Prescription pills nearly killed me

In 2016, the professor began taking benzodiazepines, a common prescription medication prescribed by his family doctor as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever. He took them diligently as directed, twice a day at a low dose of 0.25 mg. Although benzodiazepines were considered relatively safe, over time, alarming symptoms began to appear, such as weakness on the left side of his body, a sense of detachment from those around him, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions like joy. What initially seemed like a reasonable medicinal solution gradually became a distressing and troubling problem.

Escalation: When Increasing the Dose Worsens the Situation

When the professor’s anxiety levels rose, he asked his doctor to increase the benzodiazepine dose, hoping to manage the symptoms. However, contrary to expectations, the higher dosage only made things worse. The anxiety became more severe and uncontrollable. It became evident that his body had developed a paradoxical reaction to the medication, where higher doses exacerbated symptoms instead of providing relief. This was a crucial turning point, leading him to understand that he needed to stop using benzodiazepines altogether, though the path was anything but easy.

Withdrawal: Unimaginable Suffering and Relentless Agony

The decision to discontinue benzodiazepines without tapering the dose had devastating consequences. The professor experienced anxiety levels that peaked beyond anything he had ever known. In addition, he developed akathisia, a condition marked by a constant sensation of electrical pricking or a sharp burning that never ceased. He couldn’t sit, lie down, or find respite from the relentless pain. The akathisia was a continuous torment, akin to being struck by a whip, with no escape from the agony. Even getting up and moving offered no real relief. This was a dark period of unimaginable suffering.

Seeking Solutions: The Journey Through Detox Clinics

In search of relief, the professor turned to specialized detox clinics, hoping to find an effective solution that would ease the withdrawal process and help him break free from benzodiazepine dependence. However, the clinics couldn’t provide an adequate solution to the problem. They mainly suggested switching between different types of benzodiazepines, which proved ineffective since they all acted on the same bodily mechanism. He left the clinics worse off. Psychiatrists warned that the akathisia could persist for up to two years. The thought of such prolonged suffering was beyond what he could bear, yet he knew he had to continue searching for a solution, though the process was frustrating and filled with disappointments.

The Effects of Benzodiazepines on Life: Full Consequences Unveiled in Retrospect

Although the professor was aware of his physical dependency on benzodiazepines, the profound impact on his life became clear only in retrospect. Beyond physical symptoms, the benzodiazepines created an emotional barrier and a sense of isolation from those closest to him, especially his son. They caused a significant decline in his ability to form genuine, deep connections with loved ones. Additionally, he experienced puzzling muscle weakness and cognitive impairment. He lost the ability to perform basic tasks like typing on a keyboard, climbing stairs, and even lying down in bed at night. Benzodiazepines affected every aspect of his life in a destructive way.

The Power of Support: Family and Friends as an Anchor Amid the Storm

Throughout the difficult withdrawal process, the immense support the professor received from his family and friends was crucial to his recovery. He describes it as a “flood of support” that surprised him with its intensity. Friends and family rallied beyond expectations, helping in every way and standing by him in his darkest moments. Although the support alone couldn’t eliminate the physical torment, it gave him the strength to continue fighting and not give up. The dedicated assistance from his close circle was essential for maintaining sanity and hope.

Breakthrough: Specialized Treatment That Turned the Tide

After many turns between clinics and failed treatment attempts, the professor finally arrived at a specialized clinic in Serbia. There, under the guidance of an experienced anesthetist, the medical team managed to adjust the medication regimen in a way that led to a significant improvement in his condition. Within a short time, most of the severe symptoms disappeared. While he still felt some weakness, he regained the ability to think clearly and function normally. The change was surprisingly rapid, almost unbelievable. Despite concerns that the improvement might be temporary, the professor found himself filled with renewed hope. This was a critical turning point in his journey.

Benzodiazepines: A Silent and Deadly Epidemic Worse Than Opioid Addiction

Through his personal struggle with benzodiazepine withdrawal, the professor gained a deep understanding of the lurking danger of these drugs. He emphasizes that it is a silent and insidious epidemic, potentially worse than the crisis caused by opioid addiction. Benzodiazepines are relatively easily prescribed and perceived as safe, yet taking them for more than a few weeks poses a significant risk of developing dependence. The likelihood of dependency is around 50% after just one month, rising considerably with prolonged use. This means that a substantial portion of benzodiazepine patients are likely to become dependent and experience a prolonged and agonizing withdrawal process. The professor believes that public awareness must be raised, and the potential dangers of overuse must be highlighted.

Life Lessons: No One Is Immune from Mistakes and Hardships

Reflecting on his experience, the professor acknowledges that even educated and knowledgeable people can fall victim to medication dependence. As a psychologist and addiction researcher, he hadn’t fully grasped the risks, and now seeks to share his personal lessons to prevent others from undergoing a similar ordeal. The main message is that no one is immune from mistakes, downfalls, and life disasters. This insight is valuable on its own, but it becomes crucial when it comes to addiction. The professor stresses the importance of critical thinking, thorough examination, consultation with experts, and, equally important, genuine and loving support from one’s close environment. These are the keys to surviving deep personal crises without losing one’s way.

Spreading the Message: Using His Platform to Prevent Others’ Suffering

Recognizing the significance of his experience, the professor now aims to use his public platform to raise awareness of the dangers of benzodiazepine overuse. He hopes that by sharing his personal story, with all its associated hardships and pain, he can help prevent others from enduring the suffering he had to endure. His goal is that people facing similar challenges can learn from his experience, receive necessary guidance and advice, and, perhaps most importantly, know they are not alone in their struggle. Ultimately, the professor views bringing this issue into public awareness as an important mission, one that can bring about real change in the scope of the problem and the support provided to those dealing with it every day.