Xanax Dependence - Jordan Peterson Interview

[@Emma2010929]

I was on benzos for 17 years. Spent last summer tapering. I successfully got off them and feel so much better. Not easy. One of the greatest accomplishments of my life.

[@phillipstracner7909]

I probably take them 10 days out of the month. I got doctor Tomorrow. I have not took any in 4 or 5 days. I feel miserable. My wife has my xanax and I know I got a drug test at the doctor tomorrow. If I had the addiction real bad I'd be harassing my wife toll she let me have my xanax but I'm not. I guess I don't have the addiction to bad. Im damn miserable though.

[@MH-en9qc]

Congratulations, I withdrew from them and it was a bloody nightmare and I was only on them maybe 1yr-6mt. What you did is nothing short of a miracle.

[@MH-en9qc]

@@phillipstracner7909Hang in there, keep your mind focused on getting off of them and I mean laser focused. That drug is pure evil.

[@tetr2024]

@@phillipstracner7909 Dude what ever you do ,don't take it everyday. I have been on 5 mg a day for 30 plus years. Its goig to be brutal. But i'm going to try to taper myself. Only you know what you can tolerate. Good luck and God Bless!

[@Mena_howash]

@@phillipstracner7909 that’s called chemically dependent not addiction my man. Do yourself a favor and start tapering off that poison. You’ll feel so much better!

[@mattd6200]

"worse than death" - so true. benzo withdrawal is something you cannot stand for a moment.

[@cosmicmauve]

I remember watching this at the time thinking: he's back but he's still fragile. Now, 2 years later what a difference. Thank God he's in good form now.

[@Rollwithit699]

I'm 42 months out from cold turkey benzo withdrawal (6 years xanax, then klonopin 1-2 mg, always as directed, for a total of almost 29 years). I nearly died. Am still left with akathesia, anhedonia, severe anxiety, migraines, electrical zaps/burning, trembling, inability to be social since people makes me very anxious and anxiety makes me deeply hurt, extreme hypersensitivities to smells, sounds, light, clothing textures, temperature regulation, inability to focus and retain information. I am 70 and live alone. This was/is hell. I live with the hope of healing more, as i am improved from first 6 months to year. 🙏

[@LarsTragel-zh7ei]

Well, you, like all the other fools here, are junkies. It's your own fault. Stop crying into the internet!

[@a2177050p]

Just curious.. at the age of 70 what was the motivation to quit? Especially after 30 years. I think myself in that situation would just keep taking it.

[@Rollwithit699]

@@a2177050p In the last approximately 15+ years I took it, I had been having increased eye twitching, extreme hypersensitivities to all senses, increased migraines, increased anxiety, insomnia, heavy sweating, burning pain that no neurologist could explain, really affecting my work. I was told I had unexplained "central sensitization". No one even mentioned Klonopin could be the problem. Then I happened to see a KZbin video of a very frail appearing Jordan Peterson, newly off benzos, talking about the dangers of benzos taken over 2-4 weeks! I quickly reached my doctor telling her I wanted to stop taken this drug, and she simply said, "Okay, STOP." No mention of taper at all, and I had no idea I was supposed to taper. That was December 2020.

[@delicatemoves123]

Never give up. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@delicatemoves123]

Are you getting help?

[@jojojeep1]

Look, how choked up my man got at the very end of this video, I dig it man I know what he’s talking about. If you haven’t suffered from this or if you haven’t gone through it you’ll never know it’s like dying and going to hell but you’re still on earth as an exhibit for the rest to look at

[@gabrielfranciscorp]

Akathisia covers most of that. I hear you.

[@ellzedd4113]

Jordan did himself huge brain damage by doing the induced coma. They cause brain damage and should only be used for extreme life saving emergencies. I'm in recovery from benzos as well.

[@mcj2584]

You can say that AGAIN!

[@danasmith2247]

It truly feels like you are stuck in hell and there is no end to it. Most terrifying thing I have gone through in my life.

[@irenejack3187]

Factshell horror story

[@JohnAdams-rm7zm]

My Sister died from seizures stopping Xanax, I’m 12.5 years free from Xanax ✊After of 10 years daily 2mg Xanax prescribed for sleep. It was very tough but well worth the discomfort that Xanax detox entails. Remember the monkey is off your back, but the circus is always in town. ✊Keep on keeping on 😇

[@Rollwithit699]

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, John. I stopped klonopin cold turkey after 28 years, 6 months when I learned how damaging benzos are to the brain; had never heard that before. Withdrawal was horrendous for many months, thought I was dying. Now I've talked to counselors and other former benzo takers who are surprised I'm still here. I'm definitely mentally damaged and have a different, more serious personality now than before, but I made it. I'm 29 months out, still hoping for continued improvement in panic and hypersensitivities.

[@JohnAdams-rm7zm]

@@Rollwithit699 Great job on your determination to overcome no matter what! Meditation and focusing on the breath helps me fill my brain with 02 and concentrate helps with mind control and not letting my thoughts run away with my peace of mind ✊ Keep on keeping on my friend 😎

[@Rollwithit699]

@@JohnAdams-rm7zm Thank you for your kindness. 🌹

[@alcambrola2834]

Hi John, sorry about your sister. I've been on Xanax 1.5 mg for 8 years. I started the same for sleep. I was my mother's caregiver. Mom passed in December 2019 and then the world changed as we all know so I had an excuse not to stop. How did you taper off? Thanks.

[@awestavalentina4454]

Sorry for your sister ❤.

[@austinhaynes2777]

Was heavily addicted to Suboxone and used Xanax to kick it. Unfortunately I started taking 6 to 8 mgs a day and ended up in a worse position that I was on suboxone. I weaned off with valume for 2 weeks than went cold turkey. Terrible awful experience. If you don’t understand his emotions at the end you should be thankful

[@neildunlop3805]

I'm in an identical situation, Oxy to subs, then down to 0.5mg, however I've gone up to 3mg Xanax, but in withdrawal cutting it to 1mg. Wow!

[@danielfardella]

I've been a clinician and CEO within the medical field for a very long time (50 yrs). Having been drafted during Vietnam war while in pre-med I became a medic in the USAF. Upon discharge I experienced panic attacks 'out of nowhere'. They called this an 'anxiety reaction' or AR at the time. I thought it may have been flashbacks, or perhaps I was losing my mind, hence "panic" attack. This lasted about 15 years, and during this time I feared taking anything for it, so the script for Valium sat unopened for years. Then in 1980 we had a son who was later to be diagnosed as autistic, another anxiety component perhaps? Nevertheless, I did my job, finished my education and got on with life through many hills and valleys. I was clinically depressed (dysthymia) but functional. Then in 1993 I was in a high speed car accident resulting in many serious injuries and chronic pain which I've had from age 39 until now - 30 years. During this 30 years I had been given opioids for pain combined with Valium for muscle relaxation and anxiety, which worked wonders for about 2 years until we began climbing into serious dependence at higher and higher dosing by an MD who I once heard say to his receptionist as he wrote my script "you see this - this is my bread and butter". But by that time I knew it was his easy-money, and I had no problem with it, it was " the 5th vital sign" by then wasn't it ...I would have taken anything to continue functioning better than normal. But then, the opioid crisis was just around the corner. In a couple years I'd be on too much and began a very rough taper - the more difficult part was the Benzo, but I expected this from researching and writing a MSS entitled "PILLSTORM" about my journey and the (then new) opioid epidemic. I tapered 150mg oxy to 40mg within a year. AND, I went from 30 mg a day of Valium to 5mg a day, then nothing, in about 4 years. I am still recovering from the Benzo taper now, sleepless, and thank God the VA showed mercy and allowed me a small dosing of pain medicine in a body that has been mangled and painful for a long time. I went from 200 lbs (6') to about 168 lbs.... no appetite at all. I survive on one meal and nutrition drinks every day.

[@fogpimp]

What the fuck does your CEO status have to do with your experience? I'm sorry but your ceo position is irrelevant. It only makes you seem more foolish for not knowing what was happening.....

[@CasaBosque-CostaRica]

Thank you for sharing your story. How are you feeling now?

[@christinesmith1499]

Try natural stuff like magnesium

[@user-ry1ku2zr4l]

Please don't tell me you're taking Ensure. Is that what you take?

[@Geoplanetjane]

Bless you. Take the best care of yourself. You are loved.

[@michelej1800]

I am now 2 months sober from alcohol and have just started weaning off of benzodiazepines. It is certainly a rough ride. Sometimes it takes everything to get through just the next minute. Thank you for being so courageous to share. God bless you

[@michelej1800]

@Lucy-rp7sx ? I am sorry, I don’t understand

[@robertbaumann4742]

Oh no…I’m 12 years on Ativan…. And There’s a shortage!

[@aleksalazic7962]

how is it going mate

[@followyoursoul7659]

I am in this boat. It's terrifying. I also went through a divorce, job loss and an unvalidated injury from work. I haven't made money in 3 years..I am blessed to have a mom that supports me. I am 40

[@SoulArtSound]

But ur not in Turkish prison, right, gradually lower dose to 1mg max, relax.. and say hello to ur mom, he is angel!

[@stantonsmith5005]

God bless u I'm in the same boat

[@williamm6148]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@From_Another_WRLD]

me too stay strong my friend

[@belizejuliette7223]

Same here. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know how I would live.

[@brianjansen3103]

All you can do is tell people how bad it is, but unless you've been through it you really can't understand

[@김불독-d7s]

I am Korean. I took benzo for about 12 years. I ate it because of fibromyalgia My back and back hurt so much. But after eating, I started not to feel sick, but for no reason, I was always sick, weak, always sick, and suffered from a small illness. After taking it, my memory was very poor in my 7-8th year. The hospital judged mild cognitive impairment. Since then, I've been tapering slowly, and it's hell out of hell. My memory has gotten a lot worse, and my head always hurts. I'm dazed. And it's so hard because I have muscle pain again. However, due to memory problems, it must be shortened. Benzo is being misused too much in the United States and Korea. If you go to the hospital and talk about side effects, you never listen. Unconditionally, if you only talk about strengths and side effects, your body is always like that. My child is 3 years old and I can't remember how he started to walk. It's so sad.

[@lauriesyme207]

I’ve been tapering of of Xanax for several years. Made the mistake of going cold turkey, ended up in the emergency room. Scared me into this journey I’ve been on. With the world is exploding in crazy, no family. It’s been very difficult. Thank you for this podcast.

[@allencollins6031]

It's brutal.

[@tetr2024]

I"m going to try to taper slowly myself. Over thirty years 4 mg a day. I know its going to be brutal ,but i'm going for it. Only you know what you can tolerate. Goodluck and God Bless!

[@veronicasettee6052]

I also have no family and struggle with addiction. I know how hard it is. Especially with what’s happening in our world now

[@allencollins6031]

@@veronicasettee6052 It sucks 😕

[@jdrex5039]

​@@tetr2024 Wow, I can't believe God did that to you! Why doesn't he just remove your obsession?

[@naimamarie4228]

Such a brave man to expose himself in this way. Benzo withdrawal is horrific and the truth of these drugs really needs to be exposed. I spent 5 months on benzodiazepines.. and it took me roughly 2 years to recover from them. Getting off is to live in a state of terror!!! I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, ever. I’m so proud of him for speaking out.

[@johnlee6088]

Jordan I want to thank you you have changed my life I am a 51 year old man and I had been on the verge of ending my life but I discovered your lectures and I have downloaded your book 12 rules for life. And it was like wake up call you have. changed my life. I now know it's normal to feel not normal. I was working from home for 5 years and I was so depressed and suffering from Anxiety my family were saying I over reacted like a DIVA. Now I know. Thank You Jordan I feel like you are a friend.

[@SelfImprovement1111]

I feel you, families are not very good when it comes to mental health are they. If I’m honest the only reason I haven’t ended up life is because I want to stay alive to watch new movies lol it sounds stupid if I’m honest but I’m excited too see dune 2 or like Spider-Man coming in a month time.

[@sukimarmelaide4030]

@@SelfImprovement1111 Hey, whatever works for you, my friend.

[@kencabeen7786]

A horror that no one who has not been through it can even begin to understand. I know I’m one of the very lucky ones because I wanted to die for only fours months after cold turkey from 1 mg Klonopin per day. My heart and prayers go out to all who are dealing with the living hell of benzo withdrawal.

[@allencollins6031]

Pure hell

[@luthientinuviel9942]

I was also on 0.5-1mg a day and my psychiatrist told me I couldn't be experiencing withdrawal and I didn't need a taper and took me off cold turkey. No dose is "too low," everyone's brain is different. I wish doctors would listen to us.

[@allencollins6031]

@@luthientinuviel9942 most are clueless.

[@DinsAFK]

​@lúthien tinúviel they will be easily replaced by machine learning technology within years if efforts are put towards it. All they do is memorize research that has been already made, I rarely see a mathematical mind in doctors, they just sound like encyclopedias

[@slowdiver5732]

@@luthientinuviel9942yes, it sure would be lovely if drs listened to their patients. Not sure why it’s so difficult for them. I guess god complex and secret low confidence? They don’t like when you correct them over something YOU (the patient) experiences. 😡

[@amandabiesinger4046]

I feel this so hard! Benzodiazepine withdrawal was the absolute worst thing I had been through. I would prefer child birth vs benzo withdrawal anyday! And the sad thing is I felt very alone through it! Yes, I did have support but I felt so alone that no one understood the agony it put me through! There were absolute times I would wish death! I’m blessed to say I have been able to get past that chapter in my life, I do feel so much better! I don’t wish it on anyone!

[@agceh]

I will also prefer child birth vs benzo withdrawal. Even as a male.

[@TommyTripper]

I understand the agony,im still in active addiction,they dont even relieve my anxiety anymore

[@Josh-rn1em]

In the end it's only us that can do it.

[@lindazulinov9873]

was on benzos for 40 years. don't know if my body & brain are the same.

[@carolynloughran5450]

Your story is my story. Including the childbirth remark. Getting off Xanax (after using and abusing it for 4 years) was…BY FAR…the most hellish experience of my life. I gave birth to 3 kids with no epidural and I’d do it 10x more rather than go through a benzo addiction again. It’s a living nightmare. I still can’t believe I’m alive…and I’ve been clean for many years now. HUGE pat on the back to anybody who gets off this poison!! For people still on it - it CAN be done. So many of us here prove that. It’ll be very hard, but with support, you will get your freedom back!!

[@justjulie1614]

In my family, Xanax is so common that I literally thought it was like Tylenol. So at 25, when my dr insisted I try it to stabilize my anxiety, I didn’t worry at all. I was on a low dose for over 20 years. My dr recently took me off of them. Understand, I didn’t even know I was addicted. It has been almost 2 weeks of pure hell and I don’t wish it on anyone. I can’t even think clear. I’ve come to far to turn back now, but it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Thanks for sharing your struggle JP.

[@Bryan-ww9ql]

Currently experiencing the same thing with alcohol withdrawals. Its hell, and people around you cannot understand what it's like to go through it, and they think you are making excuses to get sympathy. Its just literal hell.

[@justjulie1614]

@@Bryan-ww9ql I’m really sorry to hear how awful you feel. It’s now been a month, and I made it. You will too. It’s hell but I made it. You have my sympathy because I know your in misery. You can do this, just hold on ! Sleep as much as you can. I took Benadryl, Tylenol PM, and supplements for anxiety. Drink plenty of water and hot baths helped the body aches a little. Just a few suggestions that helped me. Good luck♥️♥️

[@Bryan-ww9ql]

@@justjulie1614 Thank you for the kind words ❤ It's taken days on end to have few enough tremors to be able to even use my phone/computer. And not at all to be a know it all, im no doctor. but things like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and melatonin, lower your seizure threshold so its really not a good option for withdrawals from benzos or alcohol.

[@justjulie1614]

@@Bryan-ww9ql good to know! Hopefully I’ll never have to go thru it again💯♥️

[@Bryan-ww9ql]

@@justjulie1614 you got this!! We both do!

[@bjdis33]

So true. When you are in emotional pain and experiencing anxiety, time is so slow that you would rather die than be alive. Thank you for sharing. I feel you.

[@amydavidson7166]

I so feel his emotions at the end. For me and everyone withdrawing from benzos, we hear you & feel for you & hope more people have loved ones who are backing & supporting them through this very hard experience that most people are just beginning to understand. Let’s all be there for each other! We need love, understanding, and calm to get through it until our brain starts producing GABA receptors. Thank you!

[@Rollwithit699]

So you say your GABA receptors DID improve? Are you more like your old self? Did you get back your focus and personality? I'm 9 months into cold turkey withdrawal after 28 years on Klonopin and see some small improvement. Waking panic with pounding heart and hyperventilation is not quite as severe, but still happening. I can't leave my house. Would even consider driving yet. You say it does get better?

[@primitiveanxiety7135]

@@Rollwithit699 it gets way better. You will never be back to how you were before benzos, always staying hypersensitive to a degree. After 4 years sober from xanax I didn't even recognize myself. Its a slow recovery and something you can only go through once without having massive brain damage. I really hope you've noticed how much better you're getting month by month. You can absolutely lose your mind in benzo withdrawals but its recoverable

[@JohnSmith-is4uu]

@Larry Johnson Larry how do I message you? 21 yrs on K on 2mg feel suicidal

[@markradcliffe7133]

I've been off them for just over a year now, but still often think about them. Never had anything taken such a hold of me. Scary shit. Stay strong peeps.

[@darronmalonetowingchannel]

@@Rollwithit699 how are you now?

[@IanBlease-y5b]

It's so scary when you realise that you've been taking benzos for a long time and it's taken over your mind. Honestly, I have no idea what will happen to me. Like a lot of people, I can't afford private clinics.

[@stevenlittle2287]

I tried killing myself. Ended up in a mental hospital. Dealing with the mistakes I’ve made and withdrawing at the same time is terrible. 12 years on them . If I can beat this I can beat anything

[@davidspencer6557]

God what he says explains it so well, the anxiety and depression when coming off this shit is crushing. It's more than crushing. There's no words to describe the depression and anxiety but he came closest

[@SirBossberger]

Same thing with some antidepressants.

[@garethkerr7275]

This is a great interview. I love listening to Jordan peterson. Only someone who has felt the pain of addiction can give a honest review of recovery.

[@dannycollier1715]

I feel this on so many levels. I’ve been off 6-8 mg of Xanax a day since May 23, 2022. My daughters 3rd birthday. I didn’t want her to grow up without me. I had the scariest days of my life behind me now. The w/d alone is enough to hinder me from ever taking them again. Even though I was legally prescribed I built up a tolerance and unfortunately my doctor kept upping the dose to maximum and it still wasn’t enough. I’m so very grateful for the 2nd chance I’ve been given at life. And thank you Jordan for everything you do. Stay strong my friend. Much love and admiration. 😊

[@stevenbasham]

I’ve been on 3 mg for 2 years what’s the best way to stop???

[@linarobotti794]

@@stevenbasham taper off super super slow. On benzobuddies u can see good taper schedules whatever u do, do not do a rapid taper ever.

[@stevenbasham]

@@linarobotti794 thank you

[@linarobotti794]

@@stevenbasham no problem🧡 u can do this

[@stevenbasham]

@@linarobotti794 thanks Lina

[@tommy..980]

I just found this clip with JP I really like him… I had no idea he was on Xanax… I’m 65 years old and I have been on Benzo’s since I was 20 years old that’s 45 years of being on them I tried to get off them a few times and it is absolutely the most painful, gut wrenching ,torture, agonizing med to try to get off of and that’s not exaggerating at all like he said I thought about ending everything it was soooo bad… now I find out I have terminal cancer and I decided hell I’ll just stay on them since I only have a short time left on this earth… May God Bless you all and love you always….

[@Steve.Hall.Guitar]

G’day mate. I’ve been on them as long as you. What dose were you taking? I hope you’re doing ok. Cheers

[@christpebbles]

Thank you for coming back. We are all blessed to have you with us.

[@DebraCrystal]

I overdosed 3 times with benzos ... 6 years sober in March 2022 by the grace of God!

[@mrgonzo2139]

How did you overdose did you mix it with alcohol because I thought you can't overdose on benzos

[@MineloPL]

@@mrgonzo2139 people are stupid

[@leighannmcgowan4859]

@@mrgonzo2139 it's very hard to

[@aaronperelmuter8433]

@@mrgonzo2139 You’re pretty much correct. That’s one of their main benefits, compared to the barbiturates, which they’ve almost entirely replaced. For example, a girl I went to school with swallowed 2 bottles of 5mg diazepams, almost 100 of those pills and she was just fine after being groggy for a few days. Really quite remarkable when you think about it, that something which has a quite reasonable and noticeable feeling from just 5-10mg, yet in doses just under 100x that amount, not just that it isn’t fatal, but literally zero short or long term effects.

[@mrgonzo2139]

@@aaronperelmuter8433diazepam sucks I took over 100 mg and was jus a little fucked up Xanax kpins are good the only thing I hate about it. Is the reverse anxiety you get but there a life savior for my panic attacks. I get fucken horrible ones where I can’t control it it feels like the walls are closing in and I’m dying fuck anxiety man

[@waywardanarchist]

i quit after several months cold turkey and after week 2 i completley lost the plot with delusions...ended up jumping from a 2nd story building thinking i was on a sinkng ship and broke bones in my back and my 2 ankles...woke up in hospital and immediatly put back on low 5mg doses 3 times a day....the mania went away but im still facing the tapering process and it scares the life out of me because of how bad i lost the plot and ended up in hospital after involintarily nearly killing myself....what a nasty drug...

[@pamelayoung6191]

I was given 2 mg of Xanax for 13 years for sleep when I got interdose withdrawals and learned the hard way that you can ABSOLUTELY NOT come off cold turkey the safest way is to taper very very slowly and to switch to Valium and which is 20 milagrams to 1 milagrams of Xanax.. I tapered 1 mg a month for 2 years.. first 9 months was too dizzy to drive or do much of anything,, withdrawals are worse than hell and I am lucky as I have no protracted withdrawal symptoms.

[@kindnick58]

I stopped 2 years ago in November. It was absolutely brutal and I'm still struggling today. God bless 🙏

[@davefisch-y1t]

I did too, I started taking a supplement, my life is so different now.

[@diefilmkitchenjohannessand2173]

I m 15 months out, how are you now?

[@davefisch-y1t]

@@diefilmkitchenjohannessand2173 I’m about 2 months in. Recovering.

[@fonzarellyplay370]

@@diefilmkitchenjohannessand2173how are you doing now?

[@diefilmkitchenjohannessand2173]

@@fonzarellyplay370 not goid

[@Melody9616]

I respect this man even more for his honesty explaining such a shame-related topic and for being through this, still alive, after all this he is gone through. Thank you for staying and sharing!

[@Smorss2011]

How is this shame-related? I do not understand stigmatizing addiction.

[@ritar.4322]

I woke up from alcoholism almost 33 years ago, I had to hand my life over to God's care, and it was the hardest thing I've ever been through. I'm so sorry, Mr. Peterson, you are having to go through the pain and agony of withdrawal you are in my prayers and God is watching over you with so much love that it goes beyond understanding. You have touched so many people, my our prayers touch you now. Love Rita.

[@JBP41]

We love you Jordan, get well soon Brother❤️

[@PavoNurmi06672]

Thank you Jordan for this. I am 7 months clean from benzos and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’m so glad he’s bringing awareness to this. Praying for anyone out there struggling with these drugs.

[@vickielawson3114]

The experience Jordan described where time seemed too long is called time dilation. It happens with psychedelics too but what he described sounds much more severe.

[@HeratiChai]

I am in tears at the end when he tears up and says thank you to his daughter. THANK YOU, Dr. Peterson, for enlightening us with your own painful experience so we can learn and avoid the same pitfall. Agh, what a gem of a human being.

[@BigRokko5196]

Jordan said it perfect. Whenever he speaks on a topic he says it coming from a place of having learned it and wanting to inform others instead of talking from a place of knowing things that others don't

[@terrrorizer1563]

Well said mate . This statement reflect on a big probleme we face in our society today. Everybody talks without knowing what the hell they are talking about . Only a few does it right and its worth listening .

[@decmurray1096]

He's literally being dishonest. You'll notice he doesn't call himself an "addict" or "diseased", nor does he talk about or prescribe 12 steps. This tells me he's most likely using humanistic models, which is good, they're superior in my view. but he's not talking about that, because it contradicts his public stance against humanism and secularism. ... All the things he says about benzos are true, but he knew that before he started taking them.

[@Underhills]

I've been taking Xanax on and off for over 20 years. Couple of years ago I started getting head and neck tremors, internal tremors, extreme muscle tension and coordination issues. Many times my whole torso trembles like a leaf, often shaking violently. About two years ago I quit taking Xanax with medical assistance and have been clean since, the tremors became worse and so did all the other stuff I suspect is either long term side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms: Extreme startle response, body zaps, tremors, social fear, extreme muscle tension in legs, jaw, face, stomach, heart palpitations, feeling of getting electrocuted, vertigo, hyperacusis etc. I'm holding on for dear life hoping this nightmare will end in my lifetime.

[@Smorgellep]

Itle end , just keep strong

[@Underhills]

@Guilherme Sousa Thanks. Yeah, I'm trying to listen to 15 minutes mindfulness tapes every now and then, it takes some patience to stay with it all the way trough cause my mind starts racing quickly, but sometimes I experience a mental flow of sorts. I need to learn by doing.

[@hannesstan4066]

@@Underhills i hope things are getting better for you!!!!🙏

[@tvfan14]

Do you have trouble sleeping?

[@lisasmith7066]

I know it doesn’t feel like it and I have no right to give advice but you WILL heal! Please keep hanging on 🙏

[@FoundLamb]

I so desperately wanted her to end the video with “I love you dad” 😢 such a heartwarming/inspiring story.

[@RyanAMOREY]

It is and hard battle it is and as a man that is broken from benzos its hard

[@mangoMEOW-uwu]

She did say it. She said she wasn't going to give up. I love you can just be a word. She demonstrated her ultimate love.

[@charmainemiles4089]

Professor Jordan Peterson is the most honest man, to watch him talk to his beautiful daughter with the true reality of what he went through coming of that drug, was a life changing moment this family are truly beautiful, very real very honest and full of respect for each other and he still is speaking with his intense wisdom educating me daily that's what I know as I watch professor Jordan Peterson daily and always will.

[@Smorss2011]

What does his daughter's appearance have to do with anything?

[@lisasmith7066]

I’m sorry for what you went through doctor. But your story must be helping a lot of people 🙏❤

[@MultiFixman]

it does i went thrue the same thing as him but after 12 years on xanax and still in protracted benzo withdrawel 2.5 years later but its getting better now.

[@StClare_]

I feel for Dr. Peterson and his family. I wouldn't wish that hell on anyone.

[@LarsTragel-zh7ei]

He inflicted this hell upon himself. In general Peterson is an idiot, so it's no surprise he did.

[@darronmalonetowingchannel]

Jordan in my opinion is one of the most brilliant minds ever. You can literally see the gears turning in his eyes as he speaks. If you read this i hope and pray everything is ok with you and your family sir.

[@Smorss2011]

Some men really like his take. Like guys in the Taliban.

[@lazydoctorr]

I wish you all the best, I suffer from tremendous anxiety but it's not worth doing through that hell again. Ever.

[@cheryllmorais5116]

Jordan, Thank you for doing this video. I have been on this medication for over 15 years and did not know for so many years the dangers of this drug. I to believe this is the next epidemic that will be hitting the world. This drug damages the brain and if you have heart issues as I do your heart issues go haywire and it can be deadly. I recently was in the cardiac ICU after my psychiatrist had me start tapering (and I actually tapered at half what the doctor wanted me to). I am still having heart issues after a week post hosputal. Warning others is so needed as most doctors have no clue how to taper or the dangers that come with it.

[@pwk22]

I learned a new word today: "akathisia", defined as, "an inability to remain still. It is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that is associated with psychomotor restlessness. The individual with akathisia will generally experience an intense sensation of unease or an inner restlessness that usually involves the lower extremities." Sounds like hell.

[@Iliketurtlezz]

Ive had it for 3 years. Hell would be better than this.

[@pwk22]

@@Iliketurtlezz People do heal. I hope your hellish experience abates soon.

[@clairebear2975]

I've recently got off benzos after 10 months of taking them. Sooo hard, and my body still feels exhausted. But, I am feeling so much better from getting off these evil pills.

[@MeghenFarley]

This is hopeful. Thank you

[@Michelle-zz7no]

I read a book called “I’m dancing as fast as I can.” It’s a first person story and it’s terrifying!!!!

[@monkeyman8265]

I feel so bad for anyone stuck on them it’s terrible

[@MonacoRocha]

I was on klonopin clonazepam 0.5 for 20 years at bedtime... I tapered for almost 2 years... I've been off for 10 months and still there are many bad days & bad nights .....hell on earth.. !!!!!!!!!!

[@allencollins6031]

Yes Mario. It is a hel like no other.

[@scottlabbemusic4310]

Is it better now ?

[@MonacoRocha]

@@scottlabbemusic4310 100% Better,, it took a While But MUCH BETTER .. 100% Better !

[@TheMadDasher1970]

Your right. Very difficult to quit. It made me a alcoholic. I was drinking very heavily to offset the WD from xanax.

[@tvfan14]

What were the withdraw sympyoms?

[@dc3552]

I feel you the same happens I felt the alcohol to shut off thoughts

[@pamelayoung6191]

@@tvfan14 google it and add about 30 more symptions.

[@tylerpool5464]

Same here I had 6 seizures in a medical detox. I've been a drug addict since I was 23 heroin withdrawal has nothing on these horrible pills. I'm back on klonopin I'd rather die then live like I did post detox

[@719989]

Both Benzos and Alcohol affect the GABA receptors in the brain. 2 things that kill you are ‘cold turkeying’ either.

[@natashaj3788]

I am Serbian from Belgrade I remember you being here. I am happy you found cure in Russia and Serbia ❤

[@AltruisticMystic]

Hvala Bogu na slavenskoj i jugoslavenskoj genijalnosti.

[@zaneepps3900]

It is a blessing to listen to your articulation. The community is blessed for your voice.

[@grantjohnson952]

Benzo withdrawal is no joke. I am am addict, and never thought anything could be worse than opioid withdrawal. Benzos could possibly be worse. They are at least equally as bad as opiates. I can't even describe some of the symptoms. But they were terrible.

[@sudhanshutripathi230]

Thank you so much dear strangers, my mother took her first doze of lorazepam 2mg last night and she was in a state of confusion and was uneasy throughout the next day, she was not eating was feeling nauseous , the doctor has prescribed her lorazepam 2mg for an entire month!! Somehow this popped up in my recommendation and i now know how dangerous that small pill can be. THANK YOU EVERYONE

[@Oamiano]

Fuck, the end. I know exactly what he’s feeling I almost wanted to cry man..

[@iamthefiremanjj]

I shed some tears

[@gloriakurkowski101]

How can these drugs be allowed to be prescribed by Psychiatrists and Doctor's without explaining how dangerous they are. Disgusting and they need to be help responsible for our suffering.

[@scoooter78]

I can't speak for everywhere, but doctors in Australia do describe the risks and rarely give repeats (except to old school long term addicts like my great granny). You can get decent amounts because they come in 50 packs, but I've never had a doctor put me on anything stronger than Ativan 1.5mg 2x per week. I hear stories online about people on 6, 8, and 10mg Xanax per day (prescribed) and wonder how that's possible with all we know now. I guess the FDA/DEA etc. are more interested in taking chronic pain patients off opioids and this is under the radar.

[@vincesza8464]

TIME DISTORTION. This!!! Absolute worst feeling. You think you’ve been suffering for 2 hours but only 2 minutes has gone by.

[@specialk2514]

You said exactly what I have been feeling for 6 months after dumping xanax. I haven't slept in 6 months either.

[@vincesza8464]

@@specialk2514 man I have the same issue tapering off of klonopin. It’s downright horrible. I hope you get some relief soon.

[@specialk2514]

@@vincesza8464 Thanks for the reply. I laughed at your comment because it's so horribly true... Worst f'ing experience and praying this hell will be abbreviated. Thank you so much.

[@vincesza8464]

@@specialk2514 no problem I’m right there with you on that.

[@junkettarp8942]

Benzo withdrawal gives new meaning to human suffering in a million hells. I know ,I went through it. Never ever again.

[@jonathanbevan7462]

In medicine people endure years of suffering before the truth emerges.... Benzodiazipines are rarely if ever prescribed in the UK now.

[@lalouloune6156]

They have some sense in the UK. It's a dangerous drug that should not be prescribed at all. The worse is the manufacturer.

[@Rtrotter]

You're so brave. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@markstubington8730]

I'm a chronic benzo addict of 24 years and would not wish it on my worst enemy same with opiates it's horrendous steer clear of them.

[@markstubington8730]

@Barbara dapic ayahuasca..?

[@motorcitycichlids7181]

I just tapered from 3mg a day to 1.5mg a day its the worst feeling in the world hardly slept for 10 days very hard withdrawals for 7 days thought i was going to die no joke.

[@frederikdemoor2018]

I got diagnosed with anxiety and got prescibed xanax, for 3 years. I stopped at once because my new partner did't want me on drugs. Hell came forth after that but I kind off got out. It is almost impossible to talk to people why you got the prescribtion. And when you stop it is impossible to talk to people why you try to manage with substances so you can manage to be normal. It's a poor cycle noone should experience.

[@andrewb4519]

Yeah, I was breaking 10mg pills in half for the last year or so of use. When I QUIT, wow, it took a couple months to sleep. It's been about 7 yrs now, and I STILL have these crazy random "jerks"??? That stuff is HORRIBLE!!!!

[@recnepsyarg]

They don’t make 10mg Xanax. I’m assuming you’re referring to Valium. Which is much safer and less severe withdrawals than Xanax. Xanax is the worst due to it being fast acting and a short half life. Either way tho - I’m sure it was tough to get off. Congrats.

[@DanielNordmark]

This is by far the best and most important video I’ve seen with both of you. Such important topic!! I’ve lost so many friends due to mostly benzodiazepines (some heroin and fentanyl as well) I lost count.

[@vincentkunz4084]

Thank you so much for this video! Two years ago, I was trapped with benzos, prescribed by my doctor for insomnia (like you, Mikhaïla!) and since then, I couldn’t stop. Oxazepam, lorazepam, bromazepam, prazepam, diazepam, clorazepate, and back to bromazepam (9-12 mg daily). All attempts to withdraw and stop failed here in Switzerland, and I really relate to Dr Peterson’s suffering. Could you kindly indicate to me in which clinic in Belgrade Dr Peterson was treated? Was it a good treatment? Do you know other good clinics in Eastern Europe?

[@nancytran4866]

i heard ketsmine works

[@nancytran4866]

or find a pkwce that does eskstmine

[@DustyBelew]

I don't think his "Thanks for your help too" was understated at all. You could tell he was trying to keep his composure, but was on the verge of tears. That small statement of gratitude carried an immense amount of weight for him and I think his daughter felt it too, which is why she lightened things up at the end. Great interview.

[@RazorG6062]

I picked up on that too. It was a heavy statement and you can see the change in his facial expression immediately. It actually made me tear up quite a bit. I’m glad his daughter has such a close bond with him and knows how to lighten the mood when things she realizes his emotions rising.

[@MuchoNoBueno]

The end hits so close to home, I shed a tear that was deep

[@raypist5938]

i've withdrawaled off xanax cold turkey while recovering from 4 gunshot wounds. one word, hell.

[@jonathanbevan7462]

Antidepressant withdrawal is a nightmare too...

[@linarobotti794]

Yes it is, especially remeron. But a cakewalk compared to benzodiazepines thats how bad benzo withdrawal is its the absolute worst and the longest, some people been protracted for years

[@billybassman21]

Yes, brain zaps were the worst for me, never again.

[@CoolaJokern]

@@linarobotti794 Lyrica is even worse in high doses, just as long if not longer, and more symptoms

[@linarobotti794]

@@CoolaJokern my auntie is taking pregbalin(lyrica) for a year now altough i dont know her dose, how long did it take for u to heal from that?

[@maxswp]

I’m 9 days off a high dose of suboxone today. It helped me for a couple years stay of opiates and away from the risk of fentanyl. But it’s pretty brutal drawn out detox.

[@josefk-g5u]

Getting of benzodiazepines is bloody hard work. Ive just finished an 8 week program. Was prescribed diazepam for anxiety two years ago. I said to my doctor “if i had known getting off diazepam was so hard, I never would’ve accepted the prescription” his response was “yeah, taking benzodiazepines for anxiety is like pissing your pants when it’s cold. You’ll feel warm for a while but things quickly get cold!” I’m glad I’m off them and I’m thankful DR Peterson has been so open about it.

[@Lilkfc3500]

I went from 6mg bromazepam to 0. It was hell on earth i can't describe

[@sharonshergill4130]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It requires real strength and courage to be so open and vulnerable. Your resilience and honesty is truly inspiring.

[@chriss6136]

geez he held it together but you could see the emotion creep in at the end.. i felt that man prayers out to you

[@deep6301]

I was in the Emergency room today because my doctor of 6 years vanished and I was out of all meds. Only taking 10 mg. Of Valium. Hellish withdrawal. I'm a solo ager and I did not sleep for days. I could've easily had a seizure . The doctor in emergency said I probably wouldn't find a doctor to help taper down because DEAis cracking down on prescribers. Cold Turkey nearly killed me. The hospital stabilized me with 10 mg of valium and sent me home with a 10 day prescription. I can't do a slow and gradual withdrawal with a 10 da supply. I will try to find help and s compassion. I heard you went through hell too.

[@truescotsman4103]

I got all choked up at the end. Bezos are absolute hell. You can see the fear in his eyes and he's off of them!! That drug completely destroyed my life. I knew better I'm not doctor I was raised by hippies and in hippy circles certain drugs are out of bounds and Benzos are frowned upon because they're a pharmaceutical but nobody really knows how bad they are until you have experienced it. Having been raised in that environment I found many people were hypocrites. When I discovered Valium it was like a warm blanket. I remember when the Dr gave them to me. I went for low back pain I thought it was my Kidneys. He said you're stressed out let me give you something for that. Right before he wrote the Rx I thought he's going to give me Valium and that's what he did. 5mgs turned into 10mgs turned into 2 10mg tablets per day for 9 years. It took about 3-4 years for the real recovery to be realized after I was clean from all Opiates and Benzos. I remember riding my bike and I was feeling something I hadn't felt in forever. It was emotional response to the music I was listening to. The song Lightening Crashes by Live. Powerful. I also remember seeing the yellow flowers in the spring and thinking they're so vivid and it's making my brain feel good just looking at them. Drugs are so fucked up I can't believe how bad it is right now. So many people suffering from addiction and dependence. Both of my parents were hardcore drug addicts. My mother was a meth addict until the day she died at 72. My father was a heroin junky but he cleaned up later in life before he died. My brother was IV meth user he was murdered in 1993 at 26. My sister was IV meth user for many years. I was a crack addict and turned to Morphine and Valium because they gave it to me for nothing when I had Medicare. I'm crying as I write this. Why do humans have to suffer so horribly just trying to make it through another day in this utopian paradise they've built for us? We didn't ask for this they tricked us into taking their "medicine" because they told us that's what you take for what we have. They were wrong they just wanted to make money from your suffering. With addiction it's guaranteed they get basically a commission based on the number of pills they sell. Insurance pays for them until you're hooked bad then they take away the drugs to protect themselves. DON'T START!!!

[@Inspiration-Today-2020]

Time distortion has gotten me bad. I hope and pray i can get through this. 5 minutes feels like 5 hrs!!

[@letigre5822]

I hope you stay strong and get thru this. This too shall pass, this too shall pass, just keep telling urself that.

[@kathis6840]

Yes, every day feels like an eternity.

[@UltraHarmonics]

this guy needs a hug

[@MrEnyecz]

Once, I really was down due to anxiety and needed real medical help. The psychiatrist gave me benzodiazepin, SSRI and psychotherapy, but she was very-very strict about the low dose of benzodiazepine and to finish it after 3 month. This is the reason why. I did not have any problem getting off the benzo, when time came. Note that SSRI is a very different beast, that is the medicament for long term, not benzo!

[@maximwilson1482]

I took benzos every night for a few years and one day decided to stop and I did...think I had trouble sleeping the first night and that was it. SSRI's on the other hand, even a taper had nasty side effects to the point where I gave up...on 5 different occasions. Brain zaps, body aches, nausea, dizziness, tremors, crying then laughing etc etc. I got lucky with benzos...not so much w the SSRI's.

[@MrEnyecz]

@@maximwilson1482 ​ You were lucky, medical literature does say you're case is exceptional, so others should not try to do the same... :) With time, you get used to both benzodiazepin and SSRIs, i.e. just stopping them may cause some side-effects. The main difference is that if one pill of benzo was enough at the beginning, it will bring you to just zero after some time. If you still want the effect, you need to increase the dosage. And increase it again and again because your brain starts to decrease producing other similar chemicals to compensate. For SSRI, if one pill was enough, it will be enough after 10 years. You don't need to increase the dosage and finishing to take SSRI is just as easy (or hard) as it would be after half a year. P.s.: I had no side-effects with SSRI (Cipralex). Or to be more precise, I had a very minor positive side-effect in sex... :) So SSRIs are not always evil.

[@paulbillington8290]

@@maximwilson1482 How many mgs where you taking of the benzos maxim?

[@fogpimp]

SSRI's also cause terrible withdrawalas and are more and more becoming known to induce mania in patients with no symptoms of the like beforehand.

[@sazdayah]

​@@fogpimp ive taking benzo last 2016 ago for 1y and half and tapering slowly. but i just prescribe by doc allowed 0.25mg/daily, doc tried me with setraline, luvox but its not work to me since it cause nausea plus dizzines at the whole day. so doc decide to stop it. but at that time, even after 1y and half compensate with this benzo, i feel more better and luckly im not facing any withdrawal. that time im free from benzo and my life start with 🎉. in 2021 after 2nd dose of MRNA vccine, they start to begin new horror story. back to track. and i hv no choice start with benzo with low dose and escitalopram. it did really help with SSRI but maybe doc ask me too soon stop it. and the worst start back in beginning. at that time i start to off benzo softly under doc recomendation, taper down slowly, but until i still can feel the withdrawal symtoms and its look like a real. having chest pain like heart attack, muscle spasm so bad, plus with GERD issue, difficult to breath, exercise intolerance, sometime i feel like a zombie.

[@markthomas4083]

This was a very informative heartfelt video. Dr. Peterson is one of my hero’s, one out of a very few. Great interview, I will listen a second time.

[@SoaresDean-ls2gl]

*Hey I'll refer you to this dude online who guided me through my first ever experience,he got all kinds of psychedelic stuffs and he also ship discreetly to any location•••

[@SoaresDean-ls2gl]

He's on telegram***

[@SoaresDean-ls2gl]

Coldtrips ✓✓✓

[@christopherhull3802]

Both my current wife and ex wife have issues with Benzodiazepines (Clonazapam). My ex wife also had a huge problem with the closely related Zolpiedem. and had seizures. I took Lorazepam for. Month after my wife cheated on me, but my experience was positive, and I was able to wean off without consequence. I did also get addicted to Zolpiedem but have successfully cut my dose to 6.25 mg which is effective without the negative side effects. My wife suffer severe PTSD from physical abuse throughout her life. She is not able to get off and definitely feels sick whenever her supply runs out before the 30 Days.

[@kathiefleming2830]

So glad to see that you are finally being more detailed about your medical problem that u suffered from for so long.

[@solan980]

You forget to mention that benzos can be amazing for panic disorders. If you have an attack once every week or so, having a fast acting and short duration benzo like xanax can be extremely helpful, and as long as its not taken often enough you wont build much dependence or tolerance

[@djdanzy]

Sorry i dissagree. Panic attacks are generally short lived. By the time the pill kicks in. 20min > 40min onset and peak at 60mins. The panic / severe adrenaline dump is over.

[@louisebarnard2869]

I am off Benzodiazepines 6 months now.....was on it for 8 years....I am a recovering Herion addict and yes most people would say " what were you thinking " I just did a cold Turkey, I wasn't willing to stretch out and do a taper...it was hell ,Opiods doesn't come close to the hell of benzo...I will never touch it again....

[@kenetik13]

Anyone who has gone thru any type of withdrawals knows that hell does exist, and it’s here on earth

[@fabricliver]

This is the best video I've ever watched in my entire life. The Last minute is excruciating. God bless you ❤

[@LondonWater]

I’ve been on benzos for about 30 years. I used to take like 40-50 mg a day. I’m now down to about 2mg.. but I had withdrawal symptoms once for 7 years.. I have given up. I don’t ever want to try to stop again 😭 It’s too much

[@ramonsauceda5480]

May I ask which benzo? And how long did it take you to taper down from 40mg to 2mg?

[@Zegna7]

I know how you feel I was on towards the end on 250mg over 28 years lemme know if you need help mate

[@annmarierougier1042]

Been on benzo for 20 yrs been trying for 5 yrs to come off , wonder if it’s worth it , been off for three weeks had so many symptoms that I take a small little piece everyday or so.

[@stevewerner1531]

I spent 6 years on benzos. Getting off was one of the most sickening experiences of my life. Thank God for a freind/Dr who helped me. Night number 3 I was running wind sprints at 2 am in -4 dgree weather to offset the pain.

[@djammer]

How long was your recovery

[@stevewerner1531]

When you ask how long? how long did it take to get off all meds? @@djammer

[@brendandonohue1599]

My doctor just randomly retired and said for me to find another doctor. Only trouble no doctor wants to prescribe it. Im weening off idk what I’m going to do.

[@tclapson]

Just love how as a human being, we have the ability to feel compassion for a complete stranger. When it was obvious Jordan was emotionally tearful for all sorts of reasons, it immediately transmitted into me, and I welled up also. I'm watching this because I think I've been suffering from Diazepam withdrawal, for which I was prescribed for not being able to sleep for a bulged disc which has led to severe sciatica. I've been off them for almost a week, and I feel an anxiety that stops me from being productive. I hope everyone finds a way to get off these, and doesn't see them as a good drug to get involved with... 4 years ago I was taking no meds at all... and now I'm on regular meds, and my life hasn't improved as a result.

[@katebruno9255]

Thank you for mentioning seizures - our 19 year old daughter has epilepsy as the result of an inoperable brain tumor. She was given benzos as a “rescue” pill to take upon seizure aura. Now she seems to have panic attacks and takes one when that happens (since the panic can trigger a seizure). I’m concerned There is nothing else out there that helps with anxiety/panic in a safer form than benzos. The SSRI family is considered “watch closely” (increased seizure risk) for her and so many meds lower her seizure threshold. Prayers for you and thank you for sharing!

[@OfAngels444]

First thing remove the ssris.

[@OfAngels444]

One thing at a time, slowly.

[@richardbelisle4807]

Thank you for mentioning the difference between physical and physiological addiction

[@yeebuddy223]

Akathisia is absolutely debilitating. Beyond being able to explain.

[@weatherz]

i started drinking due to panic and sever anxiety 24/7. i put my self in rehab in egypt got sober off alcohol but was prescribed xanax to sleep after two years of taking it every day i finally weened myself off in february of this year. finally i feel alive again. i wish u all the best. push through

[@alcambrola2834]

Congratulations. I've been on 1.5mg of Xanax at bedtime for 8 years and want to stop. I keep making excuses. How did you taper?

[@weatherz]

@@alcambrola2834 i highly advise u go talk to a professional , cuz what worked for me could work differently for you. but i was at 1mg a day then went down to 0.75 for a few months, then 0.5 for 2 or 3 months, then 0.25 for a couple months. then half of that for a while, then just stop. realistically i heard its easier to quit if u were on lower doses and i think it was 1.5 and lower. youl be fine, just muster up that courage. i promise life is actually chill. and can stay chill. talk to ur specialist before anything tho, best of luck

[@nomics88]

Hey Dr. Jordan. Always love you shedding light on this silent epidemic. We need facilities for benzodiazepines but how can I get funding for a true recovery safely and comfortably for family. I need advice, because it's time to help everyone in the world. Our economy will be highly damaged if we don't get these facilities for victims ect.

[@user-ct1np9yo3i]

Thank you so much for your courage and you talking about those medications to help people.

[@NameName-do9hj]

Full respect for this guy

[@Baddawg_313]

Powerful! Wish this man nothing but the best. Thank you for all the help Dr Peterson ❤ Wishing you a prosperous 2024 ✨️