Benzo Stories: Dan

Dan shares his story of benzodiazepine harm and healing for our #BenzoStories series.

This video has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This video does not substitute professional medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed through the video. This video is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This video has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This video does not substitute professional medical advice and no doctor-patient relationship is formed through the video. This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

[axlroz]

Wow. I cant believe how you have survived after all of this. You must have put a hell of a fight 💪

[sidstovell]

It's impossible to describe what withdrawals are like. Best wishes to you and all.

[davefischer]

I am 3 years on benzos and am tapering off. God bless you for getting off of them after 17 years, that is incredible.

[ChristinaChrisR]

Thank you Dan.

The message that one ought not to take benzodiazepines, and if one does it should be for a very short period of time is a very important one.

I do think that even more important than that is the message that doctors in many instances do not know what they’re doing, and to make matters worse - if you make that statement or are of that opinion, most people whether they’re health professionals or laymen will just think you’re crazy.

If you say you wanna come to your own conclusions and read up on the matter, or if you already have and say it openly, be prepared to be berated and laughed at, and/or have people be angry with you. But even though that most likely will happen, don’t give up. Don’t fight needlessly, but don’t give up on yourself.

I’m impressed with you Dan, thanks for sharing. I know that I too will be medication free again, hopefully within a couple of years.

[tashaandjacob]

One year off klon after half a mg daily for 7 years. It’s been real. I’m so glad you’re around so I can listen to your story and know there is hope.

[sonjastyblo]

Well said. Thank you for your activism.

[Jannietime]

Thank you for sharing your story Dan and may you heal fully one day.

[PeterYost]

Nice job! Its a hell no one can understand but us survivors.

[Sarahpreecenelsonnz]

Thanks for your message Dan. So sorry for the nightmare you endured via iatrogenesis, and for the persisting damage. very grateful to hear your message of improvement 7 years on (off!). From Sarah, 3 years on (off).

[judyrandall]

What a dark period in your life! So glad you are doing better. I'm in a taper myself from K. All the very best. What a strong guy you are!!!!

[xy-qyyg]

I got dependent after 5 days and I had specifically said to every therapist and every doctor I didn't want any habit forming meds. It is hell and my healing has not been fast at all.

[JM-kqrn]

Omgosh. Similar story. Utter hell getting off KLONOPIN. Was on it 10 yrs and been off for two. I’m still wrecked 😥. It’s indescribable with words what the withdrawal feels like. 3 psych wards, just despicable. Thanks for sharing your story. And gabapentin is essentially KLONOPIN. Ugh! Prayers for continued healing

[KlayKitchens]

Thank you Dan-your a hero for a lot of people-it proves if you can quit-almost anyone can quit!!!

[kk_burr]

I've been on Valium 20mg for 6 years and currently tapering down. This is pure hell, I also quit almost 15 years usage of buprenorphine cold turkey. Pray for me if you can.😢

[thediva]

I went into rehab 26 years ago and I was detoxed over 10 days. They didn’t have a clue.

[privateperson]

nine days ! You are lucky to be alive - they could have literally killed you. My Psychiatrist old me how to get off them, it did not work for me, it was too rapid and I had only been on them like a month or two. I ended up staying on them for over 10 years b'cos she told me to come off them too fast and I could not handle the wdl side effects. 1/2 way through taper now, after 2 1/2 years - taken me ages to find a dose I can cut that my body can actually tolerate. I always have wdl symptoms but its abt finding a tolerable level of wdl symptoms you can live with. One step fwd and two back is how I have found this journey and lots of times in between when I think I just can't do this anymore, I am amazed I am still alive. I will not take pharna drugs of any kind now from my dr. They are making us sick and miserable with their side effects. I just say Nope, not taking it., if they suggest another drug,

[twistedspanner]

Dan
Your a star. It was great talking with you recently.
I'm now on week 4 of a 3 month taper of Diazepam and DHC.
I feel its to fast.
Too Much Too Soon.
I'm already struggling a bit.
See how it goes.🤞

[RHExperience]

I was detoxed over 10 yrs ago in 5 days they sent me home on my death bed, I suffered from seizures sleep deprivation not eating hallucinations nerve damage brain damage pain all through my body couldn’t work for over four years five years. I’m just now getting on my feet 10 years later. I’m still suffer from seizures in the West goes on.

[jizzaymz]

Those are the same benzos I was on and Lyrica (instead of gabapentin). Was tapered in 14 days from 1mg Ativan & 1mg Klonopin daily. It's been 3 months and it's been pure hell. Hopefully I'll start to feel better soon but my doctor didn't warn me about withdrawals. She insisted the drug would be out of my system in 1 month's time. Now I'm seeing that I'm not suffering alone and it might be years before I feel like "my old self" before all of this. I had a bulged disc in my back (L5S1) and the pain was keeping me up (that's how I got prescribed the drugs in the first place).

[tony--james]

glad to hear he's doing much better! I just hit my 2 year jump anniversary from my 3 year taper off Klonopin, and literally, can still feel it, recently, I was hit by more big pharma toxic poison, a Statin called Crestor, , horrible, disabling side effects, I almost went to the ER, the Statin Class of drugs are a scam, with their own harsh side effects..