Watch this, we don’t all heal Aston says right here in the video!!

[[Ne...]]

Prayers for everyone

[[Ex...]]

I’m fully healed. It did take a while but it happened, and everyone here will heal as well. I had moments when I felt as though I wouldn’t heal, and I doubted it many a day, but as I sit here today, fully healed, I can tell you that it does happen, and you will experience that too.

[Guest [Fa...]]

Go read the most recent success story. That lady went through hell and healed.

[[Aj...]]

Baylissa has been friends with her for years and said she changed her mind on that.

[[or...]]

HL01 I get it. You have hyperacusis. I had it too. (I also had a horrible light sensitivity -- couldn't stand the lighting in stores). My hyperacusis was awful but it went away, as did almost all of my s/x. I am coming up on 3 1/2 years off benzos. I still have a few s/x but they are not disabling -- dizziness, tinnitus.

 

I truly get your fear. We are all scared. But as the others on here have said it is not useful to dwell on it . . . it probably makes you feel more panicked and it upsets others.

 

I've been on here a long time and I've not seen anyone report themselves not healed. People may take a longer or shorter period of time to get well, but as far as I've seen, they do get better (maybe not 100%) and go forth to lead their lives.

 

So hang on and believe. It's very frustrating and very scary, I know.

 

Thinking of you,

 

 

Katz

[[Te...]]

Healing happening at 36 months-42 months scares me as much as never healing. I can't take this for three or four years.  I'm living on disability at poverty level and can barely afford to live month to month. I have no idea how I'm gonna pull out of this situation.

 

Hl01 One of the things my mind keeps focusing on is the fact I never had kids which is making me miserable about life but I couldn't imagine raising kids in this state. My heart goes out to you.

 

Well, you could heal a lot sooner than that. Try not to think of when healing will take place. I think in benzo withdrawal, we tend to dwell on negative things, and then they loom up before us like huge monsters. You have enough to think about. Please don't make things worse for yourself. Take it one day at a time.

[[Ne...]]

Terry--

 

thanks agree

[[Wi...]]

We all heal and I see no point of this post other than to try and convince yourself this is permanent or scare other people which I don't appreciate. Even at my worst I never posted stuff like this. I am 27 months off and finally starting to have some good days, I went line dancing last night! On Sunday I went to a bbq two and a half hours away and socialized for hours. At 16 months I was a shell of myself, literally terrified, bedbound, housebound, couldn't even go grocery shopping, I saw no true improvement until around the two year mark and I still have some healing to do. You are going to be ok you just need to distract yourself as much as you can and stay busy mentally doing things and be patient, Dr Wright a famous benzo specialist in Canada whom a few of my friends on here have seen has treated thousands of patients over the years and says true healing happens between 36 months-42 months and you are nowhere near that yet so hang on you're going to be ok

 

Songbird, your post really helped me, thank you.

 

I also agree with you about being mindful about what we post on here. I'm at 15 months, and as bad as you describe yourself at 16 months. And yet, like you, I've never posted the kind of thing that the OP has, here. It's fear-mongering (even if unintentional) and discouraging. No wonder many sufferers are scared to come onto this forum. We're here for support and recovery, after all.

 

HIO1, I agree with seltzerer about your posts. Many of us find ourselves in positions as bad - or worse - than you. Whenever I've come across scary 'professional' opinions posted elsewhere on the Net, I was aware enough of the already-magnified fears of BB members not to post that stuff on here. As seltzerer said, it's not helpful.

[[mo...]]

I’m sorry but I completely disagree with shaming Hl01. There are protracted members at 5, 6, 7, 10 + yrs.

 

Is it a good idea to blame, ignore or call these people liars? Not in m opinion. No one really knows for sure... to blame each other for having legitimate concerns and questions is something I can’t even find a word for.

 

The OP said they weren’t trying to do what some of you are blaming her for. If she or I or we can’t talk about it here, then where?

 

I hate the phrase “fear mongering.” Really stupid, in my opinion. It irritates me and I think it’s crappy to try and disallow discussion for things no one can prove or disprove.

 

I completely agree with the post after mine, redevan thank you. Perfectly stated.

[[re...]]

You tube the video called “benzodiazepine Global Crisis! Klonopin Valium Ativan Xanax What you need to know Documentary”

 

We don’t all heal. Where people get “we all heal” from is wrong, we’ve been misinformed.

 

I’m 16 months off and still can’t go to a store, kids sports practice, post office etc. I have no anxiety about going. It’s my cns is damaged. It’s pure sensory overload. If you can work/function be thankful. How awful my brain felt yesterday I thought I was dying or having seizures. I can’t live like this anymore. My brain NEVER feels right nor have I had any windows at 16 months off it’s constant 24/7 effen hell.

 

First of all, here is the video Hl01 is talking about:

 

 

Secondly, Hl01 is correct about what is said in this video, and not just by Ashton, but by others as well. There is uncertainty about how long some of the damage from benzos might last. We don't have all the answers yet, and this is clear and undeniable. But so many are still in denial. It's funny how many of our suffering buddies are saying exactly the same thing as Big Pharma: Don't worry. Everybody heals. Really? Show me the evidence. Where is the science? It's just wishful thinking, justified by saying you have be positive, and such glurge. But facts are facts, not wishes, and the fact is, we just don't know how long the damage might last.

 

Having said that, I think the evidence is very clear that everyone does heal to a great extent, if not 100%. We have many people here on this forum who still have not healed 100% even after 7, 8, 10 years. And yet, all of them (all of us, I should say) have healed quite a lot, and are much, much better than we were. Life is quite liveable, even if some symptoms remain.

 

To Hl01: Just ignore all the abusive replies you've gotten here - which are really outrageous and beyond the pale in some cases. These people are just afraid, as afraid as you. They're whistling past the graveyard. They think they can pretend there's no problem, and that will make the problem go away. They think they can wish themselves well. Well, I wish them well.

 

Hl01: You will get better. You may heal 100%, or you may heal a bit less than 100%, but in either case, you will heal enough to enjoy life again and be happy. We don't have all the answers yet, but that is what we can say, at this point. I still hope to heal 100%. I don't know that I will - but I don't know that I won't either.

[[lo...]]

 

Having said that, I think the evidence is very clear that everyone does heal to a great extent, if not 100%. We have many people here on this forum who still have not healed 100% even after 7, 8, 10 years. And yet, all of them (all of us, I should say) have healed quite a lot, and are much, much better than we were. Life is quite liveable, even if some symptoms remain.

 

I agree with what you say, redevan, but it is not correct to say that life is quite liveable ... for all of us. 

 

The only certain fact is that no one knows the outcomes for everyone. 

 

This is a difficult topic for me and most of the time I prefer to avoid commenting for obvious reasons. 

 

But at 16 months there is every hope of a full recovery for H101 .. and that is what is most important here.  And if not a full recovery, a very good partial recovery. 

[[Wi...]]

I see no evidence of anyone being 'abusive' or 'shaming'. Members are entitled to point out that they find a post unhelpful and needlessly upsetting when trying to focus on the reason they're here: recovery.

 

Sure, the jury is out on everyone healing '100%'. Withdrawal causes massive stress to the body and mind. Any huge, long-term stressor will create some major biochemical imbalances in the body. In most cases, the body seems to overcome these naturally, in time. In a small minority of cases, the body might need some help to re-balance/heal more - this is not evidence of permanent 'benzo damage'.

 

It's risky and inaccurate to assume that all, or even most, remaining symptoms are down to 'damage from benzos'.... Just because you were asymptomatic before withdrawal, does not mean you were healthy and without sub-clinical imbalances - which the biochemical stress of benzo use and withdrawal would certainly have amplified and unmasked.

 

There are obviously many underlying variables (pre-existing imbalances/deficiencies, unresolved traumas, lifestyle stressors, other medications, etc.) you'd need to account for 'scientifically' before stating that any or all remaining symptoms are down to 'benzo damage'.... That's logical and scientific.

 

But considering that, statistically, the vast majority of people do go on to live enjoyable lives - well, to me that's enough reason to focus on hope. That's not 'pretending there's no problem' - it's acknowledging that the problem will almost certainly improve enough that I will be functional, happy and (mostly) healed. And definitely much stronger, wiser, and more appreciative of every little thing in my life.

 

It's interesting that the posters of many 100%-success stories all say the same thing: at some point, it's best to stay off BB, as it's not conducive to healing. Some of these posters took a few years to heal, and yet you can see from their very limited number of posts that they mostly stayed away from this forum....

 

Yes, I will almost certainly heal enough to live a full, meaningful life. I work hard to support my mind and body, in ways that make sense to me. (Your approach might be different.) No, I'm not denying the challenges or my fears - I admit I'm scared sh*tless, like everyone else. I'm not 'whistling past the graveyard', or 'trying to wish myself well'. I can't choose my current circumstances or the rate of my healing, but I can choose my actions and what I focus on. I choose to focus on healing.

[[mo...]]

 

Having said that, I think the evidence is very clear that everyone does heal to a great extent, if not 100%. We have many people here on this forum who still have not healed 100% even after 7, 8, 10 years. And yet, all of them (all of us, I should say) have healed quite a lot, and are much, much better than we were. Life is quite liveable, even if some symptoms remain.

 

I agree with what you say, redevan, but it is not correct to say that life is quite liveable ... for all of us. 

 

The only certain fact is that no one knows the outcomes for everyone. 

 

This is a difficult topic for me and most of the time I prefer to avoid commenting for obvious reasons. 

 

But at 16 months there is every hope of a full recovery for H101 .. and that is what is most important here.  And if not a full recovery, a very good partial recovery.

 

True, I’m sorry that I said it was a perfect description. Thank you... this is certainly true.

 

Also, there are those who have ended their lives as a result of the pain and not being able to endure it. This is also a fact.

 

I don’t see why we can’t be truthful in our answers and refrain from giving someone a hard time who needs to discuss the way they are really feeling and what they are really thinking.

 

To say someone doesn’t heal only because of pre-existing conditions they already had is an impossible assessment to make. There’s no way to tell, and it puts the burden of healing or the lack of an ability to heal on the person who is protracted and has been prescribed a medication that ruined their life. It’s promotes a culture of “I’m a better/cleaner/healthier/less damaged person and so I healed/will heal! I’m normal and positive, reasonable/rational, mature, logical, strong. Look at me.”

 

That’s the way I feel about it. It’s not good for anyone to say these kinds of things. We don’t know!

[[lo...]]

 

Having said that, I think the evidence is very clear that everyone does heal to a great extent, if not 100%. We have many people here on this forum who still have not healed 100% even after 7, 8, 10 years. And yet, all of them (all of us, I should say) have healed quite a lot, and are much, much better than we were. Life is quite liveable, even if some symptoms remain.

 

I agree with what you say, redevan, but it is not correct to say that life is quite liveable ... for all of us. 

 

The only certain fact is that no one knows the outcomes for everyone. 

 

This is a difficult topic for me and most of the time I prefer to avoid commenting for obvious reasons. 

 

But at 16 months there is every hope of a full recovery for H101 .. and that is what is most important here.  And if not a full recovery, a very good partial recovery.

 

True, I’m sorry that I said it was a perfect description. Thank you... this is certainly true.

 

It is perhaps a small point, but it is one that is very important to me. 

[[mo...]]

 

Having said that, I think the evidence is very clear that everyone does heal to a great extent, if not 100%. We have many people here on this forum who still have not healed 100% even after 7, 8, 10 years. And yet, all of them (all of us, I should say) have healed quite a lot, and are much, much better than we were. Life is quite liveable, even if some symptoms remain.

 

I agree with what you say, redevan, but it is not correct to say that life is quite liveable ... for all of us. 

 

The only certain fact is that no one knows the outcomes for everyone. 

 

This is a difficult topic for me and most of the time I prefer to avoid commenting for obvious reasons. 

 

But at 16 months there is every hope of a full recovery for H101 .. and that is what is most important here.  And if not a full recovery, a very good partial recovery.

 

True, I’m sorry that I said it was a perfect description. Thank you... this is certainly true.

 

It is perhaps a small point, but it is one that is very important to me.

 

I do realize this, and I am sorry. I hadn’t forgotten you, maxx, others and even the concerns I have for my own recovery.

 

It was more of an impulsive agreement because I’m tired and it was late and someone had at least used a good amount of wording to describe the way I feel. But I do understand; and I agree.

[[se...]]

The OP is fear-mongering.  I pointed out in my posts that the information/video is not news and there's no hidden agenda by some members here to hide this information.  There are many here though who may be harmed by fearful posts like this for obvious reasons.  It's completely counter-productive to recovery just like the heal/no heal debate and the BB invented "protracted member" division.

[[va...]]

Seltzerer do you mean protracted withdrawal does not exist?

[[Wi...]]

The OP is fear-mongering.  I pointed out in my posts that the information/video is not news and there's no hidden agenda by some members here to hide this information.  There are many here though who may be harmed by fearful posts like this for obvious reasons.  It's completely counter-productive to recovery just like the heal/no heal debate and the BB invented "protracted member" division.

 

Exactly.

 

About 'protracted members': some simply take longer to heal - recovery is individual. The term 'protracted withdrawal' is artificial; it creates an arbitrary division that scares many, encourages a 'trapped' and helpless mindset, and stigmatizes others. Not conducive to recovery.

[[va...]]

The OP is fear-mongering.  I pointed out in my posts that the information/video is not news and there's no hidden agenda by some members here to hide this information.  There are many here though who may be harmed by fearful posts like this for obvious reasons.  It's completely counter-productive to recovery just like the heal/no heal debate and the BB invented "protracted member" division.

 

Exactly.

 

About 'protracted members': some simply take longer to heal - recovery is individual. The term 'protracted withdrawal' is artificial; it creates an arbitrary division that scares many, encourages a 'trapped' and helpless mindset, and stigmatizes others. Not conducive to recovery.

 

Thank you seltzerer. Sometimes I think I'll never stabilize to be able to continue my taper. Well who knows. Each person is a different case anyway.

[[lo...]]

The OP is fear-mongering.  I pointed out in my posts that the information/video is not news and there's no hidden agenda by some members here to hide this information.  There are many here though who may be harmed by fearful posts like this for obvious reasons.  It's completely counter-productive to recovery just like the heal/no heal debate and the BB invented "protracted member" division.

 

Exactly.

 

About 'protracted members': some simply take longer to heal - recovery is individual. The term 'protracted withdrawal' is artificial; it creates an arbitrary division that scares many, encourages a 'trapped' and helpless mindset, and stigmatizes others. Everyone, including those who take longer to heal, needs support and encouragement. Labelling/division is not conducive to recovery.

 

The protracted section allows protracted members to discuss openly their experiences without fear of upsetting those who are in the early stages, I for one am grateful for this section of the forum.  It is hard enough to be open about what is happening because of fear of being judged negatively.

[[Wi...]]

Fiona, I can see the need for that and I agree with you there. The problem, from what I've heard, is that many who started posting on the board prefer no longer to go there, as they find the 'trapped' mindset  - the idea that it's 'benzo damage' and they're somehow different from others who are healing faster - an obstacle to moving forward and remaining hopeful in the healing process.

 

That's why some on here have started their own, more positive threads for those, say, 18-30 months out and still in recovery. Even though I'm almost 'protracted' (a term I disagree with), I won't be posting on the 'protracted' board - I much prefer the tone of others where the focus is on moving forward.

[[lo...]]

Fiona, I can see the need for that and I agree with you there. The problem, from what I've heard, is that many who started posting on the board prefer no longer to go there, as they find the 'trapped' mindset  - the idea that it's 'benzo damage' and they're somehow different from others who are healing faster - an obstacle to moving forward and remaining hopeful in the healing process.

 

That's why some on here have started their own, more positive threads for those, say, 18-30 months out and still in recovery. Even though I'm almost 'protracted' (a term I disagree with), I won't be posting on the 'protracted' board - I much prefer the tone of others where the focus is on moving forward.

 

We all have to seek out the support that we find most helpful.  I don't spend much time on BenzoBuddies now except in my blog.  the only thing that traps me is the fact that my brain and body do not function properly and that has nothing to do with this forum or indeed any other support group I have been a member of.  Even when very protracted the aim is to keep moving forward .. life does not standstill for anyone.  But for those who are stuck, it is good to have somewhere to be open about that without fear of upsetting others.

[[Mo...]]

Following..

[[se...]]

The OP is fear-mongering.  I pointed out in my posts that the information/video is not news and there's no hidden agenda by some members here to hide this information.  There are many here though who may be harmed by fearful posts like this for obvious reasons.  It's completely counter-productive to recovery just like the heal/no heal debate and the BB invented "protracted member" division.

 

Exactly.

 

About 'protracted members': some simply take longer to heal - recovery is individual. The term 'protracted withdrawal' is artificial; it creates an arbitrary division that scares many, encourages a 'trapped' and helpless mindset, and stigmatizes others. Everyone, including those who take longer to heal, needs support and encouragement. Labelling/division is not conducive to recovery.

 

The protracted section allows protracted members to discuss openly their experiences without fear of upsetting those who are in the early stages, I for one am grateful for this section of the forum.  It is hard enough to be open about what is happening because of fear of being judged negatively.

 

It's not "protecting" you from judgement.  That's silly IMO.  People are going to judge you regardless of that label and I would argue even more so because of it.  It's a disservice to both "sides".  Re "upsetting those who are in the early stages," that's not happening either.  Certainly not as evidenced by this thread.  This is moving away from the topic of fear-mongering though.  I won't comment on it further here.

[[ja...]]

The power of your mind is incredible! We do heal we all heal!!! If somebody’s left with the few symptoms that are minor nobody even wants to talk about it because it means nothing! But the worst of the worst gets better and you have to keep instilling that in your mind no matter what!!! Say she got better I’m getting better she did it I’m doing it! He did it and got through all of that I’m going to do it start training your brain to heal and watch how fast you start feeling better you will start getting bigger windows and you’ll start realizing the true you is in there ! I promise you the power of your mind is absolutely incredible and you will heal remind yourself daily constantly ! ❤️

 

~ J