This is why I tell people that there is so much more hope on the other side of psychiatry, because you do have choice and power and you’re not doomed to a life long diagnosis.
Haha! I always tell people there are 5 classes of psychiatric drugs…I now stand corrected! Thanks for the enlightenment. I’m currently working on a new video for my channel about psych med myths. I’ll have to keep this in mind.
I agree, abilify and other atypical anti psychotics are particularly worrisome when used for insomnia and other off label purposes. Many people don’t even realize what they’re are taking and that the research has shown these can cause brain damage. Like benzos, they may be life saving in extreme circumstances. But to prescribe them as a daily treatment long term is dangerous in my opinion .
For those seeking tapering advice please visit benzo.org.uk or benzobuddies.com. Just like vaccines or any other pharmaceutical, some people can tolerate drugs without severe side effects. Then there is the population that is injured. When it comes to benzodiazepines that injured minority is a very large one and the injury is severe. The question is, when is it immoral to injure so many for the benefit of the majority? I don’t have the answer to this question. What I do know is that by requiring doctors to give informed consent, educating doctors and patients in the signs of a benzodiazepine associated disability and how to help someone humanely taper and recover, a lot of suffering can be avoided. Whether or not this leads to difficulty in obtaining such a prescription is yet to be determined. As I said before, my desire is to protect the rights of patients who are already dependent. No body should ever be forced off these drugs. As for a war on drugs, anyone who knows someone with BAD understands that we barely have the energy to take a shower, much less wage war.
Actually I am in support of legislation going on right now in Massachusetts to protect patients rights. I certainly don’t want anyone forced off their benzodiazepine. What I do want is informed consent so that if you chose to take a benzo, you are aware of the possible life altering consequences which far exceed addiction in my opinion. What I want is medical recognition of those who have been mentally and physically disabled so they can get help and not left destitute and alienated from friends and family.
I agree medicine can be a double edged sword. However a valid diagnoses means people can get insurance to pay for their medical bills or therapy. It means they can more easily file for disability. It also means they’d have greater ability to sue their doctors. Above all else, a name for an illness gives you validation when trying to explain what you are experiencing to friends and family. I am not a fan of a mental health diagnosis as this is not specifically a mental health problem, it’s central nervous system damage and should be treated like any other bodily injury.
This is why I tell people that there is so much more hope on the other side of psychiatry, because you do have choice and power and you’re not doomed to a life long diagnosis.
Report comment
“Many lives have been forfeited because we have not yet had our collective transformative moment.”
Great statement!
Report comment
I work to educate people one by one
Report comment
The truth is there are no free rides!
Report comment
Thank you. My whole life since this experience has been one Aha after another. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Report comment
Haha! I always tell people there are 5 classes of psychiatric drugs…I now stand corrected! Thanks for the enlightenment. I’m currently working on a new video for my channel about psych med myths. I’ll have to keep this in mind.
Report comment
Thank you Richard and I remember your article and being so frustrated at how covered up benzos are in these celebrity deaths
Report comment
I agree, abilify and other atypical anti psychotics are particularly worrisome when used for insomnia and other off label purposes. Many people don’t even realize what they’re are taking and that the research has shown these can cause brain damage. Like benzos, they may be life saving in extreme circumstances. But to prescribe them as a daily treatment long term is dangerous in my opinion .
Report comment
For those seeking tapering advice please visit benzo.org.uk or benzobuddies.com. Just like vaccines or any other pharmaceutical, some people can tolerate drugs without severe side effects. Then there is the population that is injured. When it comes to benzodiazepines that injured minority is a very large one and the injury is severe. The question is, when is it immoral to injure so many for the benefit of the majority? I don’t have the answer to this question. What I do know is that by requiring doctors to give informed consent, educating doctors and patients in the signs of a benzodiazepine associated disability and how to help someone humanely taper and recover, a lot of suffering can be avoided. Whether or not this leads to difficulty in obtaining such a prescription is yet to be determined. As I said before, my desire is to protect the rights of patients who are already dependent. No body should ever be forced off these drugs. As for a war on drugs, anyone who knows someone with BAD understands that we barely have the energy to take a shower, much less wage war.
Report comment
Thank you and keep going, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Report comment
I’m sorry to hear this, thanks for your support
Report comment
Actually I am in support of legislation going on right now in Massachusetts to protect patients rights. I certainly don’t want anyone forced off their benzodiazepine. What I do want is informed consent so that if you chose to take a benzo, you are aware of the possible life altering consequences which far exceed addiction in my opinion. What I want is medical recognition of those who have been mentally and physically disabled so they can get help and not left destitute and alienated from friends and family.
Report comment
I agree medicine can be a double edged sword. However a valid diagnoses means people can get insurance to pay for their medical bills or therapy. It means they can more easily file for disability. It also means they’d have greater ability to sue their doctors. Above all else, a name for an illness gives you validation when trying to explain what you are experiencing to friends and family. I am not a fan of a mental health diagnosis as this is not specifically a mental health problem, it’s central nervous system damage and should be treated like any other bodily injury.
Report comment