How the Program Works
Because benzodiazepine-injury often does not fit common preconceptions about “side effects,” its victims all too often suffer for years in silence, shame, and confusion. I have been helping people get off benzodiazepines for 10 years using the Ashton Manual, and have found that the slow and steady method works best. The Ashton Manual provides guidance to cross taper from whatever benzodiazepine you are using to diazepam (Valium) and then slowly taper off that medication.
There are other medications that are sometimes helpful, gabapentin and baclofen. Most of my clients tell me that they don’t ever want to touch another medication, and I can understand that, but for others the addition of one of these medications can help ease the suffering of reducing benzodiazepines.
OUR MEETINGS
We will meet through video conferencing. I initially give you a prescription for 30 days, and we meet again in about 3 weeks to trouble shoot any problems. After the initial appointment we meet again in a month and if your taper is going well, we then meet at three monthly intervals.
HELPFUL LINKS
www.benzoinfo.com
www.benzobuddies.org
READY TO WORK WITH ME?
Ways of Reducing Medication
THERE ARE THREE WAYS OF REDUCING MEDICATION
Cut & Hold
The Ashton Method, dose reductions are 2%-5% each month as tolerated.
Micro-Dosing
Rather than doing monthly reductions, you daily reduce by very small amounts. This method is helpful if you are super sensitive. CLICK HERE for a video on how to do this.
Rapidly
Never recommended due to the potential for seizures and other harm to the brain. This method is often done at 30-day treatment centers.
LIQUID - only available for diazepam (Valium).
TABLETS – diazepam comes in 2mg, 5mg, & 10mg tablets that are easy to cut.
CAPSULES - can be compounded so that you have a consistent monthly dose, and reduced every 3-4 weeks. It is more expensive, but takes a lot of guesswork out of the taper.
Medication Forms
“I have been “Benzo Free”, for over a year now, and I can’t thank you enough! I never thought I would be free of this terrible, terrible drug, You gave me hope during our appointments that if we just went slow and steady, I would get there....and I did. I feel I can now return to my life and get on with it.
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