces go from concern and empathy to disgust and distrust just from hearing that I've been taking this medication as prescribed.

[@lifeon2wheels837]

Currently taking 2MG twice daily for as long as I can remember (I've been on Clonazepam for roughly 15 years) for severe anxiety/panic attacks, originally prescribed 2MG 3x a day. I don't see ever getting out of this jail until I'm dead.

[@Mrxleif]

Is f up

[@MeghenFarley]

Same

[@HomeWorx-p1p]

How are you doing

[@Thepinatamma]

I was put in jail for 63 days and almost died after a 3 day taper. I've been taking it for 12 years.

[@Mrxleif]

Thats sick

[@nathanstice8456]

Really?

[@2LaMort]

This NYE is my 10 year anniversary of finding out I was in acute benzo withdrawal after 8years of being prescribed Xanax and then Klonopin. I took myself to the ER after weeks of horrible symptoms like nerve pain, brain zaps, loss of appetite, inability to swallow, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and sound, suicidal ideation, I could go on and on. It took months of searching for a “dr” to help me before I eventually just had to find an online support group of amazing warriors who were helping each other figure it out using the Ashton manual and helped me figure out a taper schedule that took almost 2 years to “safely” get me off this absolutely disgusting medication. Benzos should be administered in a hospital setting only, if at all.

[@amyleogoddess1390]

Thanks for educating everyone with ur knowledge!

[@rebeccascott8404]

Same!!

[@maryvalentyne2553]

I’ve been off and on Xanax over the last few years with one CRUEL dr in particular who did a joke of a taper when I was at 2mg 3x a day and he cut it half for two weeks then said that was it - I went thru such intense sickness and pain. The worst part was that he forgot to give me the pregnancy test before doing this since it can be harmful to a fetus when the body is in withdrawal. I did not know I was 6 weeks pregnant when he did this. I only realized because on week 3 I had a traumatic miscarriage. I know it happened because my system couldn’t sustain a fetus while my entire body was weak and in chaos. I have always wanted to tell him this but believe his ego will allow him to blow me off. 5 years later I still hold him responsible for his cruelty. He treated me so poorly simply because I was a young person that was prescribed Xanax.

[@kirst.7318]

Oh I felt this. I’m pregnant now. 28 weeks. Idk what to do anymore. I hardly want to get out of bed.

[@nathanstice8456]

I would have sued the shit out of him. Makes you wonder why these types even become doctors? They take an oath not to harm, yet they do this knowing full well the literature out there documenting withdrawal timelines. Don’t let these doctors BS you when they’re playing ignorant, they’re doing it to save their license from the DEA, and their medical license, they prescribe to many scheduled medication‘s and get a slap on the wrist and then decide to cut everyone off at one time causing rippling devastating harm to hundreds of individuals, the very definition of causing harm. To clarify I am not judging doctors for prescribing because millions are able to function because they prescribe these medication‘s whereas they otherwise wouldn’t be able to hold down even a job. What I’m referring to you is this Cold turkey withdrawal nightmare testimonies I’m hearing which are physician induced.

[@maryvalentyne2553]

@@nathanstice8456 thank you. I did look at either filing for an investigation or formal complaint, unfortunately when I went thru my records at that time I found he had referenced a pregnancy test I had had to test about two weeks before because of something else going on that came back negative. The reason stated in my records is that he abruptly stopped it because I had illicit opiates in my system - nobody ever told me this or asked me, had they done so I would have easily been able to point out that it was in my medical record that I had been prescribed a low dose of Vicodin due to a wrist break. Literally the definition of NOT ILLICIT. One day I will write that letter, someday soon as I’ve been able to emotionally process it and know if the letter is at all misinterpreted as a woman emotionally spewing accusations it will be ignored unfortunately. He needs to know though, I need to tell him even if it’s just for my own healing. American doctors are so far behind when it comes to the concept of treating patients (no matter if it’s addiction, dependence or unforeseen side effects) with empathy and HUMANELY. It should honestly be illegal for physicians to taper anyone for any reason off of an medication (especially opiates & benzos) in an inhumane and cruel way. Unfortunately, inhumane cut offs and “tapers” are the norm here. The few doctors speaking out about the cruelty of this gives me hope though. *sigh*

[@DiMiTri-ys7ei]

Take ashwagandha, L Theanin, omega fatty acids, B vitamins and kratom is what has helped go go from huge daily doses down to 2mg to zero. If been off everything for 5 days since the 5th

[@magieb2564]

what does kratom make you feel like? im almost 3 months off klonopin and still feel like ass

[@joem3343]

KRATOM is a whole mother beast and it’s an opioid you’ll possibly get addicted to. Don’t trade one addiction for another.

[@victalfaithful2003]

@@magieb2564 lots of water, fruit, light exercise like walking and supplements, intermittent fasting too, so your organs aren't being taxed and they can regenerate.

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Kratom is not a good idea.

[@keithmurf426]

Things that will help withdrawal are as follows….. Vervain, skullcap, motherwart, passionflower, lemon balm, ginger, onion, l-theanine, taurine, Amanita Muscaria mushrooms, reiki, positive thinking and breath work( very important) ☮️❤️to all you can do this!!!

[@kitsulu8576]

My withdrawals I'm able to muscle through, but even after being off of it for weeks I had extreme Air hunger. That's my only issue, even if I'm not feeling anxious I feel like I can't breathe all day, everyday. I've read on forums that people who have gotten off of benzos suffer from Air hunger for years. I first noticed it a couple of years ago but I thought it was due to anxiety cuz I had no idea this was a thing. So I stopped taking the meds, the air hunger did not go away and I was suffering so I started taking it again. Which I know might just make it worse. I'm just so scared. Had I known I would have never started taking the medicine and just dealt with the anxiety.

[@eternal3ntity230]

God help me...... that’s what I’m experiencing now and it’s my biggest fear and triggering panic attacks.

[@daveolsen4866]

Awesome you can share your experience. I'm in my 3rd month. I still don't know if its the benzos or opioids causing my lingering withdrawal symptoms / side effects as I was on a 17yr Dr induced & controlled dose but seem to be Ok for the most part. I still have very soft stools. A lil anxious but am able to go out now & run errands and take care of business. I have had a sharp weight gain. My taste buds are off. I guess considering some of the stories I have read here. I got off fairly easily. Maybe its the fact I was loaded on scripts so long I don't know what it is like to feel Norma. Jkjk. Best of luck. Anything I can do or advise feel free to ask. Godspeed to you

[@daveolsen4866]

Oh. Ask your Dr for Seroquel. It has stabilized the anxiety and sleeplessness

[@happyvirk1]

@@daveolsen4866 Hey! thanks 🙏 for your suggestion buddy.

[@happyvirk1]

@@eternal3ntity230 just remember! the moment you recognized and acknowledged the problem...You’ already halfway through buddy...just don’t give up

[@randomoto5227]

I didn't have that drug for years not even 6 months, yet my mind is all over the place. I don't know what I'm doing I just stopped it , didn't taper, it's been 2 weeks, I feel bad .

[@Stormkwiet]

Update please 🙏

[@francoissylvagosselin3659]

I am full of hope and trust! Thank you dr.B 😊

[@mastersamurai7683]

Your a champion and your going to walk right through this Francois. You can't be stopped.

[@nathandehoyos8796]

You described this better that my required addiction studies book. Subscribed

[@timcline6871]

I was addicted to Xanax from the age of 40 to 67. 27 years. I never once bought it illegally all were prescribed by 3 different psychiatrist during those 27 years. My dosage was 0.5 mg up to 6 pills a day or 3grams in a 24 hour period. The anxiety was somewhat subdued but my condition eventually caused me to lose my job after almost 20 yrs and eventually was the main cause of my divorce., although I didn't believe that at the time. Getting off the drug and it's psychological and physical problems was a unbelievably terrible thing to do, horrible. Maybe later on I can write about that if enough people show an interest.

[@timcline6871]

I neglected to say probably the worse thing about getting off was EXTREME INSOMNIA

[@photobudha]

@@timcline6871 are you off it now? how long was your taper ? how do you feel now ?

[@timcline6871]

16 days for me

[@timcline6871]

@@photobudha Iam done with it

[@photobudha]

@@timcline6871good for you ,,,Dr gave me a precription of lexapro thinking that will help me get off the xanax ..Im debating .I prefer to just suck it up and taper but its tough

[@chamitolocoelchamito]

Thank you very much for talking about this. Almost no doctor i've sen talks about this, and the majority actually recommend this terrible drug without knowing.

[@glenn5517]

All they know Is that it helps with anxiety. It's just standard practice for them. Someone comes into their office saying they have anxiety then you're walking out with a benzo script.

[@belizejuliette7223]

It’s pure hell. 25 months of tapering and still on it

[@krbaran3]

Same here. I’ve been tapering slowly for 5 years. Was at 6mg a day for 28 years. I’m at 1.5 after tapering 1/2mg starting past June. I feel completely insane right now. There are very few windows 😢 Xanax

[@SpookySlash]

⁠@@krbaran3I’m afraid I’m on 7mg -8mg of Xanax daily for 6 years. Started with 1mg. And now stuck on 7mg-8mg I’m afraid I don’t know if I will ever be successful in getting off Xanax completely I’m in my late 20s I basically ruined my life. I wish I never took it. You’re very strong for going all the way down to 1 mg. I’m proud of you. I don’t think that will ever be a possibility for me. If so, it will be a miracle.

[@jimmydavisjr.7730]

I am 42 years old. I have been on benzos since 23-4 years old. I was convinced that I was having heart problems early as 12 years old. But after many ER visits , I accepted that I would die of a heart disease undetected. Opioids became my way of coping with extreme debilitating anxiety. Later found out bi polar as well. Ended up on benzos. I was able to quit opioids and finally stopped the suicidal tendencies and pain. 15 years passed I was on benzos the whole time. Recently for no reason the dr. Said I'm giving you 7 pills and that's it. I CAN NOT LIVE THIS WAY. What can I do to be treated more humane during taper

[@glenn5517]

7 pills isn't enough to taper, clueless doctors. SAD when we have to rely on doctors or strangers on the internet for tapering advice because ER doctors are clueless on the benzo subject because it's not glorified like opioid or alcohol withdrawals.

[@hindenburg1596]

@Trojan75 Stop crying already and generalising, there are bad and good doctors

[@syntholshoulders1842]

Mostly bad doctors they all want money

[@daisy671]

Jimmy, how are you doing now?

[@shellye.1341]

The doctor's are trying to kill patients.

[@MrJerryStevenson]

My benzodiazepine story is really one for the books and after seeing very professional psychiatrists and psychologists, there was a period of time where there was carbon monoxide exposure which seemed to precipitate extreme protracted withdrawals on the medication. No one could figure out what was going on. I still have questions. I would have to say it was way worse than my experience with methamphetamine. And probably more dangerous.

[@GenXmadMike67]

Outstanding straight to the point video. Thanks for this Doc!