[Asylum101]

I think it is stated somewhere in the Ashton Manual, (and in other studies I have read as well), that on average only 10%-15% of the individuals in their studies had experienced moderate to severe withdrawal for any length of time when trying to get off from benzos and of this group even a smaller percentage went on to experience protracted withdrawal symptoms lasting for months, even years. If you factor these studies into the real world, of this last group there is a good chance that only a fraction of them actually come to the conclusion that it is the pills themselves that is the root of their problem where as the rest go on to be misdiagnosed with some other ailment and probably poly drugged as a result.

This is a very small percentage when you take into account the whole equation and because of this it is of no surprise to me that you are not reading about it in the papers or see it on main stream television. The fact is it is written about in many books by actual doctors and it has been brought to the attention of the major new broadcasters and the likes on numerous occasions, but partly because it is such a small number that is effected, and also because it is “bad for business” in many aspects, it either gets put on page 22 of the newspaper listed under some article about how many got killed that day in the war on terrorism or it gets stifled completely. Furthermore, I am certain that if it did make the headlines many would come forward who did not realize that this was even a possibility. And, just because it is only a small percentage that comes to the realization that the benzos are the actually stem of what they are experiencing this doesn’t mean that it is not a HUGE problem for them?

Assuming that the figures of the studies above are true, it would stand to reason that there are going to be those who are skeptical that protracted withdrawal from benzos even exists. Why, because the majority of the population has never been so unfortunate as to experience it for themselves and I for one can understand this to a degree. Had I myself not gone through the hell many of these sufferers have I probably would not understand it either, but I would like to think that I would not be so quick as to judge them either.

I sit here typing this post as living proof that some individuals do in fact suffer for years after freeing themselves from benzos, and for me it is beyond a HUGE problem. I have been off of them for almost 3 years now. Prior to taking them I lived a rather normal life, but since tapering and freeing myself from them I have had to endure a large assortment of debilitating symptoms unimaginable prior to my taking them. I would have never fathomed that this far out I would still have some significant lingering effects preventing me from committing to anything that even resembles a full time job. Though things are slowly improving as time goes by, and I have every reason to believe that in time I will regain most of, if not all that I have lost, (aside from time itself), it is not happening fast enough to my liking I’ll tell you this much! Either way I am glad to be putting the whole experience behind me and I have no choice but to make the best of what I have today.

Yes there are those who benefit from them and/or can walk away from them quite effortlessly, for them I am delighted. Then there are those in-between who do suffer some mild to moderate withdrawal when trying to stop, but are able to move on after a short inconvenience, for them too I am happy. But, for someone to assume that the average individual who is a member of one of the support forums mentioned above does not genuinely suffer as they say they do, that is like stating that those in AA or NA do not suffer either. Not everyone has a problem with alcohol or narcotics, but do you hear the majority of the population stating that alcoholism or drug addiction and the withdrawal experiences and health issues that accompany them are not genuine?

I realize their numbers are small, but think about it. The individuals who make up the vast majority of the memberships of the benzo support forums mentioned above more than likely figure into the lesser percentage that Ashton and the others claim in their studies who go on to suffer protracted withdrawal and you can bet they sought these forums out all on their own in search of answers because of it. Therefore this would explain as to why most of the members found there feel there is a “huge problem”, and rightfully so from my seat. Of course most of the members of a benzo support group are going to have issues with proactive withdrawals. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. As Buzz said “If I was happy with my Ford it would probably never occur to me to find out who on the Chevy forum doesn't like Fords and why”. They are there and exist for a reason.

Everyone is different, but until one has walked in the others shoes they should not be so quick to judge. Let’s show a little compassion for what we do not understand shall we?

Anyway, that aside,

Hi Victory,

From my experience if Valium can be tolerated and obtained I too would recommend the Valium taper. It is a much smoother path than trying to taper from the other benzos, especially a short acting one such as Xanax. The Ashton equivalency chart differs much from others so there will be some discrepancies found, especially in the States, but what is more relevant is what dose of Valium you can level out at, the lower the dose the better of course, leaving you with the shorter amount of time to taper.

Also, keep in mind that the Ashton taper method is just a rough guide and she herself states so in the manual. Though a good starting point, only you can determine what speed to go at by listening to your body. The key is to keep moving so as not to hit a tolerance stage.

Also, I can state from first hand experience that the central nervous system of one who is going through protracted withdrawal can be very hypersensitive to many of the things someone who is otherwise healthy would take for granted, such as vitamins, caffeine, alcohol and many other supplements or substances. At this point in my recovery I can now consume caffeine and vitamins, but there was a time when these things would irritate my CNS to great extent. As of yet I cannot even think about alcohol and honestly don’t even have the desire to knowing the consequences I will bear were I to. Again, listen to your body and try not to introduce (or eliminate for that matter) more than one thing at a time so that you can determine what effects you and how during your taper.

Best wishes to you