I was on Klonopin for a couple of years, never misused it, always took it as prescribed. My physician never told me how dangerous this drug was, particularly the withdraws. It was by far the worse hell Ive ever experienced. I honestly thought I was going crazy and as a result ended up in a detox facility. I will never, ever take another benzo as long as Im breathing. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies are in bed together and its disgusting that they exploit patients for their own benefit. I have not taken a benzo in five years and could not be happier. I really appreciate your story
The most evil drug ever invented, by a long shot. Benzo withdrawal makes quitting heroin, fentanyl, and the rest look like a walk in the park on a gorgeous summer day. It's the most horrifying experience one can endure, and I see why so many people choose to just stay on them indefinitely. My heart goes out to all who are courageously battling this monster. Just remember, it will get better, but the only way out is through. God Bless you all.
I’ve been on them for four months, how long should I taper? Am I gonna go through the same pain that everyone else has when they’ve been on them for years? Should I just stay on them for life at this point?
@@todd9792 Four months? Knowing what I know now, after the living hell I went through withdrawing after being on them a year, I would rip the bandaid off and just stop because I know, for me anyway, the suffering would have been manageable and I’d be OK in not a long while. If you want my advice, stop either cold turkey or taper down fast and be done with that evil shit. Dude, you only four months in. The pain of stopping will be nowhere near as bad as if you were on them for a year or multiple years. I can’t even get my head around staying on them for life, especially now that I’m OK. Get out now while you can. Don’t get yourself trapped in hell.
@@kencabeen7786 thank you so much for the advice, my anxiety has been so bad about it reading too many comments of people in that hell, I just wasn’t sure what to do but thank you so much, I’ll ween off, and I’m not ever touching it again. Because it’s already been hellish, I barely even knew any info about how bad it could get.
@@todd9792 Everyone is different, so it can vary widely. But I can tell you for sure that it’s only going to get worse the longer you wait. Stop reading horror stories about withdrawals! I made the same mistake and I think it made it worse than it had to be. You can do it, Todd. You deserve peace of mind and you’ll have it if you get off the benzos and any other drugs that may be in the picture and get to working on the root cause(s) of your emotional distress. I’m praying for you.
Well said, the general public has no idea how many people suffer with this exact same thing and isolate themselves thinking there's something wrong with their character.
It feels so liberating to finally have an answer! I've been off of benzos for 10 years. I still have waves of high CNS activity. The tremors, the muscle weakness, dizziness, & muscle twitching/jerking, & cognitive impairment. It's much better now but still comes & goes. I thought I had Parkinsons or something! My anxiety disorder is from a CNS that's stuck in hyperactivity. At least I have learned how to manage all that. It's a huge relief just to know that it isn't just me. It's not as simple as an anxiety/panic disorder that I can't control. I'm not crazy & this is very real. At least I know now that when I have bouts of tremors what's going on. It's not a panic attack but it definitely will cause me to panic when it happens. The uncontrollable muscle movements cause the panic attack. Not the other way around. This might all sound bad but I'm really in a good place now. I can learn coping skills & manage my symptoms. My symptoms aren't as severe & I have long bouts of times when I feel normal & happy.
@ladyscarfaceangel4616 I am so glad u are somewhat getting better. I wish u all the best on getting better. U r a warrior for stopping benzos. I have a long journey ahead of me.
Thank you for sharing. Positive, hopeful benzo survivor stories seem hard to find. People who are courageous like you & share their experiences are a blessing.
I was klonopin for 25 years and off for now for 28 months. I missed the better part of my adult life because of klonopin. I’m happy for you being so young, getting your life back and spreading the word to others. Thank you.
I'm so happy for you. I've been on it for 25 years. I've made a couple of attempts and I totally lost it. Even tapering I went into a deep psychosis. I couldn't stop my body from constantly moving and was in a near state of continuous panic. I also sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage some years back and that has complicated things.
@NMW80 It's been a roller coaster. I generally average 4-5 hours a night. I also have to be strict with my sleep hygiene. Lights off at same time every night. Absolutely no caffeine after mid afternoon and very limited. Certain ambient sounds can help some with relaxation to help fall asleep. I do periodic tapers that I've researched to have more efficacy for a period, but I don't recommend it as I'm not qualified at all too.
Those of us who have endured the gauntlet are living proof anxiety can absolutely be managed and in many cases resolved WITHOUT being dependent upon a toxic substance. Congratulations on getting free.
I been off all meds for 40 months now and im still totally sick. Clonazepam is evil. Will i ever get better? I have tried everything. Im sticking to my guns for the moment but i need a life. Your a inspiration brother. Thank you.
It amazes me everytime I hear people getting off of it. It's something one has to experience to truly know the kind of suffering that can be involved. I hope your body and mind continues to heal.
Godbless you John , I am so happy for you! That’s a miracle , you are very strong. 💜 I went off cold turkey 19 yrs. Ago almost died. No one told me of the physical dependency . I was so Naïve I didn’t know what was wrong with me, because the withdrawals didn’t start til 5 days later, thought I was getting the flu. Was on for1yr. took maybe 500 - 800 pills not sure. But my mom had taken some when she was younger and she never told me about withdrawal, she said she never got it , I doubt it! I’ve been on them for 20 yrs. Don’t think I can ever get off of them . I could never sleep, anxiety always, I tell family it’s the worst hell I’ve ever been through! Worse than major major heart surgery! Seriously heart surgery was a walk in the park compared to benzodiazepine ups and downs, & constant withdrawals. But I turned back to Jesus when I had heart surgery and had no fear at all of it. BENZO withdrawals are from hell. How many people pray and say God take me home to heaven or heal me I can’t take it anymore. If it wasn’t for God , I wouldn’t be here. Sorry for the long msg. Hope you are still okay now! ✝️
@@hollymcgovern8458 Hi, sorry I just came back to see what I wrote on here , I don’t get a lot of notifications. Still the same, I am praying more though and need deliverance from Jesus. It’s actually been since 2001 since I have been on these I need major deliverance. That’s my only hope. I have to be careful because of my heart. I have seen people delivered from drugs and alcohol and other addictions . I haven’t had prayers of deliverance for this as far as I can remember . I am hanging in , I think this year something has got to give. Tired of living like this.😢
@@hollymcgovern8458I’m on them ,probably for life too hard to go through withdrawals when I had 4 heart surgeries (from something I was born with) and THEY say I have heart failure . I should have died from my heart but I’m still here and I thank God everyday. I’m expecting miracles, ( I’ve had them before) well, going back to sleep have to go help my mom a little bit later. She’s 73 almost 74 . Btw I don’t get notifications from here I just checked to see if there was a reply.
Did you end up staying on them? Do you mean you can’t sleep without them? Or you can’t sleep on them? I have severe insomnia and been taking them recently for insomnia and severe anxiety.
Congrats John!! I am a benzo survivor as well. 10 yr klonopin daily dependence. I've been free for almost 6 yrs now. It was so difficult. I did a long taper but even so, I had post acute for two yrs after last dose. I still have ptsd from that period, as does my husband. Nightmare! God bless us all...we do recover.
I've been off xanax benzos 20 months of hell. Cold Turkey. The worst experience of my life. Keep going it does get better. I'm still healing. Hang in there everyone. 🙏
This is @yvettex2976 I am mostly healed now it took many years horrible experience hang on in there and pray. Don't take anything from medical industry they are Evil.
@@NoName-pu5ls Bless you. For some people it can be a living hell. Generally people who are on it that long have a horrible time getting off of it. Some people's systems react somewhat differently and I would imagine a person's preexisting condition must play a significant factor also.
@@ID30394 I hear ya! I was cut off cold once n had a seizure. I was just one of the few lucky people who got off easy with a taper. (Yes you could be right, I have no pre existing conditions) ✌♥️😊🌤🌻
I was on klonopin for 20 years 0.5 at bedtime... tapered for 19 months almost 1 month off.. hope I don't get PAWS...SLOW TAPER IS A MUST...it wasn't easy but I'm off.. NEVER AGAIN EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can i tapper of both clonazepam (0.5 mg) & vortioxetin (10mg) have been using for 3 weeks only.. I don't want to stay on these pills which cannot give me relef rather more I'll feeling.. Please advice me n ur support needed 🙏 I dont wanna regret in future
Your story sounds a lot like mine. I thought I'd be a prisoner to these pills forever. I am happy to say I've been off Klonopin for 51 months now ☺ Don't give up!!
Thanks John. I'm tapering from xanax and I believe I'm close to my jumping off point but scared to do it too soon. I hate being a "chemical hostage". That's really a perfect description. Hope to be off soon.
@@Cinemabuff97 I'm 7 months off klonopin an I'm still in pretty bad withdrawl. Some of the symptoms are better. I can walk around more an stuff. It's gradually getting better. I'd say if I had to guess ittl take another year or so to completely heal. Its difftent for everyone tho. Godbless. My experience In the beginning was terrible cause I was withdrawing In jail for 100 days .I couldn't even leave my cell. Severe confusion,dizziness ,panick attacks,muscle trembling an weakness ,derealization depersonilzation. Depression. Extreme mood swings. Hypersentivity to light am sound. Shakiness. Electrical shocks in my head n in my body .in the beginning of withdrawal I had severe nerve pain in my back n legs. I couldn't hardly walk. I no longer have nerve pain. An I can walk alot better .it's getting better little by little. I think since I'm not in jail it's easier to. I was jail for a probation violation. It was my first time ever going there. It was hell. But yeah it's gradually better. Stay positive man. One thing that's been helping me get threw this is I keep telling myself ittl get better. You gotta have hope. These withdrawls try am tell you ittl last forever but it's not true at all. Separate your thoughts from yourself an the thoughts from withdrawal.
@Dusty Gatrell Wow. Well I'm glad you are getting better. How much Klonopin did you start taking and for how long? I took 2mg of Ativan everyday for about 5 months and on and off since 2019. This is horrible man.
@@Cinemabuff97 I took 1 mg 3 yesrs 1 in a half 3 years an 3 mg 3 yesrs. 9 years. I was also prescribed xanax Ativan sn volume during those years. They kept switching them up. Yeah it's hard to completely stop. If you want the best method. Look up the Ashton manual. I hesr it helps people alot. I would've done it but I couldn't.
I was introduced to benzo by my ex girlfriend after suffering some anxiety at work. Little did I know about the withdrawal symptoms. After taking it for only 2 weeks at 12 mgs twice daily, I am now on day 3 of going cold turkey. It is incredible how fast your body can develop a dependancy on the stuff. I am suffering with severe insomnia up to the point where I am working 3 days straight, just hoping for my body and brain to come to a point of natural rest and tiredness. People please be careful with benzo's, I can only imagine the withdrawal symptoms of long time use. Good luck to everyone recovering and thank you for the video sir.
Fabulous video thankyou John, everything you said resonated with me, I’m weaning slowly myself, doctors are clueless on this subject. I felt your emotion and that you truly care. I am so happy you had the motivation and brains to beat this….well done to you, it is like torture x
IBS (now I'm Vegan) Bladder pain (dribbling after I pee) Nerve pain in feet Nerve pain and tight muscle in/around the male anatomy Abdominal muscles are like a brick wall Rectum and Anus very tight I can't leave the house (Agoraphobia) unless I'm pilled up ..and where are the Doctors to help me? Nowhere. Round 4 tapering off. Wish me luck.
I’m so glad I cut out Ativan after three weeks. Even with that short amount of time, I had some lingering withdrawal issues. But I can see it in his eyes, the abuse his body went through.
Klonopin is the worst medication I’ve ever been prescribed. Been on the drug for about 6 months and now a month in on my detox journey. You need to taper off this medication. I had horrible withdrawals and thought I was going to die one day. Expect to have the worst anxiety and panic ever but I’m getting better each day. The first two weeks will be hell but slowly with tapering you will get better. It’s all your nervous system trying to regulate itself and it takes time. God bless anyone going through this.
I came off cold turkey and think I went into phycosis . And severe depression. It's horrible . I have s script ready but I'm not picking it up . I'll freaking struggle i'dc
@@mattrinehart9348 make sure your medical provider is aware of your detox. And yes it feels awful but I can fully attest it get better my friend!!!! I’m fully off and I can take the occasional benzo in a severe panic attack and be ok. Don’t give up and remember the struggle is part of the journey. Please ensure your medical provider is aware of what you’re doing.
@@MPD_dogmom Yes I'm having hallucinations delusions severe anxiety and brain fog. Irrational thoughts . I'm aware of it. But I didn't have these problems when I got on just panic and anxiety . Now I have depersonalization derealization panics and all kinds of horrible side affects . I told my provider . She put me on latuda to counter ready the symptoms from Klonopin. I will never touch Klonopin again in my life . The script is at Walgreens. But I'm not picking it up. I'll suffer before I do. I think the withdrawals were so severe and debilitating I went into phycosis and it's scary . But I am aware and taking a antipsychotic to help with these symptoms.
To me, Klonopin is like a life reducer that sort of masks pain and anxiety by keeping you drowsy. I have just started what for the most part is a cold turkey withdrawal and I see clearly how my energy expanded pretty immediately even though I'm having increased tension in the body as well as headaches after I wake up and high levels of stress and anxiety. I have more clarity now and I'm already glad I'm off the stuff. Even though I'm suffering I know that this level of discomfort is temporary. There are really tough moments where it feels like death is approaching but those waves always crash down and pass.
@Zage Neva Sometimes during withdrawal you will forget that the irritability and anxiety you're feeling is being caused by the withdrawal. Once your body and mind have readjusted (couple weeks to a month), your anxiety will drastically reduce and you will be happy you got off the stuff. Just remember that it will soon get a whole lot better.
@@RyanStronach thanks I appreciate that so much it’s been two week Since I stop I tamper myself down to 0.25mg and I was only on it for a year and a few months so I’m happy it wasn’t longer and your right it’s about how u look at it and keep pushing forward but these panic attacks and anxiety is a assshole 😩
@Zage Neva I know exactly what you mean. At two weeks in, the worst is probably behind you now. The future is way brighter for both of us now that we're not dulling our senses with that drug.
@@RyanStronach tbh and it’s sad that I was in multiple ers and the was like u can’t go to rehab or detox cause it’s not in your system and told me to ride it out then try to give me some stuff call gabapentin and I was like it changes the brain as well smh 🤦🏾♂️
Please help me, i almost died many times Lorazepam. ..Taken daily 6 years... abruptly stopped because my neck almost closed after i took one. I realised it was not the medication but something else that made my neck and tongue swell. But i stopped it for 3 days. What i forgot to say is that i was in the process of tapering it when i stopped. Now, after 3 months i still fight severe withdawl syptoms? Is it possible? Or i have a ilness that make me faint and causes neurological problems? ... My body dosnt want to function well on 3,5 mg per day, and is from 2 month since i take rhis dose. And my body needs this drug every 8 hours or less...otherwise im going into withdrawal? I faint to often and sometimes my seizures last for ever. My face is white-bluish like im in the process of dying, my legs and feet were the same, but i regained the color. I always have headaches, i cant focus and im lethargic and cant even stand on my feet most of the times. In April this year I was talking 7,5 mg per day :(..not by my choice. In march I started tappering
Magic wears off quickly, you can say that again.. became kindled and in tolerance this last time time around after only 3 months… it’s hell on earth 24 / 7 Benzo flu 🤒
God bless you for making this video! What a great success story. I'm so glad for you and may you continue to feel a hundred percent. I too have successfully gotten off a benzo. It was the hardest few months of my life. Doctors have no clue how to taper people off these terrible drugs. They must learn and act more responsibly. It's malpractice in my opinion not to warn patients and only prescribe them for a short time.
I was on Xanax XR for 3 weeks and had a tolerance of 5mg and they tappered me off rapidly, after 3 months I started taking 10mg clorazepate which is equivelant of 0.5mg of xanax hoping that my cognitions will return and in return I relised that there is something like kindling…. Now im going to have to deal with cognitive deficits for a little while while Im 18 and everyone is having a fun time in the discotechs and shit. I would rather have my old anxiety back then this shit. Im hopeless
Oh John. I’ve been in it for years. I am so happy for you!! I want to give up. You’re an inspiration. Still, only so long a human being can survive this torture. Where for profit medicine intersects with humans in distress.--Medicating Normal 🙏🏻
Really appreciate you sharing this John and congratulations. I don't think there's a more difficult med to get off of due to the physical damage it can do and the long process it takes to wean off of properly. I know of several people damaged from having to come off it cold turkey who got sent to jail. You'd think they'd allow a tapering but it's a strict policy.
They do a rapid taper in UK jail. I know people cut their wrists and hang themselves. I also know a girl they actually reinstated in prison. If you're not on a prescription and you go jail you could well be fucked. And if they do treat you just as you're about to stabilise they Drop your dosage..pure hell ..
I was on Benzos for 14 years. I'm 16 months sober now. Are you saying were injured from the rapid detox and withdrawal, or just being damaged by the drug itself? Please communicate. Thanks
I'm going through it rn. It's been 3 months of hell so far. It feels like it'll never get here. Clonapin withdrawal has given me brain injury and I hope it doesn't last forever.
@timcepin3386 thanks dude. I ended up back on my medicine I couldn't take it. I take much less now though. I hope you feel better soon. I know how relentless it is.
Thanks buddy...currently just finished a taper down from 15 x 10mg diazepam a day to nothing as of three weeks ago. Quite an aggressive taper but I'm off...literally like living in hell at the moment. God bless
I think these negative comments and scaring everyone has to stop, people are already scared enough and most of these people were put on this medication for anxiety and your all making people have more anxiety than they already need, so please stop with all the horror stories it’s not helpful. It’s really putting people in more danger, by some so scared there going to end up going cold turkey. This really needs to stop, not everyone goes through hell. Yes it’s good to get information on this medication but not in this way.
I feel the same with the stimulants for my adhd they used to make me feel good but now it has no effect on me and withdrawals jus make me angry and not want to soicalise
How did you admit you had an addiction? I have a loved one who is slowly deteriorating because of the meds she is on and we cannot get her to admit she has an addiction
I’m still dependent on it 12 yrs now and going through such problems in life I can’t take the time to go to sone detox place - can u tell me how you tapered off and how long and wut else helped trAnsition off .. etc ??? ❤🙏🏻🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️😢😢
Glad you survived. Did you ever feel your brain doesn't function normally and can't understand that people can do normal things and live their normal lives and became overwhelmed of any normal things? I call it brain lock and suffer it all day. Had good healthy social life before my was prescriped a big amount of benzo after trauma and no warnings and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug. Two tapers went badly wrong too quickly and now with Ashton manual. Suffering horrible anxiety, depression that I have never felt (have got though few depression and it was so different) am isolated a lot because I tell my hell all the time to my loved ones and feel like I am in a different reality from other people. I feel depersonalization and derealisation and disconnected from people and enviroment and my loved ones. My partner is waiting me but I'm afraid I won't get through. Thank you if you can answer if you had any problems with brain function. I fear I have permanent brain damage. Have been in this torture since 2021 summer. Not single moment of secure or peace. Have gad but never earlier touched benzo and could function normally and was earlier working over ten years in a busy enviroment in a gym. Now I fear leaving home. Thank you if you can answer if you relate to any of that.
Yes, it's normal, I took benzos for 2 years and stopped them suddenly without reducing the dose, now I'm even afraid of going to the supermarket, to the store, to normal places, I spend my time locked up and I stress over very simple things, everything seems like a job to me very mentally exhausting, strength, I completely understand you
@@tracksdealer666 Thank you. I'm sorry you feel the same. I fear I have permanent brain lock damage and cns and GABA damage. I wake up in awful terror, si, feeling this can't be feeling person can feel. Isolated alone at home. Going crazy everyday. Fear everything. I have 7 mg of valium left. I'm so sad that I was on 8 mg of valium late 2021 (when I had that one stabilizing after rapid taper of oxazepam and had crossover to valium 10 mg and i became normal me, brain lock etc left, but that taper was too quick also and went badly wrong). I don't know how to survive back to normal. Fear of ending up in some mental treatment center forever tortured. All the best to you.
Good news buddy me to 1 1/2 yr now a year ago last Xmas last benzo it’s Been a year 1/2 of hell --mine was Xanax the new designer anxiety med from 10 Yrs ago never took a benzo in life - husband passed doctor thought hood idea lol NOT - I knew nothing “naive as could be - now she’s retired - left here with ridiculous other doctors who no nothing -/ period - so cold Turkey it was - poison that crap is poison hang the ugh I’m from chgo too south suburb now - Take care 🙏--
Definitely a nightmare and cold turkey after 8 month Benzo little blues 2 mg a day having horrible insomnia racing thoughts cramps pain burning skin on upper back after 8 days off Do not take benzodiazepines period 😡
I was on benzos for 40 years. Off now. No Dr knew how to facilitate the tapers. It turned into medical horror.
Trying to stay alive.
Truth
You are AMAZING!!!!
@@rainej7013 ❤️❤️❤️ ty
@@sandywhat2429 😊
Hope you're doing well, sending all my love to you.
I was on Klonopin for a couple of years, never misused it, always took it as prescribed. My physician never told me how dangerous this drug was, particularly the withdraws. It was by far the worse hell Ive ever experienced. I honestly thought I was going crazy and as a result ended up in a detox facility. I will never, ever take another benzo as long as Im breathing. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies are in bed together and its disgusting that they exploit patients for their own benefit. I have not taken a benzo in five years and could not be happier. I really appreciate your story
The most evil drug ever invented, by a long shot. Benzo withdrawal makes quitting heroin, fentanyl, and the rest look like a walk in the park on a gorgeous summer day. It's the most horrifying experience one can endure, and I see why so many people choose to just stay on them indefinitely. My heart goes out to all who are courageously battling this monster. Just remember, it will get better, but the only way out is through. God Bless you all.
I’ve been on them for four months, how long should I taper? Am I gonna go through the same pain that everyone else has when they’ve been on them for years? Should I just stay on them for life at this point?
@@todd9792 Four months? Knowing what I know now, after the living hell I went through withdrawing after being on them a year, I would rip the bandaid off and just stop because I know, for me anyway, the suffering would have been manageable and I’d be OK in not a long while. If you want my advice, stop either cold turkey or taper down fast and be done with that evil shit. Dude, you only four months in. The pain of stopping will be nowhere near as bad as if you were on them for a year or multiple years. I can’t even get my head around staying on them for life, especially now that I’m OK. Get out now while you can. Don’t get yourself trapped in hell.
@@kencabeen7786 thank you so much for the advice, my anxiety has been so bad about it reading too many comments of people in that hell, I just wasn’t sure what to do but thank you so much, I’ll ween off, and I’m not ever touching it again. Because it’s already been hellish, I barely even knew any info about how bad it could get.
@@kencabeen7786 how bad do you think the withdrawals will be for now? Just with the four months?
@@todd9792 Everyone is different, so it can vary widely. But I can tell you for sure that it’s only going to get worse the longer you wait. Stop reading horror stories about withdrawals! I made the same mistake and I think it made it worse than it had to be. You can do it, Todd. You deserve peace of mind and you’ll have it if you get off the benzos and any other drugs that may be in the picture and get to working on the root cause(s) of your emotional distress. I’m praying for you.
Well said, the general public has no idea how many people suffer with this exact same thing and isolate themselves thinking there's something wrong with their character.
It feels so liberating to finally have an answer! I've been off of benzos for 10 years. I still have waves of high CNS activity. The tremors, the muscle weakness, dizziness, & muscle twitching/jerking, & cognitive impairment. It's much better now but still comes & goes. I thought I had Parkinsons or something! My anxiety disorder is from a CNS that's stuck in hyperactivity. At least I have learned how to manage all that. It's a huge relief just to know that it isn't just me. It's not as simple as an anxiety/panic disorder that I can't control. I'm not crazy & this is very real. At least I know now that when I have bouts of tremors what's going on. It's not a panic attack but it definitely will cause me to panic when it happens. The uncontrollable muscle movements cause the panic attack. Not the other way around.
This might all sound bad but I'm really in a good place now. I can learn coping skills & manage my symptoms. My symptoms aren't as severe & I have long bouts of times when I feel normal & happy.
Exactly!
@ladyscarfaceangel4616 I am so glad u are somewhat getting better. I wish u all the best on getting better. U r a warrior for stopping benzos. I have a long journey ahead of me.
Thank you for sharing. Positive, hopeful benzo survivor stories seem hard to find. People who are courageous like you & share their experiences are a blessing.
I was klonopin for 25 years and off for now for 28 months. I missed the better part of my adult life because of klonopin. I’m happy for you being so young, getting your life back and spreading the word to others. Thank you.
How did you do it? Congratulations!
I'm so happy for you. I've been on it for 25 years. I've made a couple of attempts and I totally lost it. Even tapering I went into a deep psychosis. I couldn't stop my body from constantly moving and was in a near state of continuous panic.
I also sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage some years back and that has complicated things.
@@ID30394 same with movement stuff
@@ID30394do you find it helps you still after 25 year? I mean can you still sleep ok? Do you have less anxiety etc?
@NMW80 It's been a roller coaster. I generally average 4-5 hours a night.
I also have to be strict with my sleep hygiene. Lights off at same time every night. Absolutely no caffeine after mid afternoon and very limited.
Certain ambient sounds can help some with relaxation to help fall asleep. I do periodic tapers that I've researched to have more efficacy for a period, but I don't recommend it as I'm not qualified at all too.
Those of us who have endured the gauntlet are living proof anxiety can absolutely be managed and in many cases resolved WITHOUT being dependent upon a toxic substance. Congratulations on getting free.
I been off all meds for 40 months now and im still totally sick. Clonazepam is evil. Will i ever get better? I have tried everything. Im sticking to my guns for the moment but i need a life. Your a inspiration brother. Thank you.
That's a huge achievement. Well done! I hope that you start to feel better very soon.
@@emilyroseayres84 thank you
It amazes me everytime I hear people getting off of it. It's something one has to experience to truly know the kind of suffering that can be involved. I hope your body and mind continues to heal.
You ain't alone
How you feeling now?
Godbless you John , I am so happy for you! That’s a miracle , you are very strong. 💜
I went off cold turkey 19 yrs. Ago almost died. No one told me of the physical dependency . I was so Naïve I didn’t know what was wrong with me, because the withdrawals didn’t start til 5 days later, thought I was getting the flu.
Was on for1yr. took maybe 500 - 800 pills not sure. But my mom had taken some when she was younger and she never told me about withdrawal, she said she never got it , I doubt it!
I’ve been on them for 20 yrs. Don’t think I can ever get off of them . I could never sleep, anxiety always, I tell family it’s the worst hell I’ve ever been through! Worse than major major heart surgery! Seriously heart surgery was a walk in the park compared to benzodiazepine ups and downs, & constant withdrawals.
But I turned back to Jesus when I had heart surgery and had no fear at all of it. BENZO withdrawals are from hell. How many people pray and say God take me home to heaven or heal me I can’t take it anymore. If it wasn’t for God , I wouldn’t be here. Sorry for the long msg.
Hope you are still okay now! ✝️
How are you feeling now love?
@@hollymcgovern8458 Hi, sorry I just came back to see what I wrote on here , I don’t get a lot of notifications.
Still the same, I am praying more though and need deliverance from Jesus. It’s actually been since 2001 since I have been on these I need major deliverance. That’s my only hope. I have to be careful because of my heart. I have seen people delivered from drugs and alcohol and other addictions . I haven’t had prayers of deliverance for this as far as I can remember . I am hanging in ,
I think this year something has got to give. Tired of living like this.😢
Are you still on them or are you off of them
@@hollymcgovern8458I’m on them ,probably for life too hard to go through withdrawals when I had 4 heart surgeries (from something I was born with) and THEY say I have heart failure . I should have died from my heart but I’m still here and I thank God everyday. I’m expecting miracles, ( I’ve had them before) well, going back to sleep have to go help my mom a little bit later. She’s 73 almost 74 . Btw I don’t get notifications from here I just checked to see if there was a reply.
Did you end up staying on them? Do you mean you can’t sleep without them? Or you can’t sleep on them? I have severe insomnia and been taking them recently for insomnia and severe anxiety.
Thank you John
So glad you’re better
You give hope!! xx
Congrats John!! I am a benzo survivor as well. 10 yr klonopin daily dependence. I've been free for almost 6 yrs now. It was so difficult. I did a long taper but even so, I had post acute for two yrs after last dose. I still have ptsd from that period, as does my husband. Nightmare! God bless us all...we do recover.
We sure do recover! I've been free from ALL psychiatric drugs going on 6 years now too! Hurray for us!!!
@@smilemor-phony5964 big time congrats!!!
How u deal with anxiety now?
@@mitch5222 I don't have anxiety now. Funny how that works..plus I cast my cares upon God.
@@heyjude6335 did u take benzo for anxiety? I still have lots of anxiety and when i think of old age and dying i got panic attacks.
I've been off xanax benzos 20 months of hell. Cold Turkey. The worst experience of my life. Keep going it does get better. I'm still healing. Hang in there everyone. 🙏
How much better have you gotten? How much percent are you better then when you first got off?
How’s your digestive system?
This is @yvettex2976 I am mostly healed now it took many years horrible experience hang on in there and pray. Don't take anything from medical industry they are Evil.
Thank you John for sharing, I'm off clonazepam 8 months ...taken as prescribed 23 years.
How did you do it? Great for you!
@@remmary100 dry cut slow taper, just cut off tiny pieces of the pill n held a month with each cut. The taper went well.
@@NoName-pu5ls Bless you. For some people it can be a living hell. Generally people who are on it that long have a horrible time getting off of it. Some people's systems react somewhat differently and I would imagine a person's preexisting condition must play a significant factor also.
@@ID30394 I hear ya! I was cut off cold once n had a seizure. I was just one of the few lucky people who got off easy with a taper. (Yes you could be right, I have no pre existing conditions) ✌♥️😊🌤🌻
Congratulations I've been on them the same amount of time and tapering now also trying to document it..awesome job.
I was on klonopin for 20 years 0.5 at bedtime... tapered for 19 months almost 1 month off.. hope I don't get PAWS...SLOW TAPER IS A MUST...it wasn't easy but I'm off.. NEVER AGAIN EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can i tapper of both clonazepam (0.5 mg) & vortioxetin (10mg) have been using for 3 weeks only.. I don't want to stay on these pills which cannot give me relef rather more I'll feeling.. Please advice me n ur support needed 🙏 I dont wanna regret in future
Would you share your taper method please?
Your story sounds a lot like mine. I thought I'd be a prisoner to these pills forever.
I am happy to say I've been off Klonopin for 51 months now ☺
Don't give up!!
Congrats 🙏
Nybeachgirl how r u now my frd
Nybeachgirl
Are you healed now? I'm 55 months off
@@sangeetalambh6389
How are you? Are you healed from benzos yet?
@@GoldenGoose70how are you now
Thanks John. I'm tapering from xanax and I believe I'm close to my jumping off point but scared to do it too soon. I hate being a "chemical hostage". That's really a perfect description. Hope to be off soon.
I’m so glad I found this channel.. I don’t feel so alone..
I'm 3 years off with terrible complications. Still totally disabled. Good to see you are better.
Same. Better, but still man... 3 years and still affected.
What symptoms if i may ask
In what way?
@peteryost how are you doing now?
@ still have lots of pain, vibrations, screen sensitivity, and other symptoms. Thx for asking.
I'm currently 6 months in withdrawal. Thank for your hope bro. It's nice to see a hope story. Rather then an " I'm fucked" story.
What was your experience like? Did you start feeling better around 3-6 months? And did you have to withdraw longer than 6 months?
@@Cinemabuff97 I'm 7 months off klonopin an I'm still in pretty bad withdrawl. Some of the symptoms are better. I can walk around more an stuff. It's gradually getting better. I'd say if I had to guess ittl take another year or so to completely heal. Its difftent for everyone tho. Godbless. My experience In the beginning was terrible cause I was withdrawing In jail for 100 days .I couldn't even leave my cell. Severe confusion,dizziness ,panick attacks,muscle trembling an weakness ,derealization depersonilzation. Depression. Extreme mood swings. Hypersentivity to light am sound. Shakiness. Electrical shocks in my head n in my body .in the beginning of withdrawal I had severe nerve pain in my back n legs. I couldn't hardly walk. I no longer have nerve pain. An I can walk alot better .it's getting better little by little. I think since I'm not in jail it's easier to. I was jail for a probation violation. It was my first time ever going there. It was hell. But yeah it's gradually better. Stay positive man. One thing that's been helping me get threw this is I keep telling myself ittl get better. You gotta have hope. These withdrawls try am tell you ittl last forever but it's not true at all. Separate your thoughts from yourself an the thoughts from withdrawal.
@Dusty Gatrell Wow. Well I'm glad you are getting better. How much Klonopin did you start taking and for how long? I took 2mg of Ativan everyday for about 5 months and on and off since 2019. This is horrible man.
@@Cinemabuff97 I took 1 mg 3 yesrs 1 in a half 3 years an 3 mg 3 yesrs. 9 years. I was also prescribed xanax Ativan sn volume during those years. They kept switching them up. Yeah it's hard to completely stop. If you want the best method. Look up the Ashton manual. I hesr it helps people alot. I would've done it but I couldn't.
@@Cinemabuff97 I hope you find your way an I pray you find peace in this life godbless.
VERY HAPPY FOR YOU JOHN !!!!!!!
I was introduced to benzo by my ex girlfriend after suffering some anxiety at work. Little did I know about the withdrawal symptoms. After taking it for only 2 weeks at 12 mgs twice daily, I am now on day 3 of going cold turkey. It is incredible how fast your body can develop a dependancy on the stuff. I am suffering with severe insomnia up to the point where I am working 3 days straight, just hoping for my body and brain to come to a point of natural rest and tiredness. People please be careful with benzo's, I can only imagine the withdrawal symptoms of long time use. Good luck to everyone recovering and thank you for the video sir.
Did the insomnia get better? How are you now? I agree you can get hooked so fast.
It is hell on earth
Fabulous video thankyou John, everything you said resonated with me, I’m weaning slowly myself, doctors are clueless on this subject. I felt your emotion and that you truly care. I am so happy you had the motivation and brains to beat this….well done to you, it is like torture x
I'm on the journey now and trying to document it myself thanks for sharing
Thks for your success story. I pray i will be able to one day mske a great video like you did.
Thanks John. Today is my first day without any sleep aid. I tapered Clonazepam from a dose of 1.25mg daily. I hope I am also a successful like you.
I am down 5mg off valium as of March 20th 2023. Tomorrow I turn 50. 5mg left to taper , 11 years on it. Sending you all love and light ❤
Happy belated birthday. 🎉
IBS (now I'm Vegan)
Bladder pain (dribbling after I pee)
Nerve pain in feet
Nerve pain and tight muscle in/around the male anatomy
Abdominal muscles are like a brick wall
Rectum and Anus very tight
I can't leave the house (Agoraphobia) unless I'm pilled up
..and where are the Doctors to help me? Nowhere. Round 4 tapering off. Wish me luck.
How r u
I'd be worried if butthole was loose. Not tight lol.
I’m so glad I cut out Ativan after three weeks. Even with that short amount of time, I had some lingering withdrawal issues. But I can see it in his eyes, the abuse his body went through.
This is an actual success story
Getting off of Ativan was the best thing I have done besides having my children. I'm all here now too, Finally.
How did you do it successfully. I reinstated and i'm not doing well and now i have to decide what to do next
@@mamabear6169 how are you doing now?
How did u.do it
Klonopin is the worst medication I’ve ever been prescribed. Been on the drug for about 6 months and now a month in on my detox journey. You need to taper off this medication. I had horrible withdrawals and thought I was going to die one day. Expect to have the worst anxiety and panic ever but I’m getting better each day. The first two weeks will be hell but slowly with tapering you will get better. It’s all your nervous system trying to regulate itself and it takes time. God bless anyone going through this.
I came off cold turkey and think I went into phycosis . And severe depression. It's horrible . I have s script ready but I'm not picking it up . I'll freaking struggle i'dc
@@mattrinehart9348 make sure your medical provider is aware of your detox. And yes it feels awful but I can fully attest it get better my friend!!!! I’m fully off and I can take the occasional benzo in a severe panic attack and be ok. Don’t give up and remember the struggle is part of the journey. Please ensure your medical provider is aware of what you’re doing.
@@MPD_dogmom Yes I'm having hallucinations delusions severe anxiety and brain fog. Irrational thoughts . I'm aware of it. But I didn't have these problems when I got on just panic and anxiety . Now I have depersonalization derealization panics and all kinds of horrible side affects . I told my provider . She put me on latuda to counter ready the symptoms from Klonopin. I will never touch Klonopin again in my life . The script is at Walgreens. But I'm not picking it up. I'll suffer before I do. I think the withdrawals were so severe and debilitating I went into phycosis and it's scary . But I am aware and taking a antipsychotic to help with these symptoms.
To me, Klonopin is like a life reducer that sort of masks pain and anxiety by keeping you drowsy. I have just started what for the most part is a cold turkey withdrawal and I see clearly how my energy expanded pretty immediately even though I'm having increased tension in the body as well as headaches after I wake up and high levels of stress and anxiety. I have more clarity now and I'm already glad I'm off the stuff. Even though I'm suffering I know that this level of discomfort is temporary. There are really tough moments where it feels like death is approaching but those waves always crash down and pass.
In the same boat thanks for this outlook
@Zage Neva Sometimes during withdrawal you will forget that the irritability and anxiety you're feeling is being caused by the withdrawal. Once your body and mind have readjusted (couple weeks to a month), your anxiety will drastically reduce and you will be happy you got off the stuff. Just remember that it will soon get a whole lot better.
@@RyanStronach thanks I appreciate that so much it’s been two week Since I stop I tamper myself down to 0.25mg and I was only on it for a year and a few months so I’m happy it wasn’t longer and your right it’s about how u look at it and keep pushing forward but these panic attacks and anxiety is a assshole 😩
@Zage Neva I know exactly what you mean. At two weeks in, the worst is probably behind you now. The future is way brighter for both of us now that we're not dulling our senses with that drug.
@@RyanStronach tbh and it’s sad that I was in multiple ers and the was like u can’t go to rehab or detox cause it’s not in your system and told me to ride it out then try to give me some stuff call gabapentin and I was like it changes the brain as well smh 🤦🏾♂️
Please help me, i almost died many times
Lorazepam. ..Taken daily 6 years... abruptly stopped because my neck almost closed after i took one. I realised it was not the medication but something else that made my neck and tongue swell. But i stopped it for 3 days. What i forgot to say is that i was in the process of tapering it when i stopped. Now, after 3 months i still fight severe withdawl syptoms? Is it possible? Or i have a ilness that make me faint and causes neurological problems? ... My body dosnt want to function well on 3,5 mg per day, and is from 2 month since i take rhis dose. And my body needs this drug every 8 hours or less...otherwise im going into withdrawal? I faint to often and sometimes my seizures last for ever. My face is white-bluish like im in the process of dying, my legs and feet were the same, but i regained the color. I always have headaches, i cant focus and im lethargic and cant even stand on my feet most of the times.
In April this year I was talking 7,5 mg per day :(..not by my choice. In march I started tappering
Please give me hope
Magic wears off quickly, you can say that again.. became kindled and in tolerance this last time time around after only 3 months… it’s hell on earth 24 / 7 Benzo flu 🤒
is it possible to heal from neurological issues after multiple cold tukeys and kindling ??
Yes
Yes
God bless you for making this video! What a great success story. I'm so glad for you and may you continue to feel a hundred percent. I too have successfully gotten off a benzo. It was the hardest few months of my life. Doctors have no clue how to taper people off these terrible drugs. They must learn and act more responsibly. It's malpractice in my opinion not to warn patients and only prescribe them for a short time.
I am weening off valium and started November 18th 2022, down 5mg as of April 1st 2023. 5mg to go it is difficult 😢. But sending you ❤
How do you find a doctor to help ???
I’ve been on klonopin since 1995 but low dose now I’m on .125 daily. It actually saved my life from serotonin syndrome.
How slow was your taper? These drugs are the devil. Good for you that you never gave up.
Evil is the correct term
Yes! The sequel being Beyond Evil. Hang in there guys!❤️🩹
I was on Xanax XR for 3 weeks and had a tolerance of 5mg and they tappered me off rapidly, after 3 months I started taking 10mg clorazepate which is equivelant of 0.5mg of xanax hoping that my cognitions will return and in return I relised that there is something like kindling….
Now im going to have to deal with cognitive deficits for a little while while Im 18 and everyone is having a fun time in the discotechs and shit. I would rather have my old anxiety back then this shit. Im hopeless
Insomnia is gonna kill me 😢
I'm living hell. Really need help
I have heard a zillion times, 'Only use benzos for 2-4 weeks'. Why would a doctor prescribe them long term? First, do no harm.
No one told me this at age 17.. fast forward to 38 n starting ashton method tomorrow
Congratulations🎉🎉🎉❤
Oh John. I’ve been in it for years. I am so happy for you!!
I want to give up. You’re an inspiration. Still, only so long a human being can survive this torture. Where for profit medicine intersects with humans in distress.--Medicating Normal
🙏🏻
How are you mike
@@grv91vr23 I didn’t know it could be worse than it was when I commented before, but I am now unable to stand, walk, bathe.
Most heal.
Really appreciate you sharing this John and congratulations. I don't think there's a more difficult med to get off of due to the physical damage it can do and the long process it takes to wean off of properly. I know of several people damaged from having to come off it cold turkey who got sent to jail. You'd think they'd allow a tapering but it's a strict policy.
They do a rapid taper in UK jail. I know people cut their wrists and hang themselves. I also know a girl they actually reinstated in prison. If you're not on a prescription and you go jail you could well be fucked. And if they do treat you just as you're about to stabilise they Drop your dosage..pure hell ..
John what taper method did you find to be successful? Thank you.
It is indeed a horrible drug brother. God bless you for your story of encouragement 🙏
I was on Benzos for 14 years. I'm 16 months sober now.
Are you saying were injured from the rapid detox and withdrawal, or just being damaged by the drug itself? Please communicate. Thanks
How are you doing now?
I'm going through it rn. It's been 3 months of hell so far. It feels like it'll never get here. Clonapin withdrawal has given me brain injury and I hope it doesn't last forever.
Try cbd oil,or smoking cbd,acupuncture
It's gonna get better. That's just a symptom of withdrawal. It tells you lies. Don't beleive them. Hope your doing better gidbless.
I’m going through withdrawal hell, too. I’m here for you.
@timcepin3386 thanks dude. I ended up back on my medicine I couldn't take it. I take much less now though. I hope you feel better soon. I know how relentless it is.
How about stomach issues?
I have those. Do you?
well said
Why did you stay on for so long how long were you on K
Thanks buddy...currently just finished a taper down from 15 x 10mg diazepam a day to nothing as of three weeks ago. Quite an aggressive taper but I'm off...literally like living in hell at the moment. God bless
How ya doing?
I'm alive.....thanks...hope you're doing well wherever you are.
@MeghenFarley thank you
unrelated to the subject but, nice wall color
I think these negative comments and scaring everyone has to stop, people are already scared enough and most of these people were put on this medication for anxiety and your all making people have more anxiety than they already need, so please stop with all the horror stories it’s not helpful. It’s really putting people in more danger, by some so scared there going to end up going cold turkey. This really needs to stop, not everyone goes through hell. Yes it’s good to get information on this medication but not in this way.
You do not know nothing
I feel the same with the stimulants for my adhd they used to make me feel good but now it has no effect on me and withdrawals jus make me angry and not want to soicalise
How did you admit you had an addiction? I have a loved one who is slowly deteriorating because of the meds she is on and we cannot get her to admit she has an addiction
I’m still dependent on it 12 yrs now and going through such problems in life I can’t take the time to go to sone detox place - can u tell me how you tapered off and how long and wut else helped trAnsition off .. etc ??? ❤🙏🏻🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️😢😢
Well I would go at your own body pace but may I ask what mg u are on
Go slow. Ya how many mgs and what?
Glad you survived. Did you ever feel your brain doesn't function normally and can't understand that people can do normal things and live their normal lives and became overwhelmed of any normal things? I call it brain lock and suffer it all day. Had good healthy social life before my was prescriped a big amount of benzo after trauma and no warnings and I was shocked when I realised that I was hooked up with this drug.
Two tapers went badly wrong too quickly and now with Ashton manual. Suffering horrible anxiety, depression that I have never felt (have got though few depression and it was so different) am isolated a lot because I tell my hell all the time to my loved ones and feel like I am in a different reality from other people. I feel depersonalization and derealisation and disconnected from people and enviroment and my loved ones. My partner is waiting me but I'm afraid I won't get through. Thank you if you can answer if you had any problems with brain function. I fear I have permanent brain damage. Have been in this torture since 2021 summer.
Not single moment of secure or peace. Have gad but never earlier touched benzo and could function normally and was earlier working over ten years in a busy enviroment in a gym. Now I fear leaving home. Thank you if you can answer if you relate to any of that.
I would say try cbd or acupuncture or natural supplements your not alone it’s a tough road but don’t give up o yourself and show yourself grace
@@zageneva5758 Thank you for caring. All the best.
Yes, it's normal, I took benzos for 2 years and stopped them suddenly without reducing the dose, now I'm even afraid of going to the supermarket, to the store, to normal places, I spend my time locked up and I stress over very simple things, everything seems like a job to me very mentally exhausting, strength, I completely understand you
@@tracksdealer666 Thank you. I'm sorry you feel the same.
I fear I have permanent brain lock damage and cns and GABA damage. I wake up in awful terror, si, feeling this can't be feeling person can feel. Isolated alone at home. Going crazy everyday. Fear everything.
I have 7 mg of valium left. I'm so sad that I was on 8 mg of valium late 2021 (when I had that one stabilizing after rapid taper of oxazepam and had crossover to valium 10 mg and i became normal me, brain lock etc left, but that taper was too quick also and went badly wrong).
I don't know how to survive back to normal. Fear of ending up in some mental treatment center forever tortured.
All the best to you.
How are you doing now?
Been taking 1mg Xanax for almost 2 years. Is this going to cause me a lot of issues
Youll have some
I fainted when I left clonapezam for 3-days... is it. Ok??
No it’s not please tell me u went to the hospital that’s very dangerous love
3 days after stopping clonazepam I suddenly had a seizure, so I guess it's normal
No it's not. Lethal
@@tracksdealer666lethal. U will die
2-4 weeks to reduce ssri side effects and to get it’s benefits this is the right way not going for year’s .
Does viagra affect you after coming off diazepam.
Thanks glad u are better. Worse thing ever
Good news buddy me to 1 1/2 yr now a year ago last Xmas last benzo it’s Been a year 1/2 of hell --mine was Xanax the new designer anxiety med from 10 Yrs ago never took a benzo in life - husband passed doctor thought hood idea lol NOT - I knew nothing “naive as could be - now she’s retired - left here with ridiculous other doctors who no nothing -/ period - so cold Turkey it was - poison that crap is poison hang the ugh I’m from chgo too south suburb now - Take care 🙏--
You said this was a success story. What are you doing to be successful? I think you forgot to say.
He's hot.
_💌_
Wait till next year... Surprise..!
Definitely a nightmare and cold turkey after 8 month Benzo little blues 2 mg a day having horrible insomnia racing thoughts cramps pain burning skin on upper back after 8 days off Do not take benzodiazepines period 😡
Try niocen
John you were lucky to be able to taper. I was not given that option.
But even with cold Turkey how are you doing now I'm 7 months off and fkd still
@@Default6476 Not too good. What were you taking and how many milligrams? I was taking 8 to 10 milligrams of Klonopin daily.
Well after taking 8 to 10 mg Klonopin daily I am still hurting but getting better.
YEPPER THEY AREN'T THERE TO HELP....ONLY PROFIT