BENZO BASICS  - this is a new page aimed at providing a brief summary of benzo facts. It has links that can be explored in more depth if the reader wishes and it has a file that enables the page to be easily printed out for quick reference or for education purposes.

SURVEYS - I am collecting statistical information from people who are taking benzodiazepines or are or have withdrawn from them. If this is you please help with this project and complete a survey. There is very little good information around about benzodiazepines or withdrawal and it is hoped that this project with go towards addressing this issue. Results to the June 2007 Survey are available here. Results as at 15 July 2012 are here.

POLLS - This is a new section on this website. It is mainly for fun but it does answer some of those questions we all ask as we taper off these drugs. MORE POLLS about Protracted Withdrawal are now available.

PETITION - Please get behind this important piece of work.

Note that as at the 3 July 2012, this petition is under active consideration by the FDA and they are still looking for public comment.

We are pleased to announce a formal benzo petition is now on the docket of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is open for public comment from everyone (not just US citizens). These changes have the potential to impact benzo prescribing worldwide. Public comments WILL affect how the FDA rules on our requests--this is your chance to be heard. Please make the FDA aware of how benzodiazepine withdrawal has impacted your life. 

To comment on the petition click here  Comment

(If you select 'individual consumer' from the pull down menu your comment will not be posted on the government website, only the FDA will see. When they ask for organization and third party just put N/A).

To read petition, click on the .pdf image here  Read

To get full information, instructions on how to comment, a summary of the petition and a sample comment  click here

Margaret Mead: “… a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.   

FEATURED ARTICLES. This weeks suggested reading.

GPs warned to steer clear of the tranquilliser trap Doctors are being told to curb the prescription of sleeping pills and tranquillisers to millions of people after admitting that they can be highly addictive and have devastating consequences. 

A series of articles in The Times that revealed the extent of dependency and the harrowing effect of withdrawal from such medication.

Benzodiazepines revisited--will we ever learn? Malcolm Lader

Withdrawing benzodiazepines in primary care. Malcolm Lader

Center for the Study of Empathic Therapy, Education & Living Bring Out the Best In Yourself! Professional Therapy Resources  Dr. Peter Breggin's

How Do Psychiatric Drugs Really Work? Simple Truths About Psychiatry Part II – Peter Breggin, MD

An Open Letter to Doctors | Gaia Health  

After submitting to vaccinations, this woman’s life was taken over and devastated by creatures who call themselves doctors. Anyone’s life can be destroyed in this system that dares to demand it be the only approach to health.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome – The Blog  

A comprehensive resource for factions of people who experience the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and/or the protracted withdrawal syndrome.

Xanax, Valium may increase dementia risk in older adults 

By MyHealthNewsDaily staff  

Older adults taking psychiatric medications such as Valium or Xanax may be at increased risk of dementia, a new French study suggests.

The Ashton Manual: How and Why it began, and why patients are resorting to writing to Erin Brockovich

Brain Damage from Benzodiazepines: The Troubling Facts, Risks, and History of Minor Tranquilizers

A New Book Xanax Withdrawal provides a road map for stopping Xanax. Xanax dependency is a common problem, and there is little practical information available on how to safely and comfortably stop taking it. A patient can unknowingly become dependent on Xanax, with dependency sometimes happening after as little as a week or two of regular use. Dr. Shipko addresses issues related to stopping Xanax; why to stop, when to stop, how to taper the drug and what to expect during withdrawal. Dr. Shipko is a practicing American psychiatrist with 34 years experience.

New Video Series: Simple Truths in Psychiatry: #1 Do You Have A Biochemical Imbalance?

Xanax in Australia

Drugs linked to brain damage 30 years ago - MPs and campaigners predict class action after failures to mount full-scale research into warnings left millions of patients at risk By Nina Lakhani

Bruce Barnett's Story - Tranquilliser Terror - The long battle to overcome an insidious addiction - New Idea, New Zealand - August 14, 1995 - Story by Kimberley Pater

I lost ten years of my life as a middle class, NHS sponsored drug addict... By Philip Robinson

Doctors ignored drugs warnings - A 30-year-old document revealing doctors’ fears about the number of people addicted to benzodiazepine drugs has been uncovered by the Beat the Benzos group.

How to Support Someone in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal by By V Baylissa Frederick