Three Deadly Errors: How to Avoid Benzodiazepine-Induced Brain Damage

[@patriciabarnes9584]

"Faking". The hair stood up on the back of my neck. Forced pink-slipped into a psych hospital, a dementia ward, from BIND, Xanax protracted withdrawal, a panic attack. The ward doctor told me I was "faking". You can't "fake" unbridled terror.

[@adamstephens9043]

Yeah, I got this same treatment, too. What can we do to put an end to this? It has to stop.

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Cheeze and rice I'm scared to death.. what's going to happen to me..? I've been robbed of life, quality life. My children have been robbed of quality parenting. Having a bad one today.. I don't dare call anyone or tell the Dr. Good luck everyone. 😁

[@racheldahliamusic]

​@@Misfit-from-Zantijust take each day as it comes. I lost everything in my life too. Even if you have to take each minute at a time. Drs are useless in helping us.

[@jakejones6056]

​@@Misfit-from-Zanti You CAN do it. I quit about 8 years ago. It was a veritable hell on Earth but the good Lord saw me through along with the help of a great Dr. who understood what was happening.

[@nicolelambic]

Right? Bc who would want to fake to the point of losing literally everything they have? It's unreal they gaslight us like this.

[@maryriley6163]

When my husband died in a vehicular accident I had to collect his personal stuff at the hospital; It was so pitiful. I couldn’t stop crying. they gave me two Valium in a tiny envelope. I took one and it was like a wonder drug. It calmed me and I could stop crying. Later that day I took the other pill and slept. I have always been an anxious person because of family problems I grew up with. I never felt so normal in my life as I did when I took that Valium. I never requested Valium, even after finding how well it worked. I only have ever had those two pills from the ER. I can see why they would be emotionally addictive.

[@donalddonaldson7211]

Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry for your loss.

[@monicali2608]

Gave homeopathic Ignatia 200 two tiny pills to my relatives on their husbands, father funeral. No valium needed.

[@jakemelinko]

good for you, I've avoided it myself. I know your pain

[@hearsayfiles]

valium was amazing it healed my 'psychosis' for a day or two. it was indeed trauma induced anxiety. too.

[@AmandainChrist88]

Please never take a pill again from anyone unprescribed . In todays world anyone is capable of murder. People now a days do sick things. Im so sorry for your loss .

[@salpine]

It’s hard to come back to these things as a benzo wd survivor. It’s bringing tears to my eyes to see this channel offering this much needed resource and support to others going through these medication induced life changes. I was hesitant to subscribe because of the reminder of this time of my life, two years out after a long taper, but I absolutely must support this channel and this work. Thank you, sincerely.

[@chutcentral]

You're lucky. 8 years cold turkey. I'm still permanently fried.

[@meagiesmuse2334]

33 years on Xanax for muscle spasms. Used the Ashton method of w/d and took 24 months to do it. Total insomnia for those 2 years. I'm 5 yrs. post w/d and just now started sleeping 4-5 hrs. per night. Took at least 10 yrs. off my life. Still so anxious that I no longer make any digestive enzymes and have to take a prescription to eat. Also have histamine intolerance and multiple chemical sensitivities and am diagnosed with late stage Lyme and brain damage so bad that doctors say I should not be able to walk. My memory is shot, partly from taking Benadryl all the time and so little sleep, and regulating emotions is almost impossible. I've become a hermit.

[@marcellustone]

Thanks, Salpine, for your support. A lot of survivors are moving on, which I can to some extent understand. But with the souls of the survivors the power of the movement is stronger

[@Carolina_girl86]

@@chutcentral how?

[@chutcentral]

@Itsjust-me Dementia-like symptoms. Cognitive damage. Ridiculously impaired short term memory, to the point where I forget where I am going, what I am doing, or what I am saying literally dozens of times each and every single day. I had to give up an amazing career that I worked my whole life for because my mental/cognitive abilities are so seriously impaired now. I'd say overall, my memory and cognitive capacity took a 30-50% hit.

[@youghbaby]

My heart goes out to this man. He describes things exactly the way i described them. Im 13 months off and still have the same reaction to salad greens. I also still have the vibration. This is a double edged sword because its so comforting knowing there are people who understand but on the other hand its heart breaking to know other people are experiencing this nightmare.

[@elizabethAbbott-q6m]

I feel the same way having seen horrors for my veteran friend; this cannot be kept under wraps any longer. At least my own doctor was up to date; was disturbed to learn my pal was on Benzos and thoroughly disapproved of them.

[@Dewalt1957]

Add me to this man's symptoms list. Fighting Benzodiazepines for 10 yrs trying to get off them. I need a doctor to switch me to liquid valium. I'm on 2.5 and sick, especially with histamine gut problems. I feel bet up everyday. Bed fast for 4 yrs now. I can understand the suicides nobody can live like this.

[@moobrien1747]

It's a HORROR . I say we all call Jordan.Peterson out. Why didn't he film his nightmare experiences and reach out from his platform to say "I was aw"Went viral People and I had Millions and millions of dollars coming in. I was everywhere and then I was GONE." But he managed to write a book? 12 Things that happen to you when you go offlf.benzos"

[@EC-yd9yv]

​@@Dewalt1957a compound pharmacy is helpful ... Withdrawal is horrendous, God bless n be with you 💖🙏✨✨✨✨

[@EC-yd9yv]

This Class of meds NEEDS to be done away with.... Pure poison ☠️

[@Original_Flanno]

This man is so incredibly strong.

[@deep6301]

Thank you for this topic. Millions of Americans have been taking benzos since the 80's.

[@elizabethabbott5297]

Incredible that this is going on. I feel like a huge parade of victims and their families should be parading the streets DEMANDING help for the victims of this outrage. Every news outlet should be ashamed for not exposing it while they exposed all sorts of other social ills. This website is crucial to warn people.

[@roberta9833]

Many thanks to this gentleman. My mother took benzodiazepines her whole life. I only now understand why there are so many oddities in her behavior. - Maybe I never knew my mother as she really is. I feel a deep sadness for her and for me but I finally understood. Lives ruined by this horrible drug. I suffered from panic attacks in my youth, the psychiatrist prescribed me "benzodiazepines" - I didn't take them because they made me dizzy, I couldn't work. The panic attacks disappeared without doing anything. - I would have fallen into the same trap. - Incredible! 🙏💐

[@elizabethabbott5297]

You bring up a very important point. To add to the misery the general public may be scornful; my war vet pal was acting in a bizarre way and people told me to kick him out and I did not; by a stroke of fate I had just read Dr. Breggins Driving Soldiers Crazy with Psych Meds; Thank Heavens I did all I could to help him and he said later I saved his life but I did slip up at one point and blamed him for something rather than fully realizing just how awful these meds can be. It is beyond belief how awful the patient feels and the abrupt withdrawal can be fatal. Completely beyond his control; hallucinations too. .

[@roberta9833]

@@elizabethabbott5297 Yes, you saved not only their lives but also those of their families, because the repercussions are terrible even for their mental balance.

[@jeffmarkus5052]

Toxoplasmosis

[@lisathomas5719]

I am dumbfounded that there is not a class action suit for all of those that did not get informed consent re. PAWS.

[@bobbellendovich6825]

Ha!! Informed-consent isn't required by the Law!! Docs don't follow the Law anyway!!! 🤣🤡🌎

[@andreavanda5402]

The whole system is corrupt to the core. There is no Hipocratic oath or concern for the patient. There is only greed!

[@marianneellman1139]

Absolutely..it is really a criminal act. 😢

[@beannamated]

I believe that there has been a lawsuit about withdrawal. Possibly Cymbalta.

[@KatieLennox]

same!!!!

[@CBT5777]

I was on Ativan then Xanax for 14 years. Went to rehab and got off cold turkey in 23 days with non-benzo anti-seizure meds and gabapentin. Went back to work in one week after rebab. This was Oct of 2021 during covid. I'm still damaged over two years later. Muscle soreness and weakness. Memory problems and concentration issues. I have anxiety once in a while too, but no longer taking benzos. I'm alcohol free as well. 27 months sober but my life has changed. Life hurts every day. Life is agony. I know exactly how this guy feels.

[@DavidJones-ib3zy]

What was your daily dose ? & Congratz on the drinking , I quit in 2003 , If I had not I'd & likely others would be dead now . "Fire Water " as it was like drinking a demon , guess that's why it's called "Spirits" . Hope you heal up ASAP . DJ in N GA

[@CBT5777]

When I quit, I was taking 3-4mg a day. I actually can't remember to be honest. I was getting extra off the street from a so-called friend after my doctor cut me off. My story is complicated. There were times I was taking a lot more. I knew my connection wasn't going to last forever so I had to go to rehab. My doctor was an idiot. They wouldn't taper me. They forced me into treatment. A blessing in disguise really. @@DavidJones-ib3zy

[@natalienelson8681]

I’m so sorry. Praying for full healing. I’m about to enter into a weaning after 4 years.

[@natalienelson8681]

@@DavidJones-ib3zyI suddenly can’t stand alcohol anymore. It’s a blessing I didn’t know I wanted. Now it feels ALL of my medications are like swallowing dark spirits. I’m on 1 mg alprazolam. For 4 years. Have you attempted to wean yet? What is your dose?

[@DavidJones-ib3zy]

@@natalienelson8681 I take 4 mg a day twice a day since 2008 )tho I get 6 mg a day .I don't plan on weaning at this time , also I weaned off 15-20 years of Prozac over 2 years , taking the last -5 mg in late June , things went well but in Early Nov I got the worst depression I've ever had & started 20 mg of Prozac again on 12-4 -23 & It has helped ALOT . I must also say I have been on Methadone since 2003 & ' May come off that someday ' when my living situation is better . I wish you all the best 'Truly " Davey

[@mattd6200]

I love how this guy threw everything at the problem. His resilience is rare.

[@christianajones3312]

I went off a 30 year benzo 7.5 5x a day in rehab over 5 weeks in rehab. I lost the ability to see, urinate, walk( I fell and broke my leg in rehab),drive (for 3 months), read, watch movies. Lost coordination, the use of my hands for a long time.My brain is greatly impaired. ACUTE body and nerve pain 24/7 for years.Crushing fatigue. Spent years in bed. 41/2 years later, I am better,but greatly impaired still. Grateful to be alive.

[@blooming96]

So how benzos work is they attract chloride to the GABA receptor and that makes the GABA receptors take in more GABA, I believe supplementing chloride (such as magnesium chloride) & GABA (like from natural factors) could help the body go back into homeostasis

[@elizabethabbott2982]

I had not heard about that; I pray that those who suffer are finding something to lessen the symptoms and give them a normal life. @@blooming96

[@brendanmullen1819]

Anyone that has come off Rivitrol

[@elizabethabbott5297]

Dear Christiana; my full sympathy; people simply cannot get it as to just how frightful this is. I had read Dr. Peter Breggin by chance just before my b.f. had a crisis coming abruptly off Benzos. And my own doctor vehemently opposed Benzos; I had been exposed as teenager; symptoms appeared with the first pill and my Mother smelled a rat and tossed them; I never took another. How could the docs not know and forbid prescribing. Bless you and may good health return; keep telling your story; you will save lives of that I am sure that this website will do this as people simply do not suspect; also time for the docs to speak up as mine did. It is time for the public to hail you survivors as courageous as any heroes we know of; it is incredible.

[@j.e.bennett2997]

Ever hallucinate?? I did like a cray nut

[@missmissyphotography]

I've been off xanax for 16 days now. I started to taper in 2020. I had been down to taking pieces of my dose only at night before bed diluted in water for a year before I stopped. I was so careful with myself bc if horror stories like his...i was so scared to get off. I had taken it daily for 27 years. There is hope for some of us to get off without it being a total nightmare.

[@wb8883]

How did you learn to dilute down? I’m trying to taper, but I think I need to go slower? It’s hard to cut the tabs correctly?

[@B.Mega.D]

​@@wb8883i hope you found Dr.Josef's liquid taper videos, super helpful.

[@B.Mega.D]

Good for you! Now you have a month! It sounds like you did a micro taper, and did it with plenty of patience. ❤

[@missmissyphotography]

@wb8883 I thought I would need to do it with a scale ot something but never did..I would just take tiny pieces and put it in water...the scariest thing to me was having a seizure from stopping, I'm so glad I didn't. It's been like 4 weeks now..listen to your brain. Hopefully you have a good doctor. Mine is kind of a jerk and I had to get this done before he cut me off. I had to do it by myself and not on his watch bc he kept tapering monthly even after saying he wasn't going to. Now I'm free!

[@wb8883]

@@missmissyphotography I have to stop taking it. My psychiatrist just ghosted me after 5 years. I don’t want to beg anyone like an addict. I went to a GP and he said just cut them in half??? Ummm NO and also he wouldn’t prescribe. I did find a new psychiatrist luckily who is working with me now, but I’m having more anxiety even with a small lowering? UGH

[@faithf5846]

Thank you to this gentleman for his honest assessment of a condition that he struggles with. I grew up in a family that struggled with mental health conditions and syndromes. We all struggle with something whether it’s mental, physical, emotional. The world is not easy and I believe we need medicine at times we all need each other. I also believe we must “pray without ceasing “meaning, keep close to the Lord because humans fail us.

[@alsure8679]

Mental health is metabolic +insulin insulin resistance and blood sugar also/// INTERMITTENT FASTING and CARNIVORE or at least extremely Low Carbs and Exercise +TARGETTED SUPPLEMENTS

[@gracegwozdz8185]

​@@alsure8679, you got it! This "mental" diseases are stemming from poor gut health. Fix the root cause and you don't have ANY mental afflictions. Why it "runs" in families? Because they have an ignorant about nutrition cook/care taker.

[@nanasloves]

I’ve given up on god too…

[@AashishmJogi]

​@@nanasloves me too fed up😢

[@truthseek3017]

​@@alsure8679Low life liar.

[@jameshsmith9576]

This man is telling my story .except im in a living hell today severe brainfog severe spinal pain chronic insomnia . This is pure criminal .and doctors and pharmaceutical companies must be prosecuted .

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Damn, James. I obviously have no solution for you at all, but have you ever tried going seriously low carb plus intermittent fasting? Carbs and eating throughout the day make pain worse.

[@kimlarso]

I’m not a doc…..Mag/zinc combo & co Q10 & walk everyday (start w 15 min & work self up to 30-60 min)👉if u have sh+ diet get tested for deficiencies & supplement accordingly 👉the sooner u do this the better off ull be👉B curious what ur Vit D level is👉Good Luck💚

[@uNoWho2222]

I don't know how you feel about CBD, but it worked for me. I'd look into it if you can.

[@kevk741]

I know James personally. Many of the harmed find each other like people in The Stand found Mother Abagail’s farmhouse in Nebraska. Even if I wasn’t hurt myself, I’ve met enough people and heard enough experiences to understand these medications injuries are real and they are crippling people in akathisia other painful movement disorders. James was gardening last year trying to push through his torture. He’s a strong guy and this has brought him to his knees. I’m one of the toughest guys I know and I’m ready for assisted death. I know James is wondering, too. Imagine being brought to that point? These injuries are so bad you cannot imagine it until it happens. At the same time, you might already be injured and do not know it. The trick is how do you keep it from being worse? I’m no longer sure besides never starting anyone on daily medications unless being strapped to an electric chair sounds preferable. I’ve seen people taper to specs of dust and still had this explode. The only answer is to not start people on these drugs until the can develop screening. There is no amount of money you could give me where I’d be okay living with this. Any other patient is going to feel exactly the same. Think about that? Almost ever other horrible thing still has a price tag.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

@@kevk741 I’ve been at that point, I was ready to toss myself under a train from SSRI withdrawal. I wrote to the shrink “I never write emails like this, but I need to get back on the medication asap, this is an emergency situation.” I remember I checked my phone every 5 mins all day long. They didn’t bother answering that day, I might have already been under that train 🙂. Have had an even worse withdrawal period, an accidental one, thought of suicide every day. Pretty close to it. And now, I don’t think I can ever go off them again. So I just need to be scared that for some reason, the factory won’t turn out meds. I dread that. It’s all good fun, isn’t it!

[@joniatoms9798]

As a psych nurse, I had no idea this could happen. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@meekellassidddiq4608]

Yes and there are nurses and doctors who have suffered as well.

[@JaniceBradley-fe5uc]

And we are shocked that medical field had no idea too.

[@corticallarvae]

Im not trying to be rude but how is that possible, I’ve had four friends die in rehab from benzodiazepine withdrawal… usually they wait two years to tell you precisely how; to avoid lawsuits , but they all died from lack of electrolytes (my mistake I didn’t see auto correct and my phone originally said enzymes)

[@timgorski]

Please share this story with your peers. This is so painfully common. I am suffering through a similar story now

[@nrx9gaguser]

As a psych nurse, "i dont co-participate with atroccities, as the nazi camp guards "which were just following orders"

[@juliarobinson5435]

Peter is an amazing and courageous man. What dreadful suffering he has been through, but so glad that he has managed to get through the worst and has healed so much. Even though as he says there is still more healing to come. Thank you so much for sharing this video 🙏

[@PeterYost]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏

[@nobodysomewhere601]

A great interview, many parts of which validate my own experience. I would like these interviews to delve more deeply into how the benzo injury has affected people emotionally and spiritually. On both counts, the effects on me have been profound, but I rarely hear others address this.

[@DavidJones-ib3zy]

I agree

[@GMHG777]

Agree they’ve broken me entirely …

[@SCORPIUSANCTUM]

also relationships...:(

[@brightwithspirit]

I'm interested in how it affected you spiritually? Please share! xo

[@GMHG777]

@@brightwithspirit truthfully, I am spiritually dead inside … angry at almost all medical professionals, politicians and lawyers who protect Big Pharma, and my family for invalidating me and ignoring me as I quickly become debilitated and sicker than I ever could have imagined … I am in hell on Earth if there is such a thing. I am terrified of death, but can’t wait to not be in pain any longer, to not be sick and struggling with a terminally damaged nervous system. If there is a “God” F**k him/her/it whatever the deal is … Kf so could get my hands on the Dr who started all this (or the chemists that developed these nightmare poisons) the outcome would not be good for them. That’s where I am spiritually … broken, like my nervous system/brain.

[@AdamTSLA]

This story brings tears to my eyes. I was prescribed Temazepam by a GP, in July 2018, to treat mild insomnia and I had a paradoxical reaction with extreme anxiety and panic attacks the next morning… went to another doctor who dismissed it as a mental health issue and said I needed all these other meds. Within a month I was a mess and at the ER threatening to end it all. The psych there gave me Valium which wasn’t as bad but just compounded the issue for the next 10 weeks… as nothing was getting better I just stopped cold turkey and didnt sleep for months…. It honestly took me 2 years to recover but the trauma I suffered will last a lifetime. Doctors need to understand that these medications can have extreme side effects and withdrawals. I was gaslight by medical professionals and I’ll never trust them again.

[@Betsy.Ross76]

That's awful what you went through. I myself have been taking temazepam from my gp for 5 years since menopause started. I've had no problems and it still works. I take a night off every 2 weeks just to see what happens and I can sleep but I can't stay asleep. I don't drink or abuse my medication. Could you tell me what you mean by the effect you're talking about? At what point into treatment did this happen to you? I have restless legs ever since menopause and thankfully I get restful sleep and don't wake up groggy. I learned early on that staying hydrated and at least 30 minutes of exercise/cardio kept the meds working. They didn't seem to work if I was sedentary and dehydrated... I've never gotten the tolerance that's common with most benzos. Your post has scared me though. Sorry you had such awful experience.

[@AdamTSLA]

@@Betsy.Ross76 Hi there, I had the reaction after the first night of taking it (single 15mg dose). I woke the next day feeling extremely odd and panicky. The reaction I had is very uncommon but it can happen… you would know by now if you would have this issue. I’m glad the medication works for you and you don’t get any adverse side effects!

[@elizabethabbott2982]

The denial adds another layer of pain. I was met with indifference with regard to my veteran pals monstrous sufferings but Dr. Peter Breggin and Professor Heather Ashton offer understanding. Years ago; maybe by now there are some remedies. It was way back in 2010 that my own doc highly disapproved of my partners Benzo prescriptions and said so. The whole medical establishment should be into this. Your guest may work again; my pal took part time jobs and worked independently with mechanics and so on at his own speed. Sympathy to guest; you are going at this intelligently. But it never should have happened in the first place. What is with our governments? Are they not supposed to protect us from such atrocities? Why are more docs not speaking up? Giant medical associations should have some clout.

[@MegaLatie]

@@Betsy.Ross76 I would run for your life run away from this poison and stop taking this poison.. I experienced exactly this I became praradoxal I took them occasionally to sleep I became so seriously ill and stopped I took them almost two years used irregularly used I didn't know. what was going on. When I stopped I became terribly ill, scary experience that still bothers me 😭😭 I have now been benzo free for 26 months and not the old one 😭😭 stop taking this medication, you should not use it for more than two weeks, this is also stated in the package leaflet they are really terrible medications... they will catch up with you one day and make you sick, you won't beat them... eat healthy and exercise before your menopause... what were your symptoms during menopause?

[@veganjeliza8518]

Temazepam was a nightmare to me! I felt emotionally/mentally paralyzed and like I was in torment. Only took it for a few days but it was terrifying because I wasn't sure what was happening to me and wasn't sure it would ever go away...

[@317L-mm4wq]

So crazy to see how awful the medical industry can be, we rely on these “experts “ only to get sicker. I try my best ti avoid the industry in general but it’s sad that’s how it’s become. Here’s to all the good doctors out there… hopefully more awareness can bring a much needed change.

[@jamesmedina2062]

very well-stated. It seems that at some level professionals have to cool or freeze their emotions in order to "provide care". This is generally appropriate or common all over the world but one major difference stems from whether that professional has confidence in the efficacy of his or her treatment. Because of the huge focus on profit in the US, in many cities the provider will skimp on time and care. In other settings with conscientious doctors you can tell when they the money is irrelevant to them. And you never can predict when you will get real care or just be pushed away.

[@dragonfly1126]

Thank you for coming forward with your (ongoing) experience with benzos and trying to navigate out of the hell they created. Appreciate your honesty regarding how conventional dedosing modalities caused further damage. I am so very very glad you are still with us. Amazed by your tenacity. Very appreciative of both Dr Josef for providing these interviews, and to this guest specifically.

[@PeterYost]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@alsure8679]

Not knowing the dangers I had taken far more than prescribed +huge amounts of booze to try to cope with huge situations all of which caused HELL

[@John-q7m]

the dangers were known 40 years ago

[@jameshsmith9576]

These rehabs need to be closed down .the exact same thing happened to me 13 days insurance stopped paying kicked me out .in full blown psycosis withdrawal its pure criminal .

[@williamkayaian7268]

They just care about insurance payments…. Good luck 👍

[@KatieLennox]

you're right these "rehabs" do need to be closed down or at least renamed & potential pts need to be aware of what they can and cannot accomplish. after 27 yrs of xanax 3-4 mg/daily and then being taken off cold turkey & unable to find any dr within 80 mi radius or telehealth that took my insurance and or was willing to prescribe benzos i began contacting & researching detox and rehab places. what i learned is there is huge diff between detox & rehab. some places would do detox- which only means supervising you for a few days in hospital usually psych unit until the drugs are out of system. you know bc you shake uncontrollably can't sleep or be still trouble talking bp gets really high, etc. the med experts say this is when you're out of danger zone. haha. and send you home. i found 1 "rehab" place in my state which was t really just extended detox. 28 days. it's takes a minimum of mos more likely yrs to successfully withdraw. no rehab place is set up for that so they don't exist at least in USA

[@Thatsbannanas-d8c]

I posted the rehab that I left on the better business bearuro

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Amazing work you are doing Doc ! Essential education. All medics and med students need to hear this, not to mention pharmacists. Omg this guy has been through hell ! Damn!

[@KVEish]

Your wife sounds like an angel! I’m so sorry for both of your pain and wish you the very, very best!

[@PeterYost]

Thank you. She helped tremendously.

[@healingher419]

I’ve been where this man has and unfortunately my Dad took his life on March 12th due to these medications. Thank God his family didn’t have to bury him. Us survivors are stronger than we give us credit for. It’s so hard to make people understand how you are feeling because they can’t see inside of our brains and bodies. I’ve often said if I was in a full body cast, would my family then realize how sick I am. It’s terrifying. The life I once knew has been ripped away from me. I would give anything to experience the anxiety I had before taking these benzos which I have been on since I was 24 and stopped at 42. I can’t even type this message because my short term memory is so bad.

[@Jerrycourtney]

My Dr. passed away in 2022. His replacement took me off of a 14 year alprazolam prescription, with only two weeks of diazepam to help me taper. She also thought I was faking it. I had over 10 seizures, suffered a concussion from a fall, lost my 9 year career, defaulted on 3 credit cards and my car. Two years later, crippling anxiety keeps me isolated. My body trembles so badly I car hardly write or type. I lie in bed, unable to sleep for hours and when I do, it’s terrible nightmares, and I usually get no more than 3 hours at a time. I’ve also been labeled a know *_”drug seeker,”_* so the two doctors I’ve seen won’t touch me with a ten-foot pole. I’ve never even smoked a cigarette, much less sought illicit narcotic drugs. My life has been effectively ruined.

[@kimberlyelliott7933]

😢 I am so very sorry...🙏🙏🙏

[@Jerrycourtney]

@@kimberlyelliott7933 I was having a really bad day when I wrote that. One day by the grace of God, I’ll be a better man for it.

[@edie4321]

I understand. Seven years for me and I'm still hiding. I pray a cure is coming for the many of us that suffer. Big Pharma is holding back 6000 cures, it is said. We are going into a Golden Age where cures will become normal. We must stand against this beast system.

[@curiousc9259]

Why did you go off of them? You could seek the help of another psychiatrist correct?

[@mrsg.9273]

Wow! 🙏🙏🙏

[@daveknight7957]

My wife took benzos. Ended up with involuntary commitment due to botched taper. 15 years later, she has permanent brain damage. Our story is well documented in the award-winning documentary Death by Medicine a Gary Null production. We have a tragic and compelling story of iatrogenic injury that ended my wife's functional life. She exists but does not live. She is locked in a separate reality not of her making. There is a condition worse than death. I'm ready to tell my story.

[@cindlou7335]

I'm so sorry 😔

[@Filthycoffin]

I’ve seen this you and your wife many times. You at least stuck by her my family ditched me after I was abruptly stopped from 3 mg clonopazam I took for 12 years. I couldn’t function and I’ve been having to relearn everything. Yes it’s like living in an alternate reality and it’s worse than death to loose everything and be trapped by yourself I’ve been homeless for almost all of it. I wish her to heal. I don’t know how to fix any of it. I’m sorry. I want to thank you for staying by her side you are amazing thank you for being a true human that cares about his wife. Thank you

[@elizabethabbott5297]

Dear Dave; It is just beyond reason that this is going on in a supposedly civilized country; we have waged war against countries who practice cruel imprisonment while right here and now people are being tortured; jeepers I though torture was illegal. I lost my veteran pal to Benzos ... when I told my own doctor what he was taking my doc was shocked and exclaimed That Is A Benzodiazepine in disapproval; this was my first clue and then I read Dr Breggins book. It helped me to help my friend when he was hallucinating and so on; did all to kep him calm; he said after i saved his life. But years later he gave up. My consolation is this relating of experiences and I realize I was not wrong; nor was my doctor; it is the system and I think the enormity of the disaster is such that people cannot believe it... it holds up to scrutiny the whole medical system... how could docs not KNOW what Benzos do

[@elizabethabbott5297]

Dear Dave I lost my veteran partner to a muddled up history of meds; around 14 years ago; it gives me a little relief to tell his story. There are people who do not believe this could happen in our civilized society. Plenty of people poo pood me and blamed him. You and I and thousands of others know the facts. I wrote a letter to Mrs. P. Breggin and she sent a gracious reply; the awake and aware professionals make me feel so much better.

[@MrCyberShow]

I watched the documentary and I saw you and your wife. I’m so sorry she went through that. Is she better than what she was in that video?

[@Snide01]

Everything this Man is desribing is 100% phsysical & true. I'm 9 years free here & the first 3 to 5 years were absolutely horrific, first 2 years off I wasn't even human..

[@Jimmy-Legs]

Sounds familiar.

[@MOATAZMOHAMED-uz8nf]

did you have while healing difficulty breathing and chest tightness

[@Jimmy-Legs]

@@MOATAZMOHAMED-uz8nf Yes.

[@meagiesmuse2334]

I took them for muscle spasms for 33 years, did a horrific 2 year taper and have been off for 6 years. I have not recovered and the anxiety is awful. I have no short term memory, get 4 hrs. sleep if I'm lucky and have little ability to regulate emotions, so I've become a hermit in order to protect myself and others.

[@Snide01]

@@MOATAZMOHAMED-uz8nf Benzo Withdrawal causes hundreds of symptoms, if it's not normal it's withdrawal or chemical damage I would argue..

[@wendyhannan2454]

My Dr has a sign in his surgery, no Benzo prescribed here, now I know why. 🤷‍♀️

[@andreavanda5402]

He's one in a million. Stick with him. Most are more than happy to comply with the request because Big Pharma gives them a kickback.

[@marianneellman1139]

What a great doctor 🎉🎉

[@destinyblack5160]

Refusing is just as bad as pushing them too much.

[@marianneellman1139]

@destinyblack5160 Yes l hear your point, but maybe at that time that someone is looking for benzos..it may just be that something in there lives needs urgent attention... Maybe a prescription for a weeks worth? I don't know??what do you think? Why do you think they are necessary? I like to hear others opinions?

[@GiselleKlara]

Exactly. Good way to kill people. Long term benzo patients have no where to turn; and like it or not best practice is NOT to FORCE someone off benzos who is already on them. Not everyone wants to come off- or can safely, and forcing people has just supported people doctor shopping and taking frequent vacations to Mexico.@@destinyblack5160

[@HelenIbarra-rl3bq]

Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not, in a couple of years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[@DellyAlava]

To be honest, mushrooms are one of the most amazing things on the planet and it is natural, they serve in many ways not only for mental related issues.

[@AkselAaberg]

Can you help me with a reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. It is very hard to get a reliable source here in New Zealand. Really need!

[@KlausRoth-jk1ny]

Yes, Sporeville. I had the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction... Mushrooms definitely made a huge difference to why I'm clean today.

[@MariaFallu]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He's 59 & has many mental health issues plus probably CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD knows if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@AkselAaberg]

Is he on Instagram?

[@zezezep]

my heart goes out to Mr Yost and i thank him for sharing his terrible story for our benefit

[@iloveyouyas]

Watching this makes me so sad that humans go through so much pain

[@edie4321]

Me too. I think this is what the false god commandment is about. My mother was a nurse and raised me to think doctors have the answer. If the answer is to try and kill me, which happened. My PCP prescribed me so many deadly drugs. When I complained of problems at home she added more. When I went for my next appointment, she asked me why I was still here. I was baffled, and she replied, oh, I guess its because you have kids. She was guiding me out. Wow. The medical industry needs to be stopped.

[@atomusbliss]

💚

[@nav6338]

Fuck sake, I'm next

[@user-xg4dk3ch6y]

Omg I feel for you!!!! SO horrible, horrible, horrible!!! I have so much respect for you and all you have been through and that you even can talk about it and is still alive! Akathisia is the worst nightmare of all!!!!! So so traumatic. And yes. Even though I live in an other country I can recognize the way you are being treated and misjudged in rehab or psyk hospital. Also the histamine issue is exactly how I am now. Can't eat almost anything....and that is on Mirtazapine, which also has antihistamin in it. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I wish you the best in recovery.

[@PeterYost]

Thank you. The histamine issue will resolve. It took about two years but I am fully recovered in that area. Go low histamine diet until you heal.

[@user-xg4dk3ch6y]

@@PeterYost Thank you so much for your answer. Yes, I am all ready on a low histamin diet, but good to know, there is hope for healing 🙏. Some days I don' t think there is. I have a long journey ahead of me on tapering Mirtazapin which also is hell on earth and it has destroyed my life completely. Thank you so much for your story. It gives me hope even though it is very painful to hear about all your trauma and I am very sorry, that you should go through all of it. I wish you all the best and thank you so much 🙏.

[@McStorch0]

I relate to so much of this. My husband often drove me around for hours. I had horrible Akathisia for close to 4 years. Please be very careful telling people that other drugs might help. They also might make people way worse and then you have to get off those drugs. And that can be worse than the original drug withdrawal. I’ve survived this but at almost 7 years off klonopin (short term) I’m still not completely out of the woods. But I’m ok and functional and living a happy, somewhat normal life. Please hang in there. It will change but it takes time. Our bodies are beautiful and resilient. They can and will heal.

[@PeterYost]

If they help prevent another suicide, I recommend but they definitely may prolong or exacerbate symptoms

[@McStorch0]

@@PeterYost I only say this as I have met many people who got way worse Akathisia from taking other medications recommended to them on the internet. They also end up stuck on these meds as they are terrified to come off them. It’s a big risk imho but if someone is willing to take it then that is their choice.

[@jeffreywegener8841]

Man deserves a medal of honour & millions in compensation. The accusation of “ faking “ etc are an appalling iconic statement of general gross incompetence. I’m a tough guy but I’m in tears .

[@tanyakruyt5122]

This man deserves every success!

[@mindmyown1]

I was prescribed diazepam 10 mg twice daily for 6 months in 2015. I am fortunate that my family physician weaned me off over the course of the final month. Within 3 days of stopping I developed tinnitus in both ears that I still have to this day. I am grateful that a dependency didn’t go on for years. Praying for healing for everyone. This drug should be discontinued. Period.

[@rmeehan93]

You poor poor soul I have so much compassion for you as I been on a similar journey. You’re a warrior 💪💛

[@nbrown5907]

The biggest shock I think is that Benzos only have 8 weeks of studies done! People have been on these pills for decades and we do not study it? Our medical system has fallen to greed. We need to take the ridiculous profit out of it somehow.

[@Snowflake1374]

The same with SSRI. Studies for some weeks and tests performed on men weighing 70 kilos.

[@Greencloud8]

I am on lamictal I can foresee myself getting off of it but need support from family Which I don’t seem to have

[@kimberlycoffman9478]

@@Greencloud8it’s probably the saddest part of all this. Not having support at home. I’ve been labeled so much and I’m nowhere near the labels and I don’t believe anyone else is either. In fact I think we’re the strongest, smartest and sanest of anyone. Imagine if everyone went through this. 🤔 Hang in there. My faith and prayers help a bit but praying out loud doesn’t paint a pretty picture to my family. They just think I’m getting old and crazy and that’s fine now. I get away with occasional cursing the demons away 😂 and praying for healing or direction. Happy to hear what others have tried for help but from yrs of experience, tapering is the only thing that’s helped. I did try hormone pellets under the skin once and seemed to take everything away except I gained weight, broke out in back pimples and oily hair like crazy!! At the time that was terrible living in a hot climate and wearing as little as possible. Can’t hide the bothersome affects. Might try it again now that I’m older and don’t care. Idk 🤷‍♀️

[@darrenhill5802]

@@Greencloud8I can help you

[@lucylu9792]

It’s pure evil!

[@gregaldr]

I have taken benzos since I was 17 and am now 54. I had terrible anxiety and panic attacks and this med resolved all of it with the first dose back then. This med allowed me to have a great quality of life and productive career which I am still working in. No side effects and I feel totally normal. This me was a godsend for me. I will probably stay on it till the end as it is only positive for me. Obviously not everyone is so fortunate as I have been and I feel for them. Just thought I would share a positive side to benzos. Gave me a far better life and I am very thankful for them.

[@tlsmith1111]

I’ve taken benzos for for 11 years and also have no side effects. The only thing that scares me as other people stories. They actually help me feel a lot less pain with my illness. Thank God, I don’t have any side effects that I’m aware of.

[@cj5273]

Do you work for Roche? lol

[@Yellow-oc4sl]

Heck yeah , better than others meds

[@Jsarson1976]

After 10 years of being on them your brain has been proven that it shrinks, even if no issue taking it it isn’t good long term for your health.

[@peterlaustsen2573]

Hi Greg, so nice to read! Im also on clonazepam 1,5 mg everyday since 25 years back. It helped me both with my generalized anxiety and a pain condition in my back. I never felt any kind of side effects at all! Never had to increase the dose either. Never felt the need or interest to take higher doses. For me it have worked perfect and gave me a relatively pain free and anxiety free life. I couldnt even go out due to severe panic attacks before starting the klonopin. I just think that benzos is not for everyone, and defenently not that kind of people always seeking to get high.

[@kellyberry4173]

I would love to thank this gentleman for taking the time to help us. I am so thankful to him. I made my husband watch and have finally got him to taper down. Again. I thank this gentleman from the bottom of my heart.

[@Mysticmandyland]

Wow this man had a really hard time. I tapered off a 30 year dependence and while I went through a lot of withdrawal symptoms I feel like I was very successful in my journey. Im pain free and ready to help others.

[@brightwithspirit]

Congrats! Do you have a program? I'm trying to come off 20 years on xanax.

[@Mysticmandyland]

@@brightwithspirit I’m creating a course that’s focused on healing the brain from benzo damage- and will be offering 1:1 counselling/ coaching sessions soon. We do not want to go on a journey like this man did. A Slow taper is the way to succeed.

[@Mysticmandyland]

@@brightwithspirit happy to help you if you want- it doesn’t have to be an awful experience. Life after benzos is better- believe me. The light at the end of the tunnel is bright 😊💚

[@EC-yd9yv]

@@Mysticmandyland how did you do it?

[@StillSmallVoice10]

YES YES YES. I want help. How do we get started? Where are you and how do we correspond? I too have been on clonazepam for 30 years and my suffering started when I tried two failed tapers. Almost off both times. I was on 1 mg clonazepam for 25 years but tapered too quickly over 4 months. Put back on them at .5 mg and tapered to almost off over 6 months but was horrendous on my body and made mistake of going to ER and being reinstated but neurologist now has had me on 2 mg for about 2 years. My whole body hurts and limbs neuropathy has overtaken. Can you help me?

[@sonjastyblo8149]

Fantastic interview. Appreciate your advocacy and articulation, Peter. I wish you the best. You've survived the worst.

[@PeterYost]

Thank you 🙏

[@danepaulstewart8464]

The Bravery he has displayed is absolutely incredible. Heroic for the rest of us.

[@kathya1956]

Thank you Sir for telling us your story. I pray for your complete recovery.

[@Jonibaloneyji]

I suffered in long-term withdrawal from benzos for 3 years. I thought I must have cancer I had so much pain. I knocked myself out with Seroquel at night and just held on. Gradually the real me came back.

[@sidstovell2177]

👍

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Very glad for you; the misery is not generally known.

[@Mysticmandyland]

I’m at almost 2 years off benzos and am doing great but I do have muscle pain… although I’m unsure if it’s a benzo thing or a 51 yr old thing … I do hope it goes away.

[@Jonibaloneyji]

That pain is gone now. I'm 67. We do HEAL!

[@AmandaHugandKiss411]

I wish you well but read up on Seroquel. The withdrawal is equally as bad or if not worse.

[@tamarabradberry9299]

Benzo withdrawal survivor here. I can relate to much of what he is saying.

[@magalufff]

He seems so kind, I wish him full recovery. I just finished my 2 year taper feeling 🤮. I am aware that my future is not bright

[@PeterYost]

Thank you. You will have a bright future. This is an extremely slow and tough process. Your brain is neuroplastic and will heal. 🙏

[@aphysique]

Luv the hat in the default pic!!

[@darrenhill5802]

Your future is what you make of it

[@sushujelly]

Im so sorry that anyone is going through this. Ive been in torment for twenty three yrs. In a moment of weakness I tried to do something stupid, but now I at least now I'm not alone, and I know what's wrong with me. Please stay strong.

[@edie4321]

@@darrenhill5802 , It was until these drugs messed her up. Your answer feels hurtful. The withdrawal is real. It would be awesome if she had known what her trusted doctor was doing to her.

[@srabchun]

I was put on a benzo for epilepsy in late 2018. It was the worst medication I was ever put on. It did not stop my seizures. It made them worse. I had one I felt starting in the middle of the night. Next thing I know, I’m standing at the time clock punching in at work at 6am. No recollection of getting out of bed, or diving to work. I went home. When I arrived, I realized I even made breakfast before I left for work. Not remembering that at all. Also within a year of being on it, my testosterone levels dropped to almost zero. I went off the drug ‘Onfi’ in 2020. After, everything returned to normal. I feel for this guy. And I can relate to so much he mentioned.

[@spacecadet4876]

That's what my experience with Paxil was. Found myself doing the 'thousand yard stare".

[@LifeIsWonderful675]

Did you stop your seizures with any meds ? I was left with seizures 20yrs ago after a TBI when my partner bashed me about the head numerous times. I stopped meds like Keppra etc in 2012 as they were not stopping my seizures. The seizures have become worse. They were just absence seizures but now are Drop seizures. I have been on 5mg of Valium for over 30yrs to help me sleep after having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Glandular Fever in the early 90's. I cant sleep without them & find they help me relax. At times I have cut back on them but the last few years have been on 1 every night due to stress. I am trying the keto diet to help my seizures.

[@srabchun]

@@LifeIsWonderful675 I take Briviact and Xcopri. And for sleep and stress I take a magnesium supplement called magtech. It contains magnesium L-Treonate. Which is good for relaxation. I also avoid fluoridated toothpastes. Fluoride is a trigger with me. All in all, I’m not 100% seizure free. More like 95%. I have around 2 seizures a year. I’ll take that number. Because I am much better than when I was on a benzo. I wish you luck on trying to find what works for you.

[@osis1k]

This person is a true hero.

[@37gcona65]

My heart goes out to you. You're going to get through this. I am sorry for your experience Peter. And thank you for being so open and sharing your horrible experience. I wish you continued health.

[@TheMASDrummer]

Something I noticed with these patients who experienced shocking damage from medication: they seem to have outlying, unusual symptoms prior to prescription, that in some way mirror the symptoms post- medication. For example, this gentleman mentioned his anxiety was like a strange buzzing for "no reason" or for reasons he didn't really understand. Then, his post-medication illness comes in a similar format. I think there's something to be explored here.

[@marianneellman1139]

You are part of the problem!!!!

[@robotmechanic3923]

yeah, it causes the same things it's supposed to be fixing after a while, and then here come extra symptoms , so you're shrink will up your dosage, it's awful.

[@sandraschrader7590]

His symptoms are similar to those who have Porphyria and or dysautonomia.

[@colinrondeau4310]

I agree

[@zachj.1917]

Iam going through this now… first i want to thank you for sharing your story. I tried Benzo withdrawal about 3 years ago but couldn’t do it. Now iam tring again. I feel the same when you mention symptoms like Cognitive breakdown-not being able to string a sentence together, brain zaps, unbelievable aches and back/neck pain,intrusive thoughts, paranoia, just the polar opposite to what the Benzo was intended to fix. It can be incredibly scary/frightening/painful……trying to explain to others is near on impossible, your loved ones. My dr told me id be fine after 10 years of Benzo use. The rebound anxiety is hell . Thank you so much again for sharing your experience

[@tarasgarden]

I have just discovered this channel and learned so much in 24 hours. Thank you.

[@Nick-gq2iy]

It’s like having dementia, but, hopefully, you know it’s temporary...can’t find your right words, so you try to come close to what words are available to you in your memory, though you know you’ve got the wrong word. Can’t read or comprehend a sentence for months, etc... I’m absolutely amazed he’s doing this well in such a short time! I’m so glad he’s doing so much better! I could never tell he’s been through that hell! He deserves a Purple Heart & compensation of some sort! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@colinrondeau4310]

Oh my god I have this so bad. The question is do I keep off the medication if I cold turkeyed and caused damage, or do I reintroduce

[@Nick-gq2iy]

@@colinrondeau4310 oh, man, I hope you didn’t cold turkey off! Pharmacists tell you NEVER do that! If you have...you may want to reinstate! Have someone get you the UK medical book by Mark Horowitz & Tayler! It’s now part of the 5 medical books & tells Professionals & patients how to safely come off! They may have to read it for you! CTing can kill a person! Let it not be you! Save your life! In the UK, they have an outpatient clinic to take people safely off! Laura Delano CT’d at 20! Now, she’s a coach & just wrote a book! There’s Angie Peacock who can guide you & support you! She’s been through it! Both of them are coaches, at least 1 of these women is a MSW & a retired veteran. Angie is a veteran. Both have been through the hell of this! Best to you for regaining your heath!

[@susan5350]

Great interview and again validates what we go through. My experience is so similar. Thank you.

[@Snowflake1374]

Agree. My experience similar but with SSRI Zoloft, horrible.

[@painterj100]

Experienced a lot of food and chemical sensitivities too and extreme insomnia. Still not healed as a 42 year old male. Life ruined as it feels now. Worst was people not validating my experience.

[@Greencloud8]

I have seizures!! Right before thanksgiving 2023 I quit fast food and only cook 👩‍🍳 and eat at home My seizures are gone for now

[@matthewrobinson2242]

I’m a 43 year old male. Cold turkeyed 18 months ago from a long time prescription. Poly drugged at same time because they didn’t understand withdrawal. My life is over. Ruined. Career over. White knuckle every minute of every day. Reach out brother. Maybe we can help each other. But I’m a mess.

[@HardRocker-zc8rr]

​@@matthewrobinson2242CBD

[@rasberryfields2132]

​@@Greencloud8that is fantastic! We are what we eat.☮️🙏💜

[@amestarson]

Keep fighting it gets better. Slowly but better.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Yes, when you’re in this state you can be deeply, deeply scared of anything. Of a lamp post, anything.

[@elizabethabbott2982]

When my own doctor heard from me that my late b.f. was taking a benzo, he jolted... a new doc took him off all six psych meds he had been on for some twenty years including some benzos. Symptoms that had been attributed to PTSD disappeared. But it was too late; too much damage. I helped him during hellish withdrawals; he thanked me; I wish I could have done more.

[@naomimara3340]

Sorry, what do you mean? He died, from benzo withdrawal..or withdrawing from all meds, at once?

[@marianneellman1139]

So lovely to hear you were by his side it is an horrendous situation. 💔 Just the fact of a doctor taking him of all meds is just a criminal act..

[@elizabethabbott2982]

No this was all in 2010; he died last year; but he had endured twenty years of meds and even imposed comas.@@naomimara3340

[@elizabethabbott2982]

Thank you. he had been on many meds for years and periodically he was put in comas; a psychologist friend of mine disapproved of that; as did I. The big crisis in 2010 was that the doc combined Cypralex and Cymbalta causing a mania during which time he was in instant withdrawal from all the 5 pr so meds he was on; also the Benzo; a real nightmare; so the doc did not deliberately w.d. him from all meds but it happened with the mania. His doc and social worker did not return my calls for help. Dangerous situation. i may as well say this now although I debated adding this but he did commit suicide. I think just too much discouragement over so many years; easily twenty years since retirement from the Army. To me they system did not work; although there were good people involved who genuinely cared about him. @@marianneellman1139

[@EC-yd9yv]

​@@elizabethabbott2982God bless you 💖🙏✨ These rotten meds/poison's truly need to be taken off the market... all i ever have seen is tragedy from these meds. My head still pounds daily and many issues ten years.😣life later... Life destroying crap.

[@stormchaser419]

They often thought I was faking. Chilling words

[@Smash214]

I was wiping tears from my eyes listening to to Peter. I have been on 20mg of diazapam for about 17 years. I am currently down to 12.5mg. I'm following the - I think the Doctor's name is Ashton - Ashton Tapering regime. I am definetley not at the end of the spectrum like Peter in regard to withdrawl symptoms. However, it has been astonishing to me how many of my ongoing medical issues seem to be diazapam withdrawl syptoms: For years i have had Botox injected into my jaw, neck ang head. Fatigue, poor concentration, depression and other symtoms have plagued me for years. I am very hopeful that, as i reduce, many of these symptoms will go away. Peter, I watched your video at the right time. It is so easy to get lost in withdrawl. Isend you my love and wish you well.

[@PeterYost]

Thanks for the comment. Its an extremely slow process but you can do it.

[@andrewstuckey7252]

Me too.

[@etcwhatever]

Please take of yourself. Consider to take vitamin supplements at the same time. I take B complex vitamins and vit D recommended by the doc. Magnesium + calcium combo are good for muscle cramps. Keep us posted. Im tappering too. Im at a very low dosage 2.5mg. And im worried myself. Keep us posted if you want. God bless you.

[@nickim963]

Best of luck with the rest of your recovery.

[@dane4367]

This story is unbelievably incredible.. it's shocking

[@andreaurbinajohnson7888]

Wonderful interview, it answered so many questions l had. l also spent money on many doctors, for nothing

[@nbrown5907]

I completely understand the breaking point, you feel like you cannot live like that anymore period! I had that with the SSRI's myself and have the scars from it.

[@Joe.Smith.]

Benzodiazapine withdrawal is brutal. I got through it. Not been on them for years now.

[@darrenhill5802]

How long did you take them for?

[@Joe.Smith.]

@@darrenhill5802 14 years daily I think.

[@marthasisco9678]

​@@darrenhill5802whats the withdrawal

[@joannek7447]

Wonderful interview but also terrifying. How does a person avoid Benzodiazepine Induced Brain Damage once the damage is done?

[@newkingdom6750]

Jesus ✝️

[@CBT5777]

That's not even remotely funny.@@newkingdom6750

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

@@newkingdom6750Buddha ? Brahman and meditation? Worked for me.

[@elsagrace3893]

I’m guessing that the video never addresses this despite the title saying it does.

[@robertfenyk3132]

Neuroplasiticy - the brain repairs itself

[@lalaniav]

So much love to this man. I am emotional listening to his testimony about the rehab facility at 24:36. I just want to hug him. Gosh. So happy his wife was alongside him. I’m tapering off of 3mg klonopin & 15mg Temazepam. Totally Temazepam free since last December, and I’m a tad bit more than halfway off the klonopin at 1.125mg. It’s taken 20 months to get to this dose and has been relatively painless but not everyone gets to go this slow. Sometimes I can’t tell if I really am suffering and am so used to it that I gaslight myself into believing I’m ok, or if I really am getting it easy compared to some. I’ve CT’d before and that was a HELL I’d never wish on anyone…so I’ve felt full blown withdrawal before. My current taper has been absolutely nothing like that & I’ve carried on like normal - ish. I’m just tired frequently and have some brain zaps at night. I also feel my body adjusting? Hard to describe. Anyways. Much love to everyone and the guest on this show.

[@thomasbutler6715]

How are you doing now?

[@katsm-wo9704]

Please update us on how things are going for you and your life💕

[@APOLLINAIREBARTHOLOMIEU]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@steceymorgan814]

Can you help with the reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. Very hard to get a reliable source here in Australia. Really need!

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes, dr.sporessss I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@steceymorgan814]

Is he on instagram?

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes he is. dr.sporessss

[@patriaciasmith3499]

Microdosing helped me get out of the pit of my worst depressive episode, a three year long episode, enough to start working on my mental health.

[@bekhook5087]

Thankyou so much Peter, i was private school educated and got an associate dip health science. However (looong story including trauma) ended up on heroin, suboxone, and arguably as bad 'Clonazepam' 😬 ive had people in and out of rehab think it was not that bad, faked or simply bad behavior. Hearing you articulate so honestly and so well means more than words can say 😊😇 I know you say your not working however advocating online the way you have is a huge and priceless contribution. Best of luck to you and your family !

[@EC-yd9yv]

Much love, care n blessings to you Peter...I too have been on this horrific journey. Decade later still ready for the Lord 🥺 may we all recover from being poisoned.💖🙏✨✨

[@IanBlease-y5b]

It's a problem big time. Doctors seem to me, to think benzo withdrawal is like not taking paracetamol

[@Snowflake1374]

The same with SSRI. NOT like paracetamol. It interacts so much in the brain and nervous system that when you remove it, you don't function. It can be just as difficult to quit as Benzos and opioids. Same horrible withdrawal symptoms and brain zaps.

[@Oakleylaurie]

Perhaps they believe this because they see many patients come off without discernable problems. My mom was one of them. I fell FAR from the tree!

[@gdok6088]

Most doctors are so horrendously ignorant of this area of medicine. They don't listen to patients properly and don't empathise in the deep way required to understand what patients go through. As a consequence they either tell patients they are 'faking it' or without actually speaking those words just regard the patients difficulties with disdain; this amounts to cruelty and torturing people barbarically because of the doctors ignorance, lack of human compassion and prejudice towards the people they are supposed to be helping. If more doctors were properly educated about the complex neuropharmacology involved and took the time to actually listen to their patients as Dr Josef does the medical profession could start to regain the respect and trust of millions of patients worldwide.

[@jojojeep1]

Friend, I just watched the video where you interviewed that man in Pennsylvania, and I left a comment telling you how I used a jewelers scale to wean myself. It’s the same scale you’re using in his video. I learn all that stuff on my own through complete desperation that’s exactly how I got off. Klonopin is the way you did in this video, I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning it was like I was in a constant, fearful LSD bad trip. By the grace of God, I feel completely level he’s so good to me anyway, I subscribe to your channel. Have a good night.

[@TheHardCorePunkHead]

That 'cattle prod' analogy I know too well! Those buzzes in my brain interrupt all cognition!

[@restorativelisteningproject]

Thank you so.much for sharing your story with us. Very courageous to share such incredibly excruciating events.

[@chinookvalley]

Went to a clinic for pain, daytime, 8-5, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.. Was SUPPOSEDLY holistic. It was benzo/opium based "therapy". They said not to worry, if I got hooked they would get me into rehab. The drugs they were giving me were horrific. They told me I was malingering. I walked out. The doktor THREATENED me if I said anything. The letters they sent to my other doctors were a joke. Said I fought and screamed, which I didn't. Our health system is for THEIR profit, not our health.

[@andreavanda5402]

EXACTLY! These people need to be put out of business permanently.

[@marianneellman1139]

It is criminal what they are doing and getting rich of the suffering of others.

[@suhubu1]

So awful. Someone I am close to was in and out of hospitals a while back. No real therapy just drugs. A guessing game. Every patient is an experiment. I said the same thing. Our system is woefully broken.

[@nauset0366]

Your experience is the same as mine. So many similarities. Same time frame.

[@tommihopper3179]

Thank you for sharing your story. You have suffered more than one could ever imagine. You’re a brave man. God bless you and prayers for you in your recovery ❤️‍🩹

[@Meg_I_am]

Histamine intolerance!!! I self-diagnosed histamine intolerance after going down the rabbit hole in an attempt to find the connection between migraines and chronic itch on my legs (only). Never did I consider that benzos could be exacerbating the degradation of DAO. Thank you Dr. Josef for providing these interviews and thank you to your guest for sharing.

[@oliverbird6914]

Aren't benzos mast cell stabilizer s tho

[@JnLashay]

@@oliverbird6914until they’re not. Used in moderation they can help with mast cell reactions, used frequently they can set things off.

[@racheldahliamusic]

The burning pain...theory, could it be all nerves suddenly furing and regrowing back after being stunted for the duration of benzo use? Like firing on all cylinders all at one?

[@lesiapersimmon7547]

Ashton Protocol saves lives🔥

[@KatieLennox]

if only drs ever heard of it much less knew what it was. i've even provided them w the protocol but they thougt it was excessive and wouldn't do it

[@annstar2793]

But it uses Valium for a long time- now I’m even more scared to use it.

[@MicahRedeemed]

I had a miniature stroke when they took me off a high dose of Ativan cold turkey. My tongue went numb, I was talking to my mom and knew something was wrong but the words I was saying didn't make sense. My tongue turned blue. No taper. Emergency room was no help and just said it was a freak accident. These doctors need to be held accountable.

[@taperclinic]

Thank you for sharing this experience. Collecting everyone's reactions to these drugs or during withdrawal is the best way to learn!

[@TevelleAlexander]

Tongue went numb?😮

[@moneyoverbitcches]

HOLY SHIT. SO AFTER THE STROKE THEN WHAT U JUST CONTINUED TO COLD TURKEY? THAT MUST OF BEEN HELL. I HONESTLY DONT BELIEVE 2 YEAR TAPER MAKES ANY SENSE. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO DRAG ON THAT LONG

[@ski.slime.go.slatty]

Ct off Benzo use is dangerous grand mal.seiziees also strokes can happen never cold turkey pls

[@lorikurttila8065]

Oh my God I went through this 6 years ago and didn't know what what's. I'm right there with you my providers watched me go through protracted withdrawals and did not tell me what was happening. I am still having symptoms 6 years later.

[@am-xk3xs]

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this video. thank you to the interviewee for sharing all of his personal information and to Dr Joseph for having the knowledge and intuition knowing that everyone needs to see this. during the video he discussed something about histamine sensitivity and that gave us a clue as to some issues my husband has been experiencing with insomnia chronic inflammation etc and it really has saved his life. with testing through a functional medicine psychiatrist who has decided to no longer use prescription medication in her treatment but rather genetic testing supplements and enzymes to heal the body and the gut and the mind. she knew to test for histamine and it connected all of the dots for us.

[@teresapittmann3451]

Went to 30 day detox to get off Resteral for insomnia & now on cannabis oils & feeling great !

[@priscillaperry6975]

So hard love ones not understanding the horror of Benzo , antidepressant withdrawal from Hell. For me it’s almost 7 years. I just keep praying for healing to be 100% someday. I enjoyed listening because it’s only you or anybody else he’s gone through this that even understands it all, but all of us have gone through that I’ve gone through this type of hell from a benzo or anti-depressant with withdrawal.

[@truth-hurts3089]

Thanks for your story. It was a tough listen. Good luck on rest of recovery. Doc please explain the relevance of the antibiotics and how they affect benzo withdrawal. Could duloxetine help with the pain aspect?

[@PeterYost]

You’re welcome and thank you.

[@PeterYost]

Thank You🙏. Some antibiotics sit and displace benzodiazepines on gaba receptors.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

I’d be very worried about later having to come off the duloxetine, personally

[@beannamated]

PLEASE beware of Cymbalta and all psych drugs that are being used for pain. They can cause much worse pain and similar symptoms to benzos. Is it possible that your pain is due to clenching and grinding your teeth? Zoloft (related to Cymbalta) caused cervical and oromandibular dystonias which permanently disabled me in the 90s. Others will disagree, but plain old pain meds are less problematic than the psych drugs for pain. I believe that this doc addresses the use of opioids.

[@wendylarman7204]

I saw a very brief post looking to interview benzo survivors, but missed the site to go to for that. I'm 82, had to quit cold turkey in one day at detox, and am 6 1/2 years out. Would look forward to an interview. Quite functional, no pain, just waves of anxiety.

[@luthientinuviel9942]

Dr. Josef, thank you for what you are doing here. More people need to know about safe psychiatric drug tapering. I've been through withdrawal from SSRIs and benzos thanks to doctors in denial of SSRI withdrawal even existing, and who completely discounted my symptoms from withdrawing from benzos because my dose was "too low" to do that. It was not too low. I experienced 2 years of intense WD symptoms and have some leftover neuropathy even now, having been off since April 2018. I'd love to do an interview with you about that, to talk about how no dose is "too low" to cause protracted WD.

[@karolynbailey9125]

Wishing this guy well. What a story and what a survivor 🫶

[@TamaraRestall]

Great to know this. Take 3 different ones to deal with my seizures and still have them almost daily

[@informedconsent2023]

Amazing interview! So sorry that you had to go through all this. 20 years on BDZ, 1 year free and mild BIND symptoms.

[@PeterYost]

So glad you are having mild symptoms. 👍

[@aphysique]

​@@PeterYostPeter, off topic, but did u Eva try subuclade? If so, how did it work for you, or did u just tke subutex?

[@xy-qy2yg]

Wow you are lucky! I took for less than 2 weeks and the taper cost me over a year and all I wanted was CBT therapy and now I am severly disabled already at the age of 25 a 26 for wanting therapy...

[@rachmunshine9474]

@@aphysique isn’t that for opiates?

[@aphysique]

@@rachmunshine9474yes

[@ms.nunnayabizness9020]

OMG the histamine thing!! He just answered a HUGE debate. I swore there was something happening with that yet NO doctor ever mentioned this interaction, they all said it was in my mind and not to Google things.

[@JerryGarciaPOBox]

This is the most real thing I've ever heard. After 20 years I went cold turkey for 6 full weeks & was still getting worse. I lived alone. Finally I was staying at my parents because I couldn't function. Then I had to ask my dad to take me to the dr & my parents were disappointed & I felt I was letting them down. Got to the dr after losing 1/4 my bodyweight in 6 weeks & he immediately gave me klonopin and preceeded to chew me out(rightly so, I knew better but had weened from 3mg per day to a 1/2 over 14 months before stopping. I thought I was ready. I'm really lucky I'm still here. Doctor just put me back on. All that suffering for nothing

[@kimberlysmithcarlson1777]

Unless you have actually gone through the process of tapering off psych meds, you will not be able to comprehend the pain that comes with it. The worst part of it is not knowing an end date or having anything that will stop the pain, you just have to manage it...I have never heard anyone describe problems with speech, vision, vibrating and chronic neck pain/tension before. It was so validating. Using pharmaceutical meds to taper off psychiatric pharmaceutical meds seems counterintuitive to me. It's not the route I chose to travel. I definitely believe I have had brain injury. I tapered off all psych meds in 2019 and qualified for disability in the same year for C-PTSD. I consider myself to still be recovering 5 years later. I have progressed but still am recovering. I will just be starting back to work part time this week. There is hope :)

[@nancyayers8322]

Thank you so much Peter for sharing with us. Much of the earlier symptoms such as your neck pain was as clear as day to me. I am approaching 20 years on Xanax and I realize its time to get started going off of it. I am terrified. I hope you continue to heal and make your way back to your whole self. Many blessings to you and your wonderful wife ✨️

[@Filthycoffin]

I wouldn’t mind doing an interview with you. I was poly drugged because of withdrawal from benzodiazepine kindled several times and abruptly ceased on all medication‘s and I am still alive and I have been able to heal myself in many ways and take care infections that bother me safely without having to use antibiotics or modern medicine.

[@taperclinic]

taperclinic.com/drug-injury-interview-request/

[@SCORPIUSANCTUM]

Was diagnosed with Sjogrens, an autoimmune disorder, and lotsa neuropathy. My brain is zapped, I'm glad to not have shakes anymore but I really hate having the change in brain sharpness and overall body pain/discomfort. Was put on a cocktail of Ativan, Abilify, Effexor, Lexapro which made me worse and psych break at the ER w/rando suicidal ideation. Years later, after tapering off with the help of medical cannabis (not recommended for those with schizophrenia/bipolar tho) realized other folks were dealing with this and learned having the correct mental health diagnosis/treatments can save all the pain, even unnecessary death. I"m deathly afraid and anxious to take any pills now ... still fighting for disability but I'm "only 43" so more challenging to get approved and was denied twice already

[@PeterYost]

I am just a few years older then you. I was denied disability many times and won on my 4th appeal. It's tough but keep at it.

[@SCORPIUSANCTUM]

the struggle is real ! thanks for the support and validation @@PeterYost

[@andreavanda5402]

Sad to hear your story. Unfortunately, it's been recently proven that psych medications cause suicidal ideation. There are so many people suffering due to the effects of psych meds, and the corrupt medical system. Maybe you should try suing the pharmaceutical company. I wonder if there is a class action lawsuit going on. It might be worth looking into. I hope you get your disability approved.

[@aphysique]

​@PeterYost disability for what?

[@marianneellman1139]

NEVER GIVE UP!!!❤

[@kriscsandli2147]

It is 100% possible to go 2 weeks with no sleep and it is the worst pain mentally and physically I’ve ever been through. When I got off Ambien and Alcohol I went 14 days with zero sleep. The worst part was thinking I would never be able to sleep ever again. Thank you for sharing your story more people need to hear this.

[@katsm-wo9704]

Thank you this information is very helpful to me a difficult topic. I am just beginning to explore the possibility of coming off a 20 year benzo protocol.

[@junkequation]

I don't know how you did it. I've gone through opiate withdrawal and had no sleep for a couple days and thought I would die.

[@jessedevilbiss8436]

Methadone withdraws also. After a high dose for years, my doctor was arrested for fraud. I was forced to go cold turkey. No sleep for weeks.

[@sydneyhunt6681]

I had a stroke coming off 15 years ish ago and went back on 10 ml of valium a day and life is very anxious for me panic attacks all the time am thinking of coming off 😅

[@annidee]

God bless, good luck & I hope the healing starts coming for you (& everyone going through it!) in leaps and bounds. I’ve heard the “other side” is blissful. 🌳🌻

[@michelleelizabeth9956]

Sorry to see an excellent man suffer this terrible situation. 😢 Bless you recover well 🙏

[@PeterYost]

Thanks friend