What is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal? What are the symptoms? Dr. Christy Huff, who took benzodiazepines as prescribed, documented 80 withdrawal symptoms. Yes, eighty. If you’re not arcing an eyebrow yet, you should be.
Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. Folks take them every day for anxiety, for traveling and for sleep. Despite how common they are, most people, including doctors and pharmacists, don’t know the extent of benzodiazepine withdrawal, including the vast array of symptoms, nor do they know how to treat it. Many doctors and stakeholders confuse addiction with chemical dependence, which can be extremely frustrating for the person going through withdrawal, who usually takes the medication as prescribed. Folks afflicted often turn to online forums and seek out others with similar withdrawal symptoms for advice. They are part of the “prescribed harm” community. Between searching for answers and managing symptoms, many people become so frustrated and exhausted that they resort to taking their own lives. As Dr. Huff mentions in this podcast, in the past year alone, she knows of at least 30 people who were going through benzo withdrawal and ended up killing themselves.
In this podcast, Dr. Huff opens up about how she felt while on benzodiazepines and her horrific experience coming off of them. She talks about the guidance she did/did not receive and what ultimately helped her. She does not mince words.
Dr. Christy Huff is a cardiologist by training, a mom and currently serves as director of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition.
Listen to Causes Or Cures: Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Here.
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