The Philosophies which Guide the Discussions of the Benzo Friends Group
The following statements are the generally held beliefs of the Owner and her Moderators. They are subject to the exceptions listed at the end.
- The work of Professor C. Heather Ashton and Dr. Peter Breggin are considered to be a good basis for benzodiazepine withdrawal and recovery.
- Benzodiazepine use is best restricted to short term use (less than 2 weeks) for emergency situations while other therapies are set in place.
- Withdrawal from long term benzodiazepine use should be achieved by the slow reduction of doses. Abrupt or over-rapid withdrawal, especially from high dosage, can give rise to severe symptoms.
- Use of the slow reduction methodology should enable people to withdraw from benzodiazepines without the use of additional medication.
- Because all psych drugs can cause side effects, tolerance withdrawal leading to numerous false diagnoses, a withdrawal syndrome of their own, and unpredictable individual reactions we do not recommend or allow members to recommend that others take them to relieve withdrawal except in dire situations; for example where someone is actively suicidal or where someone is very ill from a forced cold turkey situation. Where a person feels there is a need for additional drugs, this should be a discussion between the individual and their doctor.
- We promote the concept that the majority of people are intrinsically healthy - that the incidence of mental illness diagnosis is too high in the western world. We encourage people to explore non drug methods of dealing with problems like anxiety and insomnia.
The above represents the ideal world. Of course the world isn’t ideal and there are always exceptions. There will be a small number of people who for what ever reason decide that they need a detox facility to come off their benzodiazepine, who opt for additional psych drugs, who accept that they are not intrinsically healthy, or who do not see the wisdom of Ashton or Breggin. We are not here to tell anyone what they should or should not do or what they should think or to judge people for the choices that they make. Every person must be responsible for themselves and make the decisions that they feel are right for them. We are here to support everyone, no matter what, in their journey off benzodiazepines. However discussions that promote or endorse principles that are diametrically opposed to the principles under which the group operate are not allowed.
The Benzo Friends Group is a private group where membership is conditional and people must post within the limitations of written rules. The owner assumes that people understand that and plan to abide by the rules. In other words, the group is not a democracy where members who complain loudly enough get their own way. Most groups, like this one, are not owned by the members, but owned by the owner(s).
You will know within a short time if this group is for you. If it isn’t, then Internet etiquette calls for you to quietly unsubscribe.