Setbacks After Benzodiazepine Injury Recovery- Dennis’s Story

[@KatAdVictoriam]

I spent 3 years on 4 MG. of Ativan. Then switched to 1 MG. of Xanax for management of panic disorder. I tapered off in 6 weeks back in 2018. By 12 weeks I was fully functional again from the acute withdrawal and began a regimen of clean eating, gut health management and strict sleep hygiene. It helped. I also started writing fiction, hoping it would stave off the cognitive issues. 6 years later, my memory is still not what I'd prefer. I have a perpetual sense of lethargy and fatigue no matter what I do, and I still experience panic attacks. I will never use pharmaceutical to treat any of these things, however. I like to think that I've been "fine" for years but hearing this experience reminds me that certain side effects can potentially hang on. Life does get immensely better without these terrible medications and the dependencies and damaging side effects they create. I caution everyone I know who mentions anxiety/insomnia treatment to stay far away from benzodiazepines. Finding this channel a few years ago and being reminded of my journey has been really validating and thank you for addressing these issues.

[@Q1776Q]

Not everyone gets severe damage... you were lucky.

[@KatAdVictoriam]

@Q1776Q I do feel like after the initial withdrawal I got out of it far easier than others I've spoken to. I've done my best to move on and not "symptom spot" either as doing so only makes my anxiety issues worse. That said, I acknowledge it could have been much worse and I am grateful it wasn't. Getting off of benzos allowed me to have children I always wanted. It was one of the best things I ever did. My heart goes out to people still struggling to be free from benzos or are suffering from long term affects.

[@KatAdVictoriam]

@Q1776Q I'm not sure why, but my comments are repeatedly deleted. KZbin won't let me reply to you. Hopefully, you can see this? I think that my experience was very different from others I've known. The long term affects were almost negligible, and I didn't notice much. I also worked to not focus on symptoms, if any. I still have, at times, debilitating anxiety, but I try to cope holistically. Anyway, I do feel blessed, and my heart goes out to anyone struggling years later.

[@Q1776Q]

@@KatAdVictoriam Yes...I can see you comment! And I had EXTREMELY severe damage that lasted about 3 years from very short term use... lost my career everything... I don't know how I survived... But I did and am now 100% better! I'm glad you had no long lasting effects!!!!!

[@KatAdVictoriam]

@Q1776Q I am so sorry that it was so painful and devastating. I had to leave my job when I tapered because I had zero coordination and chronic vomiting and migraines. It left me incapacitated until about the 12th week as I mentioned. Then there was light at the end of the tunnel. Others can't afford any time off from work though and that makes coming off of the meds impossible. I'm really glad that you DID get through it and you're here and you're doing better too. That's great! I think it can give hope to other people. People need to know it's possible. ☺️

[@ebert8756]

These stories are fascinating. The weird disconnection between body mind spirit . " I knew I was happy but I couldn't feel anything" what a fascinating statement

[@davecat6661]

Thank you for speaking about setbacks. I’m in my second one . The first one was absolutely horrific thank you for also sharing my experience on your page on share your story, many thanks for that.

[@carriec9349]

I’m 4 yrs 5 months off & still suffering!!! I have CPTSD & a brain tumor too. It’s a never ending HELL 😭

[@alfredneedham6195]

Is your brain tumor on the pituitary gland?? Because I believe my benzo withdrawal had a lot to do with the formation of the tumor. But when I had it removed things got so much better. Amen!!

[@chrissiecasson700]

I have CPTSD, also tapering off diazepam, it's hell, I'm at a point that I need to go back on them.

[@maryderrick5866]

⁠I’m so sorry. you can do it. You’re amazing. Listen to your body. I’m praying for and with you. Don’t give up❤❤❤❤

[@incognito595]

​@@chrissiecasson700If you do, you will never get better. Keep going.

[@sweetbeep]

Parasites in can look like cancer. RFK Jr. Had a parasite in his brain and they originally thought it was cancer

[@Jen-c6u]

My worst symptoms are face and neck swelling, not able to walk, stand or bend over. It's been 2.4 years. I never have any windows anymore.

[@incognito595]

@@Jen-c6u Just keep going. No matter what.

[@cindyjo9093]

I'm not on any of this stuff, but this makes me feel for the younger people who are on them and don't have the ability to recognize when things aren't going right.

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

Also fish oil and magnesium seems to really help my mindset..

[@kimberleyann7702]

Fat is the only nutrient that grows and maintains brain function. Keep taking the fish oils for life.

[@mariopedroza5289]

I can't imagine taking pills for such a long time, there should be a limit for it, while the physician as well as the patient work on alternatives. Thank you for the work you are doing both sharing this anecdotes as wells as directly helping people tapering psych meds on your clinic. I feel like more people should be aware of this.

[@Heartbrokenforever1978]

The worst of all is ssri injuries. The severe ones of those don't always heal

[@incognito595]

YOUR ENTIRE LIFE WILL BE GONE. NEVER TRUST THEM. THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU. AT ALL. WHATEVER HAPPENS, NEVER, EVER TAKE ANY DRUGS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ALTER YOUR MENTAL FUNCTIONS. YOU WILL REGRET IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. BUT IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. I DON'T THINK WORDS EXIST TO TELL YOU HOW I FEEL ABOUT THESE "DOCTORS."

[@kathryn7739]

These drugs are handed out too readily. Prescribers are beyond careless to get people to take them. They don’t care about you. Crazy scam that got out of hand in society. It is about control and money. Criminal behavior.

[@newjerseydevil6115]

Very true.

[@sweetbeep]

Its not "protracted withdrawal", its injury to the nervous system.

[@CBT5777]

Thank you

[@michellecalnan583]

100% I'm over 2 yrs off 30 yrs Klonopin and AD long slow taper and debilitated with Akathesia, dysautonomia, dystonia, dyskenisia, mcas it's inhuman truly 😢

[@sweetbeep]

@@michellecalnan583 I'm so, so sorry!! Yes, it is beyond barbaric, and it's so hard because only the people who experience it really have a grasp on understanding it and the entire ripple effect. What is truly astonishing is that it has been going on for over 50 years. Benzo holocaust survivors are truly strong and special beyond what any one can even imagine. I have never seen any professionals help people HEAL from benzo injury, have you?

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

My advice is as soon as you can whatever hospital insurance you have is that you put BENZODIAZEPINES on your ALLERGY LIST !!!! because my hospital almost KINDLED ME after a 3 year long battle of getting back on track !

[@BuffaloBarber24]

Dennis is a great guy. It’s very important to note that Dennis is on multiple other psych drugs to help with his injury. Which isn’t an option for most people and can make a lot of people worse. Thats a very important part to his story.

[@5057birth]

Do you know what medication’s he is taking?

[@BuffaloBarber24]

@@5057birthyes. Not my story to tell tho. He’s on a lot of stuff.

[@BuffaloBarber24]

@@5057birth- Yeah but that’s his personal business to share. Not shaming him or anything. People have to do what’s best for them. But he probably should have mentioned it in the video.

[@TheAjmos]

Iv had some major setbacks. They dint mention it, but supplements can cause setbacks

[@MrPeterISABELLA]

The right supplements improved me 60%. Without them I would be 100x worse

[@TheAjmos]

@@MrPeterISABELLA sure, I’m just saying be careful and go slow. Also a supp that helps could couse withdrawl when you stop.

[@MrPeterISABELLA]

@@TheAjmos what we need to be careful of are drugs not naturopathy. Drugs have caused us this chemical brain injury.

[@davecat6661]

Yep magnesium for me

[@TheAjmos]

@ Same hear. I was taking it on and off the first year of withdrawal and I dint understand why I was getting worse. I feel dumb for not realizing but who would think an essential mineral would be a problem. Also people don’t warn you about it on the forums like they do alcohol.

[@josediaz-ortega6405]

Do you think the 2 month tapper after 7 years had something to do with his symptoms? Would a longer tapper have helped?

[@krbaughn]

I've been going through a "setback" that is now about 1.5 years long and is more intense than the first time when I crashed after going cold turkey. Does this seem right? I want to believe that everybody heals but I've lost confidence when my setback includes severe depression, severe anxiety, severe OCD, PSSD, akathisia, loss of sleep, agoraphobia, etc., all symptoms I did not have the first time I crashed. Any feedback?

[@davecat6661]

It happened to me too. I’ll get better 100 percent just takes time unfortunately keep going

[@CBT5777]

I'm going on 4 years clean. I don't think we ever heal. Its all a lie to keep us going. (suffering)

[@Maryan90]

Unfortunately i believe for some people the brains are not like before. They are healed but is still a sensitive brain.. I don't know a panax ginseng pill destroyed my brain when I was on protracted withdrawal injury and I was healing. All symptoms that bad vanished came back.... hope people heal from set backs...

[@newjerseydevil6115]

Ginseng is like herbal speed. I never felt good taking any type of upper, including coffee.

[@dhiraj1857]

One week of withdrawal of zolpidium...I don't know whether my symptoms lasts for life or not ? Please I need your prayers

[@marleneginenthal2738]

Too short a taper of 2 months. I did a very very long slow micro taper. It was practically painless with a good psychiatric nurse practitioner encouraging me to cut back as I felt comfortable. It was little by little. And I had a Christian minister pray Deliverance prayer over me. And then I came off like a piece of cake tapering down to an eighth of a pill until I didn't need it at all

[@MrPeterISABELLA]

Lorazapam withdrawal I was ct Cross tapered in er to valium Lorazapam use 5 months 1mg 6th day the severe withdrawal began I was in aka 11 weeks straight Then it felt like a base ball bat hit back of scull Then fell into serious brain chemical injury. 8 months out now 75%. It went into hell for 4 months straight no relief. Windows and waves....still dropping valium. Brain injury was so bad can only drop .10 Example 2.70 2.60 2.50 ANXIETY DPR DEPRESSION MAINLY LOSS OF FEELING REALITY Symtpoms i had in Severe that have gone DPR no relief 4 months Neuropathy so bad i couldnt walk Severe fibromyalgia Severe pinching of heart Heart symptoms Insomnia Panic attacks Could barley walk Chemical anxiety 24 7 Anger like i have never ever felt Band around back of head Excruciating brain pain

[@MrPeterISABELLA]

Someone is controlling narrative on here.

[@anson.meadows]

I’ve not been on K very long, but I take it for my autoimmune disease. It seems to help with my autonomic issues and MCAS too. But I am worried about how it might hurt in the long run and what to do.

[@ravenfeather1467]

4 months benzo free after 41 years of dependency on Ativan and feeling absolutely wonderful! Still have some vision, muscular, hair/nails issues along with tinnitus and benzo belly, but NOTHING like the awful inner buzzing and anxiety of the withdrawals I had for 2 years of tapering. Starting to sleep again but hear explosions. This drug did some brain damage for sure. AWFUL DRUG

[@jannlittle4745]

I was on Zoloft during 911.. I felt nothing, kinda like it was a movie. I realized that I needed to feel my feelings.. So I stopped taking it! It also made me hungry and I don’t like eating all day long. But my son passed away in a car accident in April of 2002.. I had a hard time existing.. So my doctor put me on Wellbutrin.. some people feel anxious on it but I love the dopamine hit.. I’ve been on it ever since.. years..

[@frusia123]

I'm very sorry for your loss 🙏❤ Those meds do seem to work for some people and if you find them helpful then that's all that matters. Perhaps one day you'll be ready to come off of them and then you'll have all the knowledge from this channel to do it safely, and you'll be alright.

[@DavidB.Fischer]

I wanna commend you for getting through this

[@AsukaSoryu-yk4lr]

I remember many things,or many things I want to ignore.Those things I did these days are the things I wanted to do.

[@AsukaSoryu-yk4lr]

I think I’m not on setback

[@AsukaSoryu-yk4lr]

So do you think I’m on setback?

[@jarrettwalck3409]

I hit rock bottom this past September. Just down & feeling tired everyday

[@shellye.1341]

I've been off benzos over a month after 20+ years of use. My doctor forced me off because the DEA.

[@johndutton4860]

hang in there 🙏

[@shan4145]

Yes Matt Samet I know of him I saw his interview video documentary

[@PacifistSasquatchPole-uc1cn]

Question -- do you think 2 weeks of benzodiazepine medication while 9 years old could ruin my development? I just figured out I have severe C-PTSD outside of my ADHD and depression which caused doctors to perscribe me benzos.. I love drugs, they don't do harm to me - I never had hallucinations or issues with walking after taking them, but benzodiazepines and SSRI are devastating for me, I can't walk, I have trauma-related nightmares and I woke up screaming. Im currently taking 15 to 45g of vaporised medical 24% herb every month because of my absurd tolerance and love to drugs indicated by benzodiazepines. I have issues with some parts of my brain, typical ones for adhd+c-ptsd that I hope to improve, because im afraid I won't be able to survive like that - I feel like I know everything, but it's hard to reach for the knowledge in my brain, sometimes it's get locked.. people rarely notice my genius side, they usually see the braindead one and it makes me so mad, because I know when Im dumb, but it's a jail I can't get out of.

[@BBH101]

It's criminal to prescribe Benzo's, IMO! The withdrawals are brutal, but worth the effort. Taking those meds can lead to poor life choices, and destroy your life. Good luck to all the people who have decided to abandon those evil medications.

[@robertdimitrelis5567]

What doseage of klonopin was this guy on, anyone know?

[@alexanderp8037]

Compared to the damage antipsychotics do benzo's are candy

[@kalayne6713]

I am able to take benzodiazapam every now and then for muscle spasm or degenerative disc disease. I get no high at all. I can take three one day and none for weeks. I dont regard myself as an addict at all. Guess I am lucky.

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

I'm going through this also. I do certain things that seems to help. Olive leaf extract vitamin and CBD. Now THC digesting is amazing for the stomach issues but. Because l don't live in a legal state l only can get CBD. But I want you to look into this. Because l do have a medical background and also took myself off of 0.5mg Xanax that l was on for 5 years.

[@KaileyB616]

Not sure where you live but I also live in a state where THC is illegal, NC. However, you should look into THC-A, it's probably legal where you are. I don't consume THC so idk, but my boyfriend and his brother have been heavy THC users for years and they say they can't tell the difference between THC and THC-A, so it might be worth trying? Apparently THC-A turns into THC when it's burned or something like that

[@Dancingmylifeaway]

​@KaileyB616 Yes, l use thca, and there is a difference l think because l need a higher thc level than CBD on my certain case. But thanks 😊

[@lmLightning]

please make a video about ADHD thank you

[@MrPeterISABELLA]

Research medical medium adhd is heavy metals.

[@jeanf8998]

He’s an amazing guy. Seems like he’s bipolar but I wouldn’t know. Good luck to him ❤

[@Heartbrokenforever1978]

What do you know? You sound like the drs who harm people.

[@Sears111]

This is the most depressing benzo information site I’ve ever seen. Nothing, absolutely nothing but doom, gloom and suffering from the doctor, to his guests, to the commenters. Extremely detrimental to anyone in recovery or tapering. I have never heard one positive thing on this channel. All these people do is make me want to reinstate ASAP. According to everyone that comments here 10:07 we’ll never recover so what’s the point of tapering off?

[@lonnievisch6009]

I do agree. Baylissa told us always that when you are recovered you are done. Now suddenly we can get in protracted again? Maybe he just was overworked or had too much on his plate? Very depressing info ( woman 4,4 year off . From Europe , doing much better)

[@valerieeves4557]

I tend to agree that we need some hope. I am at a point of just thinking that staying on a low dose of Clonazepam is the lesser of 2 evils. The withdrawal is so long and horrible. I am 72 years old and really don’t want to spend the next few years, or the rest of my life, trying to get off this stupid drug!

[@lululove6175]

I find these videos with former benzo users very triggering and if you are considering a taper,, your first thought is “NO WAY” after watching these, especially as a senior. Maybe put a TW.

[@kassi4837]

@@valerieeves4557 he actually did a video where he discussed when it's better to stay on than come off. Being older is definitely a factor to consider. I think the idea here is that protracted withdrawal can cause injury ... that weakens the nervous system. some people make full recoveries, some don't, and life stressors can relapse them in ways they wouldn't experience if they hadn't had the injury that weakened their system. Tapering slowly and safely helps you avoid protracted withdrawal injury. You are less likely to suffer in the ways voiced in many of these testimonials if you do it right. This channel is a voice for those who have been injured by doctors and systems that have not done it right and raise awareness, so the medical gaslighting about the issue stops. It's also to show the detrimental consequences of tapering people off too fast in hopes other doctors will get educated and start taping people at a non-injurious pace. I hope that helps.

[@kassi4837]

These drugs are so injurious to some people that living with the injury while coming off and staying off is better than staying on the drug. If your quality of life is better on the medication and you feel comfortable staying on it by all means stay on it. I think the message of this channel is taper slowly so you don't get hurt and you can have a full recovery. if you're one of the unlucky ones that develops injury when tapering too fast recovery can be difficult. If you've already come off and you're experiencing symptoms of injury, it might be dangerous to reinstate. You want to make sure you're not kindling. That can be worse for you, and you might want to work with a medical professional to find better options. There's no yin without the Yang in a scenario like what Josef is bringing attention to. If you want more positive stories, you have to raise awareness about all the bad experiences that are out there so systematic adaptation can occur. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I hope you're able to find the encouragement and guidance you need to make the right decisions for your health! It's fantastic that Dr. Josef is sharing stories like this and that he isn't stopping. Maybe he'll also include some more success stories of people who have fully recovered at some point also. Judging by your response, it sounds like it would be helpful.

[@stephaniemartin-z2b]

New, Sublocade, to stop opiates withdrawal systems

[@thelastninja4825]

Shalom Doctor ! thank you for the video

[@motishabbat5292]

The problem is nutrients deficiency. The benzo and the stresses tapering created a nutrients deficiency. U will not find it on blood test. Get an OAT test with a functional doctor and treat the deficiency. Look into amino acids therapy

[@alfredneedham6195]

Dennis my friend. You mentioned that you were a pastor?? And that it was just a job?? I hear nothing about coming to Jesus for help.

[@Oldrockrules]

You call him friend. Are you this judgmental of all your friends? He’s telling his story about his experience, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t lean on Jesus.

[@Heartbrokenforever1978]

Bc jesus wont do anything. The Bible is misinterpreted from Hebrew. Its bull.

[@Benzotalk]

I certainly did lean on Christ and still do everyday. I don’t remember ever saying “it was just a job.”

[@jarrettwalck3409]

The drug destroys lives

[@Q1776Q]

This guy could still work with benzo damage.... this is NOT SEVERE at all... this is MILD.

[@alexanderp8037]

Indeed

[@alexanderp8037]

Compared to antipsychotics benzos are a walk in the park

[@Q1776Q]

@@alexanderp8037 absolutely nothing is worse than severe benzodiazepine brain and CNS damage.

[@alexanderp8037]

This guy got 2 kids ...i can't even take a shower or cook

[@Filthycoffin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5mqq4hon79lgtEsi=uIeBp9s0Bk7_pEEE

[@jarrettwalck3409]

And no doctor will tell you that

[@kalayne6713]

I am able to take benzodiazapam every now and then for muscle spasm or degenerative disc disease. I get no high at all. I can take three one day and none for weeks. I dont regard myself as an addict at all. Guess I am lucky.