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My doctors have had me on benzos since I was in my 20's, ... I am now 57 and had my benzos removed abruptly and went into a VERY dangerous and damaging withdrawal. Without exaggeration it nearly killed me. Most doctors, at least up here in Wisconsin, seem to believe you can come off abruptly or switch to another medication and be fine ... or they allow you 2 weeks and they tell you you are perfectly fine after 2 weeks !!! --- for those of us who have experienced this, we know we need more than 2 weeks taper and for those who are educated in the benzo Prescribing and tapering certainly know how dangerous it can be if you are not very, very slowly tapered. I finally have a doctor who I discussed this with and he's doing a taper - but it's still not appropriately tapered. I can already realize fully it is not nearly long enough due to the high dosages I've been on daily all these years. We're supposed to trust our doctors and through all of my research and the different experiences I've had with this through the years I've discovered most doctors don't seem to have all of the crucial information nor do they have any respect or concern for the patients who are desperately trying to describe how they feel and what they're going through .... and how deadly it can be. Instead, many of us are treated like street addicts --- and we are not. I am an example of that, I have never done Street Drugs in My life, I don't drink alcohol I don't even smoke cigarettes. It's an outrage what patients go through and the lack of expertise out there to help patients through dangerous situations that the doctors put them in to begin with!
40 mg of Valium is not enough to put an elephant asleep LOL. I just had the equivalent of 60-70 mg of Valium today. Tomorrow I might not take any, depending on my stress level. These people make blanket statements about meds that help lots of people and, well, it irritates me.
The sad thing is that doctors don't know shit about withdrawal symptoms because most of them have never experienced it, your actually better getting advice from previous addicts!
It’s terrifying and I need for almost any sleep at all. It’s awful how little they know about taking ppl off slow and not to force them like that or giving too much in the first place. Some say decarbed Amanita or partially decarbed can help coming off
The doom and despair are what got me. I only had 2 panic attacks during my breakdown, and they had me very close to becoming suicidal. Thank you, God, from delivering me from THE worst 3 years of my life.
@SecularReasons - Please keep your "secular" views to yourself. No one asked you for your OPINION and your the type of person who makes this world sick. I would NEVER comment on your views, so please don't comment on mine. Thank you.
This is exactly the video I needed. Thank you so much. I started Xanax 8 years ago, then went through (I don’t even know what to call it) during covid… the father of my 3 children started taking adderall, over 30 20mg pills a day and went into total psychosis thinking there were invisible people in our attic, that the feds were hiding in our house. That I was hiding cameras in my kids bedrooms closets… he got put in jail several times for freaking out and having our neighbors call the cops. My doctor upped my Xanax prescription, then he died. Out of no where, at the age of 35. In front of my children and I was so traumatized I didn’t know what else to do but to continue the medication. Now I’m on .5mg of kolonipin, daily, trying to “wean” myself off of benzos, I go to school, work and also obviously have 3 kids to take care of. But every time I try to actually stop the kolonipin I still feel exactly how you describe. The withdrawal is HORRIBLE. And with 3 kids, a job and school I quite literally cannot afford the time to deal with the withdrawals. I SO so so so wish I did because I want to just be done with it so badly…
wow. wtf,,, you're describing a living hell, life isn't supposed to be like that. and still you're pushing to the max fighting and taking care of those 3 little innocent kids,... i can't imagine how strong you are, super human strength. this is demonic evil anti-human insanity, The system all these horses piled up against us. it's sad and it's unfair and it's not right. it's not supposed to be this way. you can no longer accept this. we must unite against the enslavement of the entire human race! this one thing we must come to agreement on, identifying our enemy.. naming our common fundamental problems, the root causes. try to describe the brutal truth of the system, the anti-human suffering machine. enough is enough.. there's no reason you should be r forced to go thru this. in a universe of abundance on a magic blue marble in this cozy Galaxy, a brilliant mind-blowing high tech society, with thousands of millions of awesome, creative beings.. with superquantumcomputers running ai... it doesn't make sense. who stole our future? that retro futuristic optimism from back in the days when a normal family could live well on a single income? it was possible 50 60 70 years ago. things declined and started devolving. Technical breakthroughs in development automating processes in optimizing of every system. no problem with today's technology high-tech Society. so who gets the benefits from all this? fewer and fewer actually. my brain crashed. f the system. Right now you must take care of yourself, to be able to bring up your children. that's your primary mission. and in normal world that's actually supposed to be your only mission. at least, if you get by on 0.5, don't panic. try to let your system stabilize on that level for some time. maybe do half dose couple of days a week. i don't think you need to fix everything right now. take a break... imagine better days ahead. incredible times. a golden age. _just hang on a little more. in as little as a year, things could've turned better, much better. it will turn better. it must it's inevitable> >you can hold me responsible in case my advice is terrible❤
Omg one time a Dr took me off koledpen and I should of been in the hospital because my daughter had to help me undress and bath and change bed. I couldn't walk I crawled and omg I was losing it but thank God I did not die . Should of gotten help as soon as possible but got through it
Yes I used to run NAMI group and I remember a woman that was down to like a tiny piece of koledpen just so she didn't feel sick. But now since they have different ways to help But I would like to go back down from three day too one a day. It seems every time something happens and I feel like I fought an army and right back to the reg dose of koledpen. But you know we are stronge you showed that to yourself just as I have shown myself. This koledpen is almost like a very bad drug ppl told me Tracey it's you and God to get through this withdrawal. But I ll never go through that again without being in the hospital which I said I'd never do again. Hospital thing But there will be a time when you and I can get off this med but it works best for the anxiety. Good luck sorry what happened to your family. Sounds like you got this but always remember you can counsel with someone at home on video. I did for 15 years not shitting you and mom past away last March I was in shock I than almost passed two weeks after I sat here drinking coffee nothing else so no sodium no potassium barley. So my whole point was headed that i.m back in councling again been a year. Was every week now he agreed to twice a month but it's the best thing knowing I needed to counsel again. Good luck you got this.
Most benzo info I have read regarding the brain focuses solely on what's going on in the synapse. This is the first video I've seen that actually frames some symptoms in terms of maladapted neurological pathways and the way exposure therapy can actually help us rewire our fear responses. I think this is a tremendously important perspective. Huge insight!
Thank you, Mike. And as you point out, this is critical to not only the taper but in getting on top of the pre-existing condition(s) and anything that's manifested. Much of what I used to recover I still use as my daily regimen.
@@PowersBenzoCoaching I tried to reach out to you a many times, I’ve purchased your book as well. What’s your take on getting surgery or taking other medicines for general things after recovery? Have you personally had any experience with this or had any of your customers gone through this?
I tapered klono for 1.5 yrs. Had protracted withdrawal for another 2yrs after my last pill. Doc had me on opioids, ambien and klono for 10yrs. I’m 9 yrs off now and life is good. I lost 4yrs of my life but praise god I still have my life! I too had panic attacks walking to the mailbox. I pushed the boundaries too… going to the grocery store…. Was 💯 scary! Your story sounds like mine
Anxiety sufferer... Best thing i ever did was go all natural. Stop getting drunk, exercise, cold showers, breathing, fasting, earthing, clean diet, etc. I was the guy wanting that magic pill. You have to put in the work if you truly want to heal. Its by far the BEST route.
@@W1HURI Its anxiety,and that's what does it.First remove all stressors in your life,be it friend or family.It's very uncomfortable but it won't kill you,just remember that.Let it flow through you until it dissipates into thin air. I know from experience,first hand knowledge about the whole gamut of anxiety and depression,i've been a patient of it for many years now. Take in some deep breaths and slowly let it out.If you are having trouble sleeping,take some Benadryl in liquid form to help in calming you and aid in falling asleep.It's safe to take and non habit forming. Prayer is always good when NO one is around,God will ALWAYS BE THERE.
Literally my blood pressure shoots up I'm like 110 days off klono absolute terror first 60 days were hell then it got better for 40-45 days now it's much worse idk what's wrong and night time i feel scared literally my head feels like I'm wearing a numbing hat
@@tigerlily9234 nope cold i reinstated 2 time In 113 days but I don't take those as set backs I always move forward.... The more you keep yourself into group and reasearch on these things symptoms starts now I don't look at things symptoms will keep coming
I am coming off this week after a 1 1/2 taper off benzos and I couldn’t have watched this at a better timing, hell is an understatement of what we go through. Thank you for this video you have given me hope 🙏
Glad you survived. Did you feel brain lock, like you didn't understand a simple thing and become overwhelmed of any normal things can't understand that people can live their lives normally? I was prescriped a big amount of benzo and doctor didn't warn me and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug. Two tapers went badly wrong. Now tapering Ashton manual and have no power and have so long time to go that I could get on zero. I fear brain lock is permanent. I feel depersonalization and derealisation and am mostly alone because I'm just tell my hell all the time to my loved ones and feel like I'm in a different reality from other people. Thank you if you can answer.
15:55 How many people would LIVE for their family? I love this line so much. As somebody who has come off Methadone 120mg (taper), CT (Cold Turkey) Vyvanse, Tapered of Lyrica, buspar/celexa/cymbalta/latuda come off all those, quit soda, social media, smoking, and working on porn while i rack up days with smoking/vaping abstinence, I will say 100% you are a hero, not just for what you went thru and survived, but for sharing this story with people like me to show there's always hope!!!
@@fittyleben9680I am and hardly have reduced enough and antidepressants was super easy in comparison of even only hanging a b for a week. Lyric is awful withdrawal too but I had a Benz during so it wasn’t just being on nothing
@@fittyleben9680 Forgot that one but yes I also tapered off Klonopin. Used to take 4 bars of xanax a day in 2016 and had to go CT from them. That was a nightmare.
Jesus christ, that doctor is evil. I'm genuinely glad to hear your voice speak with such pride at this point. This is such a bag of mixed feelings. Can't believe these doctors get away with this shit. Subscribed! Looking forward to explore your world and videos.
I'm so happy for you! Happy to have been able help motivate you and keep you believing in your healing. Sometimes, that's all we need. Godspeed on your continued success!
@@PowersBenzoCoaching Thank you so much and God bless you, hope to support to you as much as i can for everything youve helped with me without knowing it, youre doing great work. Now that im better its almost impossible to imagine how hopeless it felt like a year ago in withdrawal. I cant believe i even am where i am now. Thank you so much man.
@@sangeetalambh6389 I can honestly say im happy, content at peace. This time last year it was impossible to even imagine being anywhere near how i feel now. Its generally a sense of freedom and joy.
You helped me so much. I do not have the words to tell how YOU saved my life. I have a son that is older than you. But YOU saved my life. Thank you again.
I'm coming off xanex and I am in pure absolute hell...I've been searching for answers for a long time... No answers anywhere whatsoever...... been on this medication for a very long time... I appreciate you trying to help... Thank you... Yeah opiates were easy compared to this... unbelievable
I'm only 3 minutes in and you have described exactly what I've been going through regarding "health anxiety." I had open heart surgery October 2022 and ever since every little weird feeling or pain would cause me extreme anxiety causing me to just spiral. I have been on Xanax for the past 6 months and recently had a bad withdrawal from running out early that sent me to the ER. Ever since that incident my anxiety is worse and the xanax isn't even working like it used to. I'm planning to crossover to Valium in a couple weeks and start my taper. I wish I never got on these devil meds.
Good luck. You can do it if you’re determined. I would also like to switch to diazepam but I’m not working with any doctors at the moment. Looking into that right now. I’ve managed to taper with Xanax cutting my dose down from 3mg/day to 1.25 mg now within a few weeks. I know that’s much faster than most would attempt or recommend but I’m determined to get off this shit.
Keep up this work my friend it’s a very misunderstood desaese . Government won’t help . We can a get better and survive this disease . Keep up the lords work
And God Bless you Dave, well done video. Like the way you point blank discuss the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. A great reminder to a benzo brain that this is normal. Overall this came at a good time in my taper. Feel like you just refilled my lungs with fresh oxygen to keep marching forward with my head up. Thanks for sharing your story!
That's great, Rick. Keep going, brother You'll be there soon enough and eventually this will be some distant bad dream. Straight and narrow is the path I believe. Ebb and flow, keep moving, keep believing. Refuse to be beaten!
Can I ask the duration of use. My son was on klonopin 10 years now is on ashton method . He was put on 10 mg of valium now he us 4 months in ar 3.75 mg valium and he us not doing well. Deoressed ..hopeless..insomnia..not good
Your a good guy man, respect. ❤ I have been taking ativan for 1 month and also stopped it abruptly and that was the moment my neck spasm returned. Now I'm tapering off having a major neck spasm and I hope it'll go away after quitting it for good.
I am so glad I found your channel. I tapered and took last benzo on December 12, 2020. I am post 9 months and it went so well but when I hit my 8 month post I went into acute withdrawals. They’ve been on and off and today I’m at 9 months and again horrific horrific withdrawals. I feel defeated and told my dog I’m going to die. That’s what I felt all day and cried all day long. Thank you for this channel and your words.
Hey Mary. Sorry to hear you're struggling so far out. If you had a good taper and several months post benzo, I think you will be fine soon. The wave should end. What is most curious is what brought this wave on? Recent stressors? Triggers? Have we been exercising and doing our exposure or has it been a particularly stressful period with little exercise and sociableness?
Awesome to hear your story man! Thank you for helping the benzo community! Your videos gave me a lot of hope during my benzo hell...im 1 year 8 months off now and doing much better. You have been a blessing ❤
That's great to hear. When I see comments like yours I want to announce them with a bullhorn to the others! See, everyone, healing is REAL! Keep going, my friend,. Godspeed ~
@@sangeetalambh6389 really good, id say 100% healed...it was HELL and I was suicidal at times and fearful of losing my job and my family...but im on the other side of it now...how far into withdrawl are you?
@@DavidicServant Hi, glad you have survived. Did you feel brain lock, like you don't understand a simple thing and become overwhelmed of any normal things and can't understand that people can do normal things and live their lives normally? And also depersonalization and derealisation. I have agoraphobia and normal I'm confident, active social person. I was prescriped a big amount of benzo and doctor didn't warn me and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug. Two tapers went badly wrong, too quick. Now tapering Ashton manual and have so long time to left and get to zero. I am so exhausted. Hope you all the best.
You are truly amazing and give me hope. You have talked me off a ledge so many times and it not only comes from your tender heart but in your educating us and giving us hope. They don’t call it Benzo hell for nothing.... you are open and honest about it but give us tools in which to at least try and cope instead of stewing in that that Benzo sludge we get bogged down in. So take a bow David Powers...... you succeeded in your war with Benzo’s and you are sure to help in teaching others to put their Benzo shield up to thwart off the missiles being fired at us on a minute by minute basis.
Great video! Absolute legend. Every one in withdrawal (and others for that matter) need to see your videos. More comforting and reassuring than most. Hearts out to you Dave ❤️
BLESS YOUR HEART for sharing HOPE !!! I'm currently titrating off of 45 + years of clonopin for sleep, All prescribed by Dr's, legit all the way. It's been HELL !!! You're giving many of us much needed Encouragement to get off of this Evil Drug.
Great video . I’m tapering off of aprozalam , probably down to .25-.5 mg a day at night . I have anxiety and don’t sleep well . I’m also pretty old . Almost 60 . Thanks . This all started kicking in in my early 40’s. I had a job in a bank . I hated it .
Yes! We as people need to address the 'phobias'/OCDs that start a person going to their doctors to get help and then get prescribed benzos. You are a wonderful person sharing your experiences. Doctors are quick to rush to help with peoples phobias by prescriptions.
Thank You 🙏! “People often say they would die for someone, but would you live for them? ❤❤❤❤ God bless you for sharing your story, your insight and hope. You’re a miracle and an angel.
Today is my last dose! I am very happy for this goal, there is NOTHING like being off clonazepam. It wasn't easy, I did an 8 month taper went from 1mg to 0. I had intermittent windows and waves I know this is not the end of withdrawal but I am positive about what awaits me. I encourage you to continue your journey and never give up, it can be painful but it's worth it. Thanks David for your videos, they were too useful to me. I will be updating from time to time how withdrawal is going Much love !!
Thank you David, started listening to this. Decided to walk. walked pretty far around my neighborhood. It was difficult but I did it while listening to this🥰🥴♥️
Awesome video man. Ive watched a lot of videos but this was so spot on and exactly what I needed to hear. The fatigue really is something else. People that havent gone through it just have no foundation to comprehend how debilitating it is.
@hamanthkumar3843 i took my last xanax about 8 days ago. Its been rough. Worat part is the insomnia. I was on ambien for a while too which i quit about 3 weeks ago. Now i only take 300-900mg of gabapentin at night and some over the counter stuff to help sleep. I get anywhere from 2-5 hours a night on average. The gabapentin is next to go. Its been super up and down and i suspect im in for at least a few more months of uncomfortable withdrawals before I start deeling somewhat back to normal
Hi David. Thanks for the video, I'm in so much pain.. I was thinking of re instantiate. Never did.. Just the pain is so bad. Thanks for the hard work you do for us. Much love. 🙏🕊️
Opiot withdrawal doesn't take more than two weeks once you stop taking them. Do not take the suboxone, you will regret it. It is very difficult to stop taking.
was on klonopin 0.5 at bedtime for 15 years.. tapered for 19 months.. its been 18 months totally off... not easy HELL,, but I love challenges......its over now but every once in a while I feel a little withdrawal.....good luck to whoever id tapering...
Hi David. See you reacted with an emoji to this post. I have been trying to contact you on e mail to ask hiw you will contact me if I book a consultation as I am not in USA
My journey to Benzos started from a car accident and neck injury as well. I have three herniated discs in my neck and no curve, causing awful migraines. I was also on Valium for 4yrs. It was great at first. My doctor also told me to get back on it after stopping on my own. I got back on and eventually decided to I taper off over the course of about 7 months. I lost my job and was unable to hold down a job. I’m pretty healed from the Benzos but neck is still all jacked up. One thing that helped me was a nerve block in my neck. It literally kept me from getting a migraine for 9 months. That’s a miracle for me. I also applied for disability and was denied. Thanks for sharing your story.
Very well said. You are a very intelligent person. Please make you’re documentary. But please please also add the terrible protracted wiltdrawal a lot of us are having from antidepressants ( me, woman 65 and 35 month after stopping AD’s) I am healing. A lot of windows and waves. Please add us in you’re film. Thank you☺️🙏🌹
Immediately. Had them after first month in protracted. Thought I could go back to work…. Did not realise how bad I could be 1 day later. Always had them. They were very nice. But my waves were terrible. Some short some long. Not predictable. Feeling better but not there yet. Take care
Same story i had throat problem . Had mri nothing showed. Had ultrasound had endoscophy . Then Ativan came to my life. It fixed it but withdrawals jesus christ. No doctor ever helped me get out of it. I had to do it on my own.
as of right now , withdrawing from 4 mg of klonopin , tapered down to 0.8 mg .. it`s been pure hell ...along with tramadol (400 mg a day , down to 200mg) It` s always good to find people you can relate to. Thank you for sharing , good luck bro!
So, I was buying bottles of Xanax and Ativan, Valium from a person I know. I was also prescribed klonopin 2mg/day. I was drinking heavily drinking too. I was eating the benzos I had like tic tacs running through a bottle in 4-7 days. Usually 30ct bottles. I did this for years. When I finally stopped I went into treatment and was given phenobarb for maybe a week after being cut cold turkey from everything I was consuming. 2-3 weeks into my detox I started having involuntary leg and arm movements/ twitching and this went on for months. I thought I’d never return to normal but the twitching finally started to subside after months. I was terrified. I’m now back on Ativan (shake my head) and trying to taper off them. Taking my time this go-round. Sometimes doctors suck or just don’t understand what you’re going through or what you’re doing. Agreeing to be pulled off all those benzos in one fell swoop was just idiotic and I guess I blame myself as well but I’ve have so many physicians just try and drop my benzos. If you’re like me you need to taper very slowly!
Benzos should not be prescribed, period. They should only be used in emergency situations or before and after surgery. People get them for what they think is a lot of anxiety only to find out they were a 1/10 compared to what happens later from the benzos. Not worth it. The scary thing is sometimes people can have years of debilitating issues from 3-4 week daily use (low dose). You have a gift for storytelling, some of the things you said and the way you worded them made me feel like i'm not alone in this. It's all too relatable.
You have COMPLETELY nailed my experience. Finally! Been searching for that person who says it exactly how I have been. Appreciate your time to make this. Wow it sums me up 💯
2 weeks, it should be like2 years ish , maybe longer. It’s terrifying how much they give and then try to take and how little they know about how to do it unless it’s Ashton method. It is like psychologically burning even halting it a week or being out a few days and I have not gotten far. Sadly I get tons of these symptoms even on 2 mg a night and thinking about how I’ve felt when I took less and I get the high places thing as it seems better than burning. Thank you for the video and I’m so glad you got off these!
Thank you for making these videos you may have saved my life man. I have been 11 months clean of benzos but still have protracted symptoms. The way that worked for me for me was making a general list of tasks and breaking them into micro ones to keep my stress level down. I went from not being able to leave my house this time last year to being able to drive 15 miles away from home 3 times a week now. But I had to plan and schedule and commit to a daily routine. I had to basically plan my way out of the hell I was in but I had to start with baby steps and build from there. I aint gonna lie I felt like offing myself a thousand times. But I could hear my dead mothers voice in my head saying dont do it please dont do it. I went from being totally out of it to being 35% myself again but it took me just about year to get here. Slowly but surely is how it has been. I feel as if I am Dante going through the Inferno.
Almost 9 months off. Bad week tired all the time but i m better with time. Hate this journey is not linear on bad days fear of going thru all again is huge...
Hi I’ve been there and even worse. Your testimony sounds to me and from the bottom of my heart thanks 🙏. My Name is Dave to by the way . One love brother
I'm going to order your book for a friend of mine with chronic depression. What you're saying covers everything that causes us angst - from depression, to anxiety, to withdrawals. I've seen a lot about withdrawing (my journey was getting off opioids) but it focuses on mostly how to cut back - but you're talking about how to get mentally and psychologically stronger along the way - not just being drug free. Also, I've broken my tail bone and it was horrendously painful.
The issue with the goverment is that specific individuals get hired to run the FDA after they work for big pharma. Pharma companies are also the biggest lobbying donors.
So sorry to hear about your neck injury. These Doctors have no idea the negative after effects to these drugs. I relate to your story. I'm 4 years free & still getting the post symptoms from brain, stomach, body. Damaged CNS, are we ever going to heal. This is not the life I should be dealing with this. One day at a time moving forward to getting better. My true self is not physically living in this life.
Benzos cause stomach and other body problems? I never knew can you please get a hold of me I want to learn and hear it from someone that has gone through it Thank you Tracey
Been going through a similar thing, I went through withdrawal many times on and off xanz/alcohol for years never lasted long term though. This time around started taking klonopin for 15 months, went to a center they tapered me off within 7 days which I had no choice at that point. Have been dealing unbearable Symptoms mentally thinking about going back on them but being 3 months off seeing this video is giving me some faith things will get better.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. It's so empowering to realize that I"m not alone. The monophobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, chronic depression. And I've lived the nightmare of panic attacks while checking the mail. I've even had them taking showers! My worst attacks happen while driving. Now, I have Chronic Vascular Ischemic Disease of the brain which could be partly due to the 24 years of xanax use. I know I have to get off the meds, but I am absolutely terrified because the last time I tried, I had nightly seizures as soon as I hit REM sleep. I am currently seeking professional help for the xanax addiction.
thank you for posting your story on benzo withdrawal . I've been following your videos for a while and they've given me much hope and inspiration through my own struggle. I've managed to be completely off benzos for 18.3 months and I still have quite a ways to go before I feel something closer to normal. I've managed in the last six months to get myself a job start exercising regularly and to start doing the things I enjoy that I wasn't able to before like gaming writing and watching Star Trek, thought that was hilarious when you said Star Trek help you get through because it was one of the only things I was able to do in the early days of withdrawal. Judging by your timeline and other timelines and information I've found I believe I have at least another 10 to 30 months before I'm able to enjoy life the way that I used to before I was addicted to this medication, but this video gave me a reminder that I still have a ways to go and still have a lot of healing to do which was extremely encouraging because I was at a point where I got stuck on thinking that that this was as much as I would heal. I took a closer look and realized that I have healed more than I thought I had even within a few months I hadn't realized that I am doing better and that the progress was just so slow I thought I had reached the end of my healing. Taking a second look I've realized now that things are going to most likely get much better. Your approach and strategies are very intelligently designed and make a lot of sense in an easily understandable . up the good work and thanks for everything!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words and I'm so happy to hear of your amazing progress. That's just wonderful. Everyone needs to read your comment. I suspect you do have some more time to heal, but I would encourage you to not focus too much on that. Instead, focus on getting better in all ways. Spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, nutrition, writing, etc. Just keep refining and moving the ball forward. Emphasize balance in all that you do, balance, grace, patience and optimism. In this way, we pick up pace, we gain momentum, and we healer even quicker. Like Alan Watts' often said, "we can swim by gripping the water."
@@sangeetalambh6389 3 months later at 22.1 months off I feel even better now...my apetite is back and I'm less tired anxious and depressed even still. All in all much better
Been fighting evil panic attacks since childhood!! On benzodiazepine for 30yrs! I'm obviously addicted! 😰😰😰😰 I can relate to all you've stated!!!!!!!!! I so want to NOT be dependent! As hellish it is! Your video gives me hope. Thank you. God bless
Thank you! How are you doing in your fight to recovery? It's a hellish high mountain to climb, but we CAN do it and life is worth it on the other side. I hope you're doing well!
@@PowersBenzoCoaching my body has developed a tolerance so it's mighty rough to put it mildly. By God's grace I'm fighting it. Forcing myself to do thing's.
Thank you so so so much for your story! I am 4 months completely off of klonopin after being on it for 8+ years, in PAWS, but I'm going to keep going! You have inspired me! Thank you! Can you make a video on chemical sensitivity?/anxiety? Thanks! 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you. And congrats! Keep up the great work! I have a lot of videos on recovery. Also, what do you. mean by chemical sensitivity/anxiety? As in smelling other chemicals, etc?
@Powers Benzo Coaching thank you! Not necessarily smelling chemicals, but I found out the hard way that I can't tolerate supplements now as well as other medications, I've also been scared after being apart of the benzo groups on fb saying to stay away from antibiotics etc.
Hi, Ive been on it 5 years, tryed to get off im onky on .5mg Clonazapam. May i ask what you did to get off. Im going through hell at moment, and need just little advise. Thank you
@@junior4984 hello! So my psychiatrist would not prescribe it for me any longer after not detecting the drug in my urine anymore. So I didn't have a choice in the matter. I did a fast taper over 3 months and it was hell but I can say now I don't regret it! Now I'm 7 months off and I still have WD symptom but overall getting better each day. My taper was from 1-2mg daily cutting down to 0.5mg, then 0.125mg then off completely, like I said over the course of 3 months. So I stayed on each dose until my body sort of leveled out. Hope this helps! There's also a big community on FB with lots of resources on tapering. Good luck and God Bless.
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that just cuz I’m feeling horrible again doesn’t mean I’m not healing it means it’s non linear. But ultimately there r people who never get a break like me and heal still.
Ended up in the ER last night, trying to come off Clonazepam 3mg daily for 9 years. I was treated quite poorly like I was attempting to “drug seek” by the ER physician who just ended up giving me more Klonopin until I can see my GP. I have experienced opioid withdrawal, but this is much worse in my opinion, and the time frames for tapering are quite daunting, but I am willing to do and try anything because life is a nightmare right now! Thank you very much for sharing this video as it has given me some hope!
Plz be aware that part of aka/ benzo withdrawal is intense muscle pain. I've noticed that some people aren't aware of this and they have unnecessary surgeries.
Yesterday when i woke up from 2 hour sleep after work it was panic attack i slowly got out of bad and make a coffee took me two hours to slowly stabilise myself man this is horrible
Hi David. I had no idea that you went through benzo withdrawal. I am so proud of you. I'm in my 3rd month of tapering off of valium and still have to taper off of klonopin after that. I have about 2 years of tapering to go. I've been on them for 15+ years. This isn't my first time trying to get off them. Last time, I ended up in delirium tremens. This time I'm doing things differently and I will succeed. I found your videos by accident and said 'Oh, I know that guy.' lol. I couldn't believe it. I watched three so far. They are very inspiring and give me hope. I'm so glad to see that you came out the other side of the hellish nightmare. I'm happy to see that you're still creating art. Xo faith and hope are so powerful when getting off these drugs and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story.
Hey! I'm so happy to hear from you, although I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. Just goes to show how many people these drugs truly impact. More and more of my friends are finding themselves in this hellish ride. I've got a lot of content, as you can see, on the topic of all things benzos, and I believe I've got the best approach to recovery. As you will hear me say time and time again, benzo recovery is more than just tapering off the drugs. Even that has to be done just right, with the right timing, and I believe, while also "lulling" and "pushing". This creates a kind of balancing act of dualities. Lulling is learning to calm the hyper vigilant nervous system while pushing is learning how to push back agains the symptoms. In this way, with some really refined strong skillsets, we can rewire our brain even, while we are healing. Keep strong my friend! You will heal, and you're going to come out of this even stronger and more refined, more resilient! One last immediate word of advice. Avoid forums and benzo rumination. It's quicksand and poison.
@@PowersBenzoCoaching Thank you so much. You are doing a beautiful service for many people, and I'm blessed that I came across your channel. I definitely stay away from forums and benzo rumination for the most part because as you've said most of it is poison. I'm interested to know how I could potentially work with you as a client if that's a possibility. I was especially interested in exposure therapy and cognitive reframing. I'd like to work with you one on one if possible. Let me know. God bless.
I tapered off 2mg xanax nightly habit in my mid 20s with relative ease. Dont know how i did it. I was smoking a lot of weed back then . Couple months and was back to normal.
Excellent video, thank you for sharing your story & how you survived. You’re such a blessing to the benzo community. I’m 3.5 years off Klonopin & need to put in some more work towards healing. I read your book years ago during w/d but need to re-read it again! I like your 1 hour a day suggestion w/the 4 things to do for 15 min each. Definitely do-able! Might need help on the Cognitive Re-framing part.
That's terrific. Thank you so much. I'll try and put out some more videos on the cognitive reframing aspect of things. 1 hour a day can be a real game changer!
I was taking 6-12 mg of alprazolam daily for over a decade. Started having seizures if I went without for over a day, then my doctor (who gave it to me in the 1st place) refused to refill my script. So, I went cold turkey. Worst month of my life but I most definitely learned my lesson.
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Schedule a session online at:
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Where is your original story, rather what is the title?
@@angelajohnson4360 What do you mean by my original story? This IS my story.
My doctors have had me on benzos since I was in my 20's, ... I am now 57 and had my benzos removed abruptly and went into a VERY dangerous and damaging withdrawal.
Without exaggeration it nearly killed me.
Most doctors, at least up here in Wisconsin, seem to believe you can come off abruptly or switch to another medication and be fine ... or they allow you 2 weeks and they tell you you are perfectly fine after 2 weeks !!!
--- for those of us who have experienced this, we know we need more than 2 weeks taper and for those who are educated in the benzo Prescribing and tapering certainly know how dangerous it can be if you are not very, very slowly tapered.
I finally have a doctor who I discussed this with and he's doing a taper - but it's still not appropriately tapered.
I can already realize fully it is not nearly long enough due to the high dosages I've been on daily all these years.
We're supposed to trust our doctors and through all of my research and the different experiences I've had with this through the years I've discovered most doctors don't seem to have all of the crucial information nor do they have any respect or concern for the patients who are desperately trying to describe how they feel and what they're going through .... and how deadly it can be.
Instead, many of us are treated like street addicts --- and we are not.
I am an example of that, I have never done Street Drugs in My life, I don't drink alcohol I don't even smoke cigarettes.
It's an outrage what patients go through and the lack of expertise out there to help patients through dangerous situations that the doctors put them in to begin with!
@@PowersBenzoCoachingpeople are so weird.
40 mg of Valium is not enough to put an elephant asleep LOL.
I just had the equivalent of 60-70 mg of Valium today. Tomorrow I might not take any, depending on my stress level.
These people make blanket statements about meds that help lots of people and, well, it irritates me.
The sad thing is that doctors don't know shit about withdrawal symptoms because most of them have never experienced it, your actually better getting advice from previous addicts!
🗣💯💯
The ones that do don't say much or help much either.
Yup!!❤
It’s terrifying and I need for almost any sleep at all. It’s awful how little they know about taking ppl off slow and not to force them like that or giving too much in the first place. Some say decarbed Amanita or partially decarbed can help coming off
They take this shit too. That’s the irony. A million dollar education and a white coat. ooof.
The doom and despair are what got me. I only had 2 panic attacks during my breakdown, and they had me very close to becoming suicidal. Thank you, God, from delivering me from THE worst 3 years of my life.
A god didn't do anything, as far as anyone can actually tell
@SecularReasons - Please keep your "secular" views to yourself. No one asked you for your OPINION and your the type of person who makes this world sick. I would NEVER comment on your views, so please don't comment on mine. Thank you.
@@SecularReasons Prove it.
🙏🙏🙏
This is exactly the video I needed. Thank you so much. I started Xanax 8 years ago, then went through (I don’t even know what to call it) during covid… the father of my 3 children started taking adderall, over 30 20mg pills a day and went into total psychosis thinking there were invisible people in our attic, that the feds were hiding in our house. That I was hiding cameras in my kids bedrooms closets… he got put in jail several times for freaking out and having our neighbors call the cops. My doctor upped my Xanax prescription, then he died. Out of no where, at the age of 35. In front of my children and I was so traumatized I didn’t know what else to do but to continue the medication. Now I’m on .5mg of kolonipin, daily, trying to “wean” myself off of benzos, I go to school, work and also obviously have 3 kids to take care of. But every time I try to actually stop the kolonipin I still feel exactly how you describe. The withdrawal is HORRIBLE. And with 3 kids, a job and school I quite literally cannot afford the time to deal with the withdrawals. I SO so so so wish I did because I want to just be done with it so badly…
So sorry😢
wow. wtf,,, you're describing a living hell, life isn't supposed to be like that. and still you're pushing to the max fighting and taking care of those 3 little innocent kids,... i can't imagine how strong you are, super human strength.
this is demonic evil anti-human insanity, The system all these horses piled up against us. it's sad and it's unfair and it's not right. it's not supposed to be this way. you can no longer accept this. we must unite against the enslavement of the entire human race! this one thing we must come to agreement on, identifying our enemy.. naming our common fundamental problems, the root causes. try to describe the brutal truth of the system, the anti-human suffering machine.
enough is enough..
there's no reason you should be r forced to go thru this. in a universe of abundance on a magic blue marble in this cozy Galaxy, a brilliant mind-blowing high tech society, with thousands of millions of awesome, creative beings.. with superquantumcomputers running ai... it doesn't make sense. who stole our future? that retro futuristic optimism from back in the days when a normal family could live well on a single income? it was possible 50 60 70 years ago. things declined and started devolving. Technical breakthroughs in development automating processes in optimizing of every system. no problem with today's technology high-tech Society. so who gets the benefits from all this? fewer and fewer actually.
my brain crashed.
f the system. Right now you must take care of yourself, to be able to bring up your children. that's your primary mission. and in normal world that's actually supposed to be your only mission.
at least, if you get by on 0.5, don't panic. try to let your system stabilize on that level for some time. maybe do half dose couple of days a week. i don't think you need to fix everything right now. take a break...
imagine better days ahead. incredible times. a golden age. _just hang on a little more. in as little as a year, things could've turned better, much better. it will turn better. it must it's inevitable>
>you can hold me responsible in case my advice is terrible❤
Omg one time a Dr took me off koledpen and I should of been in the hospital because my daughter had to help me undress and bath and change bed.
I couldn't walk I crawled and omg I was losing it but thank God I did not die .
Should of gotten help as soon as possible but got through it
Yes I used to run NAMI group and I remember a woman that was down to like a tiny piece of koledpen just so she didn't feel sick.
But now since they have different ways to help
But I would like to go back down from three day too one a day.
It seems every time something happens and I feel like I fought an army and right back to the reg dose of koledpen.
But you know we are stronge you showed that to yourself just as I have shown myself.
This koledpen is almost like a very bad drug ppl told me Tracey it's you and God to get through this withdrawal.
But I ll never go through that again without being in the hospital which I said I'd never do again. Hospital thing
But there will be a time when you and I can get off this med but it works best for the anxiety.
Good luck sorry what happened to your family.
Sounds like you got this but always remember you can counsel with someone at home on video.
I did for 15 years not shitting you and mom past away last March I was in shock I than almost passed two weeks after I sat here drinking coffee nothing else so no sodium no potassium barley.
So my whole point was headed that i.m back in councling again been a year. Was every week now he agreed to twice a month but it's the best thing knowing I needed to counsel again.
Good luck you got this.
It’s terrifying and I haven’t gotten far yet and it’s not ok at all. Trying Amanita muscaria again to give another chance
I’m in the pits of hell right now. This has given me hope. So many videos have kept me in a panic loop. This actually helped.
How are you now?
Hope you're feeling better. Look into diet connection to mental health, people get very good results.
I've been through this too.
How are you doing?
Most benzo info I have read regarding the brain focuses solely on what's going on in the synapse. This is the first video I've seen that actually frames some symptoms in terms of maladapted neurological pathways and the way exposure therapy can actually help us rewire our fear responses. I think this is a tremendously important perspective. Huge insight!
Thank you, Mike. And as you point out, this is critical to not only the taper but in getting on top of the pre-existing condition(s) and anything that's manifested. Much of what I used to recover I still use as my daily regimen.
@@PowersBenzoCoaching I tried to reach out to you a many times, I’ve purchased your book as well.
What’s your take on getting surgery or taking other medicines for general things after recovery? Have you personally had any experience with this or had any of your customers gone through this?
@@johnnybaby4036 How are you doing today? Sorry, I just saw this comment.
@@PowersBenzoCoaching hey brother, we spoke over the phone. I’m doing better for sure
Absolutely it’s brilliant !
I walked to the post office today after being bed bound four days. Yay 🙌 2mg of V to go 😅. Love your videos ❤
I'm watching again. Woke up in a full blown panic attack. This video helps calm me.
I tapered klono for 1.5 yrs. Had protracted withdrawal for another 2yrs after my last pill. Doc had me on opioids, ambien and klono for 10yrs. I’m 9 yrs off now and life is good. I lost 4yrs of my life but praise god I still have my life!
I too had panic attacks walking to the mailbox. I pushed the boundaries too… going to the grocery store…. Was 💯 scary!
Your story sounds like mine
Anxiety sufferer...
Best thing i ever did was go all natural. Stop getting drunk, exercise, cold showers, breathing, fasting, earthing, clean diet, etc.
I was the guy wanting that magic pill. You have to put in the work if you truly want to heal. Its by far the BEST route.
Yeah sure you did
Best comment I've ever read thank you
When night time falls,that's the worst,especially when sleep is a danger rather than a comfort.
Im 90 days in for some reason my symptoms only come after 9pm. Heart palpations, anxiety, trembling etc
@@W1HURI Its anxiety,and that's what does it.First remove all stressors in your life,be it friend or family.It's very uncomfortable but
it won't kill you,just remember that.Let it flow through you until it dissipates into thin air.
I know from experience,first hand knowledge
about the whole gamut of anxiety and depression,i've been a patient of it for many years now.
Take in some deep breaths and slowly let it out.If you are having trouble sleeping,take some Benadryl in liquid form to help in calming you and aid in falling asleep.It's safe to take and non habit forming.
Prayer is always good when NO one is around,God will ALWAYS BE THERE.
Literally my blood pressure shoots up I'm like 110 days off klono absolute terror first 60 days were hell then it got better for 40-45 days now it's much worse idk what's wrong and night time i feel scared literally my head feels like I'm wearing a numbing hat
@@Thisisalt5465did you taper
@@tigerlily9234 nope cold i reinstated 2 time In 113 days but I don't take those as set backs I always move forward.... The more you keep yourself into group and reasearch on these things symptoms starts now I don't look at things symptoms will keep coming
I am coming off this week after a 1 1/2 taper off benzos and I couldn’t have watched this at a better timing, hell is an understatement of what we go through. Thank you for this video you have given me hope 🙏
Thank you. Godspeed on your continued healing. Believe in your recovery!
The freaken thinking is multiplied by 1 million thoughts a second
Glad you survived. Did you feel brain lock, like you didn't understand a simple thing and become overwhelmed of any normal things can't understand that people can live their lives normally?
I was prescriped a big amount of benzo and doctor didn't warn me and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug.
Two tapers went badly wrong.
Now tapering Ashton manual and have no power and have so long time to go that I could get on zero. I fear brain lock is permanent. I feel depersonalization and derealisation and am mostly alone because I'm just tell my hell all the time to my loved ones and feel like I'm in a different reality from other people. Thank you if you can answer.
Sharon, how are you today?
Congratulations 🎉 I have about 4 months to go I can’t wait to be were you are ♥️
Thank you so much for making this. Gave me more hope
At the same time saddened while thankful to hear testimonials like yours as I know we were not alone .
15:55 How many people would LIVE for their family? I love this line so much. As somebody who has come off Methadone 120mg (taper), CT (Cold Turkey) Vyvanse, Tapered of Lyrica, buspar/celexa/cymbalta/latuda come off all those, quit soda, social media, smoking, and working on porn while i rack up days with smoking/vaping abstinence, I will say 100% you are a hero, not just for what you went thru and survived, but for sharing this story with people like me to show there's always hope!!!
Were you ever on benzos long term?
@@fittyleben9680I am and hardly have reduced enough and antidepressants was super easy in comparison of even only hanging a b for a week. Lyric is awful withdrawal too but I had a Benz during so it wasn’t just being on nothing
@@fittyleben9680 10+ years
@@fittyleben9680 Forgot that one but yes I also tapered off Klonopin. Used to take 4 bars of xanax a day in 2016 and had to go CT from them. That was a nightmare.
Supervised methadone taper is a cakewalk compared to getting off benzos... particularly Xanax (the most pernicious legal benzo).
Jesus christ, that doctor is evil. I'm genuinely glad to hear your voice speak with such pride at this point. This is such a bag of mixed feelings. Can't believe these doctors get away with this shit. Subscribed! Looking forward to explore your world and videos.
Its coming up to 1 year of being benzo free in 1 week....much of it i owe to you and your videos for pushing me through the final hurdles.
I'm so happy for you! Happy to have been able help motivate you and keep you believing in your healing. Sometimes, that's all we need. Godspeed on your continued success!
@@PowersBenzoCoaching Thank you so much and God bless you, hope to support to you as much as i can for everything youve helped with me without knowing it, youre doing great work. Now that im better its almost impossible to imagine how hopeless it felt like a year ago in withdrawal. I cant believe i even am where i am now. Thank you so much man.
@@dahjeekwenglee5909 Thank you so much my friend. Godspeed!
@@dahjeekwenglee5909 how r u now
@@sangeetalambh6389 I can honestly say im happy, content at peace. This time last year it was impossible to even imagine being anywhere near how i feel now. Its generally a sense of freedom and joy.
You helped me so much. I do not have the words to tell how YOU saved my life. I have a son that is older than you. But YOU saved my life. Thank you again.
Thank you my friend! That means so much to me!
I'm coming off xanex and I am in pure absolute hell...I've been searching for answers for a long time... No answers anywhere whatsoever...... been on this medication for a very long time... I appreciate you trying to help... Thank you...
Yeah opiates were easy compared to this... unbelievable
How are you now. I am at 4.5 months and really suffering.
You gotta taper.
Great video Dave. It really is so helpful to know that someone went through the same hell and got through it and how you got through it. Thank you!
Thank you!
I'm only 3 minutes in and you have described exactly what I've been going through regarding "health anxiety." I had open heart surgery October 2022 and ever since every little weird feeling or pain would cause me extreme anxiety causing me to just spiral.
I have been on Xanax for the past 6 months and recently had a bad withdrawal from running out early that sent me to the ER. Ever since that incident my anxiety is worse and the xanax isn't even working like it used to. I'm planning to crossover to Valium in a couple weeks and start my taper. I wish I never got on these devil meds.
Keep strong and keep working on your recovery. I'm 10+ years removed and I'm not on any meds and living a good life.
Yes. I am too. Only on 3 months. Had no clue I was in withdrawl.
Good luck. You can do it if you’re determined. I would also like to switch to diazepam but I’m not working with any doctors at the moment. Looking into that right now. I’ve managed to taper with Xanax cutting my dose down from 3mg/day to 1.25 mg now within a few weeks. I know that’s much faster than most would attempt or recommend but I’m determined to get off this shit.
Keep up this work my friend it’s a very misunderstood desaese . Government won’t help . We can a get better and survive this disease . Keep up the lords work
You're great man. Needed that breath of fresh air. It's been a tough August.
Thank you, my friend. Deep breath. Better months are around the bend.
And God Bless you Dave, well done video. Like the way you point blank discuss the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. A great reminder to a benzo brain that this is normal. Overall this came at a good time in my taper. Feel like you just refilled my lungs with fresh oxygen to keep marching forward with my head up. Thanks for sharing your story!
That's great, Rick. Keep going, brother You'll be there soon enough and eventually this will be some distant bad dream. Straight and narrow is the path I believe. Ebb and flow, keep moving, keep believing. Refuse to be beaten!
Took me two years to get off benzos - NEVER AGAIN
1 year off now. Good on you mate
Can I ask the duration of use. My son was on klonopin 10 years now is on ashton method . He was put on 10 mg of valium now he us 4 months in ar 3.75 mg valium and he us not doing well. Deoressed ..hopeless..insomnia..not good
You’re very well spoken! 3.5 years and getting close. Yahoo!
Thank you and keep going! You'll get there!
Your a good guy man, respect. ❤
I have been taking ativan for 1 month and also stopped it abruptly and that was the moment my neck spasm returned. Now I'm tapering off having a major neck spasm and I hope it'll go away after quitting it for good.
I am in absolute hell, hearing your story gives me hope
I am so glad I found your channel. I tapered and took last benzo on December 12, 2020. I am post 9 months and it went so well but when I hit my 8 month post I went into acute withdrawals. They’ve been on and off and today I’m at 9 months and again horrific horrific withdrawals. I feel defeated and told my dog I’m going to die. That’s what I felt all day and cried all day long. Thank you for this channel and your words.
Hey Mary. Sorry to hear you're struggling so far out. If you had a good taper and several months post benzo, I think you will be fine soon. The wave should end. What is most curious is what brought this wave on? Recent stressors? Triggers? Have we been exercising and doing our exposure or has it been a particularly stressful period with little exercise and sociableness?
Mary how R you doing now?
Awesome to hear your story man! Thank you for helping the benzo community! Your videos gave me a lot of hope during my benzo hell...im 1 year 8 months off now and doing much better. You have been a blessing ❤
That's great to hear. When I see comments like yours I want to announce them with a bullhorn to the others! See, everyone, healing is REAL! Keep going, my friend,. Godspeed ~
David how r u now friend
@@sangeetalambh6389 really good, id say 100% healed...it was HELL and I was suicidal at times and fearful of losing my job and my family...but im on the other side of it now...how far into withdrawl are you?
@@sangeetalambh6389 i was on klonopin for 10 years
@@DavidicServant Hi, glad you have survived.
Did you feel brain lock, like you don't understand a simple thing and become overwhelmed of any normal things and can't understand that people can do normal things and live their lives normally? And also depersonalization and derealisation.
I have agoraphobia and normal I'm confident, active social person.
I was prescriped a big amount of benzo and doctor didn't warn me and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug.
Two tapers went badly wrong, too quick. Now tapering Ashton manual and have so long time to left and get to zero. I am so exhausted. Hope you all the best.
You are truly amazing and give me hope. You have talked me off a ledge so many times and it not only comes from your tender heart but in your educating us and giving us hope. They don’t call it Benzo hell for nothing.... you are open and honest about it but give us tools in which to at least try and cope instead of stewing in that that Benzo sludge we get bogged down in. So take a bow David Powers...... you succeeded in your war with Benzo’s and you are sure to help in teaching others to put their Benzo shield up to thwart off the missiles being fired at us on a minute by minute basis.
Thank you so much, Teri. You've been great and you're always so supportive. Can't thank you enough!
Teri how r u now
Thank you. My doctor has me on a slow taper off benzos. It is scary. I appreciate you sharing your story.
Live for my family. Shared experience. Truly. I subbed 🎉
You learn a lot from it, it’s the worst thing someone can go through.
It can be a life changer.
Great video! Absolute legend. Every one in withdrawal (and others for that matter) need to see your videos. More comforting and reassuring than most. Hearts out to you Dave ❤️
Thank you so much!
Damn dude how did I just find this channel? I jumped almost 8 months ago. Big improvements so far but like you know, it’s up and down, back and forth.
How are you doing now?
@@opeyemiyusuf8965 pretty good. Like 95%
BLESS YOUR HEART for sharing HOPE !!! I'm currently titrating off of 45 + years of clonopin for sleep, All prescribed by Dr's, legit all the way. It's been HELL !!! You're giving many of us much needed Encouragement to get off of this Evil Drug.
Thank you!
wow what a sad story you have so much courage you deserve to be happy most doctors are arrogant and incompetent
Great video . I’m tapering off of aprozalam , probably down to .25-.5 mg a day at night . I have anxiety and don’t sleep well . I’m also pretty old . Almost 60 . Thanks . This all started kicking in in my early 40’s. I had a job in a bank . I hated it .
How many months did u take it
Yes! We as people need to address the 'phobias'/OCDs that start a person going to their doctors to get help and then get prescribed benzos. You are a wonderful person sharing your experiences. Doctors are quick to rush to help with peoples phobias by prescriptions.
It is very sad, even tragic, especially because phobias respond VERY WELL to exposure therapy. It's very treatable stuff, albeit very hard work.
Thank You 🙏! “People often say they would die for someone, but would you live for them? ❤❤❤❤ God bless you for sharing your story, your insight and hope. You’re a miracle and an angel.
Today is my last dose! I am very happy for this goal, there is NOTHING like being off clonazepam. It wasn't easy, I did an 8 month taper went from 1mg to 0. I had intermittent windows and waves I know this is not the end of withdrawal but I am positive about what awaits me.
I encourage you to continue your journey and never give up, it can be painful but it's worth it.
Thanks David for your videos, they were too useful to me. I will be updating from time to time how withdrawal is going
Much love !!
That's amazing! Congrats! Godspeed on your continued recovery. Keep doing the good work and please keep us updated :)
Can u help me please 😢
Pablo...can u please help me out. Please
@@nancyguzman4685 of course!
@@nancyguzman4685 Do you speak spanish?
I really needed to hear this. You’ve given me more hope than I had this morning. Thank you so much for sharing your story. ❤
Majorly cutting back on the sugar intake and carbs intake really really helps getting off benzos.
Yes..a bit..yes
If you don't mind me asking how does it help
@@traceyduty6440I heard it’d helps w mylein sheath/nerves and regulates blood sugar but I haven’t cut carbs enough
And cut off coffee for sure.
Thank you David, started listening to this. Decided to walk. walked pretty far around my neighborhood. It was difficult but I did it while listening to this🥰🥴♥️
Thanks for sharing! I’m clueless when it comes to benzos appreciate the perspective
Awesome video man. Ive watched a lot of videos but this was so spot on and exactly what I needed to hear.
The fatigue really is something else. People that havent gone through it just have no foundation to comprehend how debilitating it is.
Hi bro! How are you feeling now? When did you quit Benzos?
@hamanthkumar3843 i took my last xanax about 8 days ago. Its been rough. Worat part is the insomnia. I was on ambien for a while too which i quit about 3 weeks ago. Now i only take 300-900mg of gabapentin at night and some over the counter stuff to help sleep. I get anywhere from 2-5 hours a night on average.
The gabapentin is next to go. Its been super up and down and i suspect im in for at least a few more months of uncomfortable withdrawals before I start deeling somewhat back to normal
Hi David. Thanks for the video, I'm in so much pain.. I was thinking of re instantiate. Never did.. Just the pain is so bad. Thanks for the hard work you do for us. Much love. 🙏🕊️
Hardest thing ever
I give you so much respect man. I am still going through opiate withdrawl after a month.
Opiot withdrawal doesn't take more than two weeks once you stop taking them.
Do not take the suboxone, you will regret it. It is very difficult to stop taking.
was on klonopin 0.5 at bedtime for 15 years.. tapered for 19 months.. its been 18 months totally off... not easy HELL,, but I love challenges......its over now but every once in a while I feel a little withdrawal.....good luck to whoever id tapering...
Brilliant neuro plasticity is the key to recovering from anxiety disorders / nervous system dysregulation after benzos
?
I am proud of you!❤
I cannot even watch this video as get too anxious as I am so so frightened. I am tapering but struggling so severely.
Hi David. See you reacted with an emoji to this post. I have been trying to contact you on e mail to ask hiw you will contact me if I book a consultation as I am not in USA
Your still scared of the shit you been through don't make it self watch learn to meditate or calming music or Bible stories for bedtime
Thank you for this. I'd want to say more but I can't type right now, but finding you might be the help I'll need to do this. God bless
Finally a great benzo story , too many horror stories what breaks u !! Ur correct about keeping busy if u can ! Thank u
My journey to Benzos started from a car accident and neck injury as well. I have three herniated discs in my neck and no curve, causing awful migraines.
I was also on Valium for 4yrs. It was great at first.
My doctor also told me to get back on it after stopping on my own. I got back on and eventually decided to
I taper off over the course of about 7 months. I lost my job and was unable to hold down a job.
I’m pretty healed from the Benzos but neck is still all jacked up.
One thing that helped me was a nerve block in my neck. It literally kept me from getting a migraine for 9 months. That’s a miracle for me.
I also applied for disability and was denied.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Very well said. You are a very intelligent person. Please make you’re documentary. But please please also add the terrible protracted wiltdrawal a lot of us are having from antidepressants ( me, woman 65 and 35 month after stopping AD’s) I am healing. A lot of windows and waves. Please add us in you’re film. Thank you☺️🙏🌹
When did your windows start?
Immediately. Had them after first month in protracted. Thought I could go back to work…. Did not realise how bad I could be 1 day later. Always had them. They were very nice. But my waves were terrible. Some short some long. Not predictable. Feeling better but not there yet. Take care
Same story i had throat problem . Had mri nothing showed. Had ultrasound had endoscophy . Then Ativan came to my life. It fixed it but withdrawals jesus christ. No doctor ever helped me get out of it. I had to do it on my own.
Me 2
as of right now , withdrawing from 4 mg of klonopin , tapered down to 0.8 mg .. it`s been pure hell ...along with tramadol (400 mg a day , down to 200mg) It` s always good to find people you can relate to. Thank you for sharing , good luck bro!
That's a hell of a taper my friend! Keep strong, you're ALMOST there! Engage your healing
Si glad you're still here brother. What a warrior you are 👍
So, I was buying bottles of Xanax and Ativan, Valium from a person I know. I was also prescribed klonopin 2mg/day. I was drinking heavily drinking too. I was eating the benzos I had like tic tacs running through a bottle in 4-7 days. Usually 30ct bottles. I did this for years. When I finally stopped I went into treatment and was given phenobarb for maybe a week after being cut cold turkey from everything I was consuming. 2-3 weeks into my detox I started having involuntary leg and arm movements/ twitching and this went on for months. I thought I’d never return to normal but the twitching finally started to subside after months. I was terrified. I’m now back on Ativan (shake my head) and trying to taper off them. Taking my time this go-round. Sometimes doctors suck or just don’t understand what you’re going through or what you’re doing. Agreeing to be pulled off all those benzos in one fell swoop was just idiotic and I guess I blame myself as well but I’ve have so many physicians just try and drop my benzos. If you’re like me you need to taper very slowly!
Benzos should not be prescribed, period. They should only be used in emergency situations or before and after surgery. People get them for what they think is a lot of anxiety only to find out they were a 1/10 compared to what happens later from the benzos. Not worth it. The scary thing is sometimes people can have years of debilitating issues from 3-4 week daily use (low dose).
You have a gift for storytelling, some of the things you said and the way you worded them made me feel like i'm not alone in this. It's all too relatable.
Not SSRI either. Destroyed my life. In WD Hell 1 year off after fast taper. Its the same.
F off. It doesn't work for you -- you are not everybody.
Klonopin has probably kept me from being drunk in a gutter somewhere.
You have COMPLETELY nailed my experience. Finally! Been searching for that person who says it exactly how I have been. Appreciate your time to make this. Wow it sums me up 💯
2 weeks, it should be like2 years ish , maybe longer. It’s terrifying how much they give and then try to take and how little they know about how to do it unless it’s Ashton method. It is like psychologically burning even halting it a week or being out a few days and I have not gotten far. Sadly I get tons of these symptoms even on 2 mg a night and thinking about how I’ve felt when I took less and I get the high places thing as it seems better than burning. Thank you for the video and I’m so glad you got off these!
I've been on 20mgs valium a day for 15yrs I decided to stop and had a Grand Mal Seizure so i started again. I had no idea of the dangers of stopping .
Thank you for sharing
Bless you too.
This is really helpful
Thank you for making these videos you may have saved my life man. I have been 11 months clean of benzos but still have protracted symptoms. The way that worked for me for me was making a general list of tasks and breaking them into micro ones to keep my stress level down. I went from not being able to leave my house this time last year to being able to drive 15 miles away from home 3 times a week now. But I had to plan and schedule and commit to a daily routine. I had to basically plan my way out of the hell I was in but I had to start with baby steps and build from there. I aint gonna lie I felt like offing myself a thousand times. But I could hear my dead mothers voice in my head saying dont do it please dont do it. I went from being totally out of it to being 35% myself again but it took me just about year to get here. Slowly but surely is how it has been. I feel as if I am Dante going through the Inferno.
Alice how r u now
How long did you take them and how much did you take everyday? And what did your tapering down look like before you quit completely? Thanks so much.
I’ve been tapering for a year it certainly feels like forever but down very low now it’s rough
15:49 the lights flickered after you were talking about your grandpa
Thankyou for sharing your story. It really resignated with me and what im going through.
Almost 9 months off. Bad week tired all the time but i m better with time. Hate this journey is not linear on bad days fear of going thru all again is huge...
Hi I’ve been there and even worse. Your testimony sounds to me and from the bottom of my heart thanks 🙏. My Name is Dave to by the way . One love brother
Thank you, brother. Keep strong. Keep moving.
I'm going to order your book for a friend of mine with chronic depression. What you're saying covers everything that causes us angst - from depression, to anxiety, to withdrawals. I've seen a lot about withdrawing (my journey was getting off opioids) but it focuses on mostly how to cut back - but you're talking about how to get mentally and psychologically stronger along the way - not just being drug free.
Also, I've broken my tail bone and it was horrendously painful.
This was great.
The issue with the goverment is that specific individuals get hired to run the FDA after they work for big pharma. Pharma companies are also the biggest lobbying donors.
Thank you for the videos. Saved my life.
Thank you. Godspeed on your continued recovery and success my friend!
So sorry to hear about your neck injury. These Doctors have no idea the negative after effects to these drugs. I relate to your story. I'm 4 years free & still getting the post symptoms from brain, stomach, body. Damaged CNS, are we ever going to heal. This is not the life I should be dealing with this. One day at a time moving forward to getting better. My true self is not physically living in this life.
Benzos cause stomach and other body problems? I never knew can you please get a hold of me I want to learn and hear it from someone that has gone through it
Thank you
Tracey
How much were you on? For how long,? And what drug?
Been going through a similar thing, I went through withdrawal many times on and off xanz/alcohol for years never lasted long term though. This time around started taking klonopin for 15 months, went to a center they tapered me off within 7 days which I had no choice at that point. Have been dealing unbearable Symptoms mentally thinking about going back on them but being 3 months off seeing this video is giving me some faith things will get better.
How are you going now?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. It's so empowering to realize that I"m not alone. The monophobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, chronic depression. And I've lived the nightmare of panic attacks while checking the mail. I've even had them taking showers! My worst attacks happen while driving. Now, I have Chronic Vascular Ischemic Disease of the brain which could be partly due to the 24 years of xanax use. I know I have to get off the meds, but I am absolutely terrified because the last time I tried, I had nightly seizures as soon as I hit REM sleep. I am currently seeking professional help for the xanax addiction.
@@nikkinikki6570 come check out our private recovery school. Might be your tribe. Keep your head up, my friend!
thank you for posting your story on benzo withdrawal . I've been following your videos for a while and they've given me much hope and inspiration through my own struggle. I've managed to be completely off benzos for 18.3 months and I still have quite a ways to go before I feel something closer to normal. I've managed in the last six months to get myself a job start exercising regularly and to start doing the things I enjoy that I wasn't able to before like gaming writing and watching Star Trek, thought that was hilarious when you said Star Trek help you get through because it was one of the only things I was able to do in the early days of withdrawal. Judging by your timeline and other timelines and information I've found I believe I have at least another 10 to 30 months before I'm able to enjoy life the way that I used to before I was addicted to this medication, but this video gave me a reminder that I still have a ways to go and still have a lot of healing to do which was extremely encouraging because I was at a point where I got stuck on thinking that that this was as much as I would heal. I took a closer look and realized that I have healed more than I thought I had even within a few months I hadn't realized that I am doing better and that the progress was just so slow I thought I had reached the end of my healing. Taking a second look I've realized now that things are going to most likely get much better. Your approach and strategies are very intelligently designed and make a lot of sense in an easily understandable . up the good work and thanks for everything!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words and I'm so happy to hear of your amazing progress. That's just wonderful. Everyone needs to read your comment. I suspect you do have some more time to heal, but I would encourage you to not focus too much on that. Instead, focus on getting better in all ways. Spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, nutrition, writing, etc. Just keep refining and moving the ball forward. Emphasize balance in all that you do, balance, grace, patience and optimism. In this way, we pick up pace, we gain momentum, and we healer even quicker. Like Alan Watts' often said, "we can swim by gripping the water."
Andrew how r u now frd
@@sangeetalambh6389 3 months later at 22.1 months off I feel even better now...my apetite is back and I'm less tired anxious and depressed even still. All in all much better
@@andrewpinkus5555 did u feel a flat feeling like depersonalization in ur withdrawal please aans my frd
Been fighting evil panic attacks since childhood!! On benzodiazepine for 30yrs! I'm obviously addicted! 😰😰😰😰 I can relate to all you've stated!!!!!!!!! I so want to NOT be dependent! As hellish it is! Your video gives me hope. Thank you. God bless
Thank you! How are you doing in your fight to recovery? It's a hellish high mountain to climb, but we CAN do it and life is worth it on the other side. I hope you're doing well!
@@PowersBenzoCoaching my body has developed a tolerance so it's mighty rough to put it mildly. By God's grace I'm fighting it. Forcing myself to do thing's.
Its really crazy how brain can destroy you its a powerful machine
I have depression and extreme anxiety but man you go through real hell
I have been through opiate and benzo withdrawal and benzo is harder and lasts longer. Cravings are worse for opioids though.
Best of luck everyone
Great video, David. Very helpful
:)
Thank you so so so much for your story! I am 4 months completely off of klonopin after being on it for 8+ years, in PAWS, but I'm going to keep going! You have inspired me! Thank you! Can you make a video on chemical sensitivity?/anxiety? Thanks! 🧡🧡🧡
Thank you. And congrats! Keep up the great work! I have a lot of videos on recovery. Also, what do you. mean by chemical sensitivity/anxiety? As in smelling other chemicals, etc?
@Powers Benzo Coaching thank you! Not necessarily smelling chemicals, but I found out the hard way that I can't tolerate supplements now as well as other medications, I've also been scared after being apart of the benzo groups on fb saying to stay away from antibiotics etc.
Hi, Ive been on it 5 years, tryed to get off im onky on .5mg Clonazapam. May i ask what you did to get off. Im going through hell at moment, and need just little advise. Thank you
@@junior4984 hello! So my psychiatrist would not prescribe it for me any longer after not detecting the drug in my urine anymore. So I didn't have a choice in the matter. I did a fast taper over 3 months and it was hell but I can say now I don't regret it! Now I'm 7 months off and I still have WD symptom but overall getting better each day. My taper was from 1-2mg daily cutting down to 0.5mg, then 0.125mg then off completely, like I said over the course of 3 months. So I stayed on each dose until my body sort of leveled out. Hope this helps! There's also a big community on FB with lots of resources on tapering. Good luck and God Bless.
Paws?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that just cuz I’m feeling horrible again doesn’t mean I’m not healing it means it’s non linear. But ultimately there r people who never get a break like me and heal still.
That is a wonderful insight. I'm actually working on a new video on precisely that topic. Godspeed!
Ended up in the ER last night, trying to come off Clonazepam 3mg daily for 9 years. I was treated quite poorly like I was attempting to “drug seek” by the ER physician who just ended up giving me more Klonopin until I can see my GP. I have experienced opioid withdrawal, but this is much worse in my opinion, and the time frames for tapering are quite daunting, but I am willing to do and try anything because life is a nightmare right now! Thank you very much for sharing this video as it has given me some hope!
Plz be aware that part of aka/ benzo withdrawal is intense muscle pain. I've noticed that some people aren't aware of this and they have unnecessary surgeries.
Thank you for your story, very inspiring!!
Yesterday when i woke up from 2 hour sleep after work it was panic attack i slowly got out of bad and make a coffee took me two hours to slowly stabilise myself man this is horrible
Hi David. I had no idea that you went through benzo withdrawal. I am so proud of you. I'm in my 3rd month of tapering off of valium and still have to taper off of klonopin after that. I have about 2 years of tapering to go. I've been on them for 15+ years. This isn't my first time trying to get off them. Last time, I ended up in delirium tremens. This time I'm doing things differently and I will succeed. I found your videos by accident and said 'Oh, I know that guy.' lol. I couldn't believe it. I watched three so far. They are very inspiring and give me hope. I'm so glad to see that you came out the other side of the hellish nightmare. I'm happy to see that you're still creating art. Xo faith and hope are so powerful when getting off these drugs and I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story.
Hey! I'm so happy to hear from you, although I'm sorry it's under these circumstances. Just goes to show how many people these drugs truly impact. More and more of my friends are finding themselves in this hellish ride.
I've got a lot of content, as you can see, on the topic of all things benzos, and I believe I've got the best approach to recovery. As you will hear me say time and time again, benzo recovery is more than just tapering off the drugs. Even that has to be done just right, with the right timing, and I believe, while also "lulling" and "pushing".
This creates a kind of balancing act of dualities. Lulling is learning to calm the hyper vigilant nervous system while pushing is learning how to push back agains the symptoms. In this way, with some really refined strong skillsets, we can rewire our brain even, while we are healing.
Keep strong my friend! You will heal, and you're going to come out of this even stronger and more refined, more resilient! One last immediate word of advice. Avoid forums and benzo rumination. It's quicksand and poison.
@@PowersBenzoCoaching Thank you so much. You are doing a beautiful service for many people, and I'm blessed that I came across your channel. I definitely stay away from forums and benzo rumination for the most part because as you've said most of it is poison. I'm interested to know how I could potentially work with you as a client if that's a possibility. I was especially interested in exposure therapy and cognitive reframing. I'd like to work with you one on one if possible. Let me know. God bless.
@@PowersBenzoCoachingForums are deadly😢
Thanks for all you do❤
I’m proud of you 🙏🏻
Enjoyed your help and story I have to look at estrogen; always a problem sinceI was 17 with sleep!!
Thank you my friend! I appreciate all the support :)
Is yours too high ? Mine is a bit high, cortisol and adrenaline insulin too
Had sleep issues since I was a kid
Thank you so much brother
Thank you my brother!
I tapered off 2mg xanax nightly habit in my mid 20s with relative ease. Dont know how i did it. I was smoking a lot of weed back then . Couple months and was back to normal.
Excellent video, thank you for sharing your story & how you survived. You’re such a blessing to the benzo community. I’m 3.5 years off Klonopin & need to put in some more work towards healing. I read your book years ago during w/d but need to re-read it again! I like your 1 hour a day suggestion w/the 4 things to do for 15 min each. Definitely do-able! Might need help on the Cognitive Re-framing part.
That's terrific. Thank you so much. I'll try and put out some more videos on the cognitive reframing aspect of things. 1 hour a day can be a real game changer!
Oceanskye how r u now frd
Thanks Dave great video!
Glad you liked it!
Man im coming off a lot of benzos and suboxin your a soilder.
I was taking 6-12 mg of alprazolam daily for over a decade. Started having seizures if I went without for over a day, then my doctor (who gave it to me in the 1st place) refused to refill my script. So, I went cold turkey. Worst month of my life but I most definitely learned my lesson.
just a month? damn you got off easy, happy for you! ❤
wow! 6-12mg and went cold turkey is amazing in just a month. you really must have went through a month of hell!! God bless.