Seth Doane on the growing addiction to anti-anxiety medication, debilitating withdrawal symptoms 

My heart goes out to all the people suffering from anxiety. I myself have had to battle with anxiety since I was 4 years old.

What's the point of running a story If the headline reads "epidemic of addiction"? It's blaming the patient while bad docs go scott free. It should read "epidemic of dependency" , the difference couldn't be more massive.

It’s not an addiction. Your body becomes dependent on it.

My heart goes out to everyone with anxiety, it is incredibly traumatic to live on edge every day.

I’ve been on benzodiazepines since I was 17, I’m now 29. I’ve tried well over 60 times to quit. It is hands down the most difficult thing I have ever done.. I’ve tried everything. Please say no to these people it will destroy your life.. I’m begging you please find another way to help yourself for anxiety or whatever they try to give it to you for..

My daughter will thank me later in life for not putting her on these meds. She can make her own decisions after her brain is done growing.

Benzos were never meant to be taken long terms. That should be the first, second, and last thing said.

Teenagers don't need high grade drugs like Xanax.

To get off benzos: dissolve tabs in milk, then reduce the amount of milk by a tiny amount each day. One year per milligram. I went off a longterm 2 mg per day prescription in 13 1/2 months of tapering this way and it was actually a little too fast and I ended up in the ER at the end of the process. In 60 years I have never done anything more difficult than getting off of Klonopin by tapering this way. If you try to stop benzos suddenly you will very likely go insane and suffer terribly. But if you taper slowly and gradually by dissolving the drug in milk, you can do it, and become free of this incredibly addictive drug. Whether you are hooked on Xanax or Klonopin, use this method to free yourself. Getting off benzos 13 years ago was the hardest thing I ever did in my life and also the best thing I ever did with my life.

They never warned me either.

The saddest part of this video is learning that this woman suffered sexual assault; She didn't take Xanax because she chose to, but probably because of the trauma of the violence she suffered. This woman is very strong, a woman cannot suffer violence; they need to receive brotherly love, be respected, be protected. Women are not things, nor objects, women are people.

This drug caused me insane withdrawal symptoms. When I got off after 2 years of tapering I had a blast of electricity shoot down my spine and fry all the nerves on my entire left side of my body. Now all ,y muscles on the left side are flaccid, burn, go weak or stiff. That's just one of the many hellish symptoms I have

It took me 2.5 years to taper valium and it was horrible. Benzo's are considered the hardest drug to come off of because the withdrawals are sooooo bad and last for long... and most people don't get addicted. Most become dependent but you have no cravings for it and once off you never want to take it again. And a lot of people get injured coming off benzos because the doctors have no idea how to get people off of these. They don't know how to get people off a lot of drugs and then rapid taper them. People lose their relationships, jobs, homes and lives going through benzo withdrawals. If people knew, few would take them and then where would the manufacturer's make their money.

They put me on it at 17. Now I'm 31. Still struggling to get off. Never drink alcohol with it. I ended up on a ventilator and feeding tube. My Heart stopped. I have an e.d. and am having to get off of it on my own. I could go into cardiac arrest at any moment. All because my doctors won't listen......

I have been off benzos since 2019. I done few other drugs. The substances were always out quickly, but 6 years later. I am still coming back slowly, but it gets better slowly and steadly. Drug dealers are more humane than some psychiatrists.

I'm on 8mg a day & still can't sleep. They just make me happy 🎉

20 years ago, I had a major addiction too this drug. Of course my Doc was quick too hand me these like candy. At that point he started me off with 10’s and refills when ever needed, boy they got me quickly. Thank god my now Wife found me in this stupid state of my life and found interest in me. She helped me break that addiction. It wasn’t easy too say the least. The anxiety went away for years, but now that I’m almost 40, it’s coming back worse then ever. I will not take pills for it, and that might not be a good thing, but I’m learning too cope with it.

I also had brutal withdrawls you wouldnt wish on your worst enemy pfff... its an evil drug. Never take it

Try getting off these drugs…better buckle up because you’re about to enter into A world of anguish and pain that words can’t describe.

What happened to "do no harm"? Some doctors out there dispense benzodiazepines to their patients like it's candy. With no warnings or anything. Doctors should be held accountable for their inhumane behavior. No mention of that whatsoever.

Opioid withdrawal is nothing compared to this. It is a long protracted withdrawal that can take yrs. Depending on how much and how long you have been taking it.

I used the Ashton method to wean myself off benzos. It was extremely easy to quit them using this method. My doctor never heard of it, but I printed out the website and showed it to him and he helped me. I highly recommend it.

I started having problems with Xanax within three or four days. just before I needed the next pill, my heart went racing. I realised that I was on my way to getting addicted, so I stopped taking the meds immediately. This drug can be lethal. It's weird because I had no problems with Valium.

This also happens with antidepressants like Effexor, Paxil, Cymbalta, etc. This is a growing problem and needs to be addressed by our doctors and the pharmacy industry.

I,ve been on clonopin for 11 years ,just destroyed my memory , sexual drive , sleep cycle , social relations, motivation for doing routin daily works and whole my life. After trying to quit of hundreds of times , I am extremely hopless and definitely exhausted to continue of my life. This drugs make you hate the life. I think for getting rid of these drugs, It needs to be hospitalized... Withdrawal symptoms are just nighmare...

i used benzos despite only having minor anxiety issues, i was doing it recreationally, i even went black out with 10mg of xanax (the only time i used it), i felt anxious and i struggled to fall asleep the next day. i can imagine the withdrawal of someone who took them regularly instead of just one time

Dr knew exactly how addictive Xanax they get kickbacks

It worked and treated my anxiety but my psychiatrist jus told me to take it for 15 days only and also told me to continue escitalopram anti depressant. That anti depressant was also stopped gradually and now I am perfectly fine and Completely off the medication. All I can say is that this drug is meant to be used for short period of time only

I relate to this...I was taking 20 my and more than that some days . Which I was getting most of those off the street . Finally kicked the dragon out of my whole entire life .

Im gonna be controversial here and say people with panic disorder, anxiety, and insomnia should avoid these drugs like the plague. I suffered from lifelong anxiety and sleep problems and my experience was the pills work so well theres no way to stop taking them very quickly. They are short term meds, and when doctors think they know better they accidentally create drug addicts… so badly dependent that death can even occur as a result of withdrawal!

My neurologist prescribed me Ativan, but only for short term use when needed. She also warned me that it can be very addictive. I think her doctor should be held accountable

I’m going through this 10 months off

If you have ever loved a Xanax addict who's wrecked their lives becoming a different person. You would despise benzo pushers Drs/Dealers. Government Ban is needed there's better ways to treat anxiety.

Benzodiazepines should be treated as an "in case $hit hits the fan" med. Keep them in your personal crash cart and only use them when stress or insomnia becomes unbearable. If you take them everyday you will be in for a rude awakening.

They aren’t wrong when they say it’s been helpful for millions but the WAY it’s used and the carelessness of the doctors when it comes to getting their patients off this medication safely is just not okay

Kinda strange how all of these types of videos get no views. HMMM... big pharma must not like them.

My Dr didn't let me know either. I feel stuck and I hate them. The name is Clonazepam.

This is horrible to stop. I’m 7 days off of anxiety meds and it’s horrible. And I still need it. I just don’t take it. It is a mind game.

It's amazing how some people are severely over-prescribed anxiety meds where as some others are severely under-perscribed them. There's not a lot of people in the middle it seems.

That's 120 mg a day equivalent to diazepam. Huge amount to taper from. Outrageous malpractice on behalf of the psychiatrist. Clueless. The tapering is debilitating and exhausting. The fatigue and hypertension was the worst ever.

Psilocybin containing mushrooms saved my life. The drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quite illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit. It has also helped me survive depression and anxiety

Does anyone suffer feeling like brain doesn't function normally? Like you don't understand a simple thing and become overwhelmed of any normal things and can't understand that people can live their lives. I am tapering with Ashton manual and suffer that all the time. Year ago brain lock went away when I got crossover from oxazepam to diazepam and (I was on awful withdrawl) nyt taper was too quick and went badly wrong. Now I have tolerance and tapering. Used just as prescriped. Please someone help if you have had brain function problems in benzo use and tapering. I need hope.

It takes years to taper off benzos. Finally down to a low dose. If you don't take it you will feel horrible.

Xanax withdrawl is the worst feeling

RU-vid comments section experts are so entertaining

It helps my anxiety tremendously but then, when i stop, the anxiety comes back 2 or 3 fold. My heart is racing and im shaking right now because the Dr. didnt give me enough to make it the whole way through until my next appointment. This is a terrible feeling!

We should be able to Sue the Drs !

That's what happened to me 25 years ago. They were handing Paxel

Wonder if people can sue the doctors

Psychedelic’s definitely have potential to deal with mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, I would like to try them again but it’s just so hard to source here

I've been prescribed xanax for over 20 years. It's nothing I use everyday. I never had any issues, but prayers for everyone in the struggle

Iwas on temazepam for 3 years I drank alcohol on top aswell been clean off benzo since October last year still suffering from panic and anxiety can’t hardly leave the house can’t walk far get jelly legs absolutely horrendous

what about all the phyical pain that comes with this my dr polly drugged me with klonopin i feel like im dieing everyday

It’s destroyed my brain & nervous system! Taken 5 years to heal from the torture

I did this about a year ago. I'm still dealing with side effects

Opiates are so tuff to get off of, from 22 to 23 in which I just turned recently I’ve been addicted and it’s a damn struggle idk what ima do

do you think a few days of 4mg xanax and then 10mg valium would only cause stage 1 wd or rebound effects? not worth tapering right.

I've been on since 2010.. still on even know it's a low dose I withdrawal horribly after a few days.. become paralyzed with body pain and nausea.. it sucks

I’m going through this right now been on klonipin for 11 years! It’s awful upset nauseous diarrhea you name it

Works. For me I get mine while at the laundromat but I hope the best for her

You cant call it addiction if ppl are prescribed it a therapist dose. Dependance!!!! Addiction is someone who goes to any length despite the consequences. I think this is a misnomer. She a victim.

Need help it's so hard to wean off benzo...need help....

Cardiologist also prescribe this medicine for high bp because of a anxiety.....

My 81-year-old mother has been on benzos… Xanax… For over 20 years. She also drinks, alcohol, which is not recommended. She drives. I’ve spoken to her doctor, but nothing has changed.

Anyone else found that hydroxine, a non addictive anxiety medication, to be helpful whilst tapering? I think it’s a good emergency backup for those struggling with their taper. Not encouraging this to anyone, just a question if anyone else has had success with this whilst tapering.

I am done with medication for my depression and anxiety! Struggling right now. It’s a battle every second!

tapering off lorazapam now... not fun and not easy. Just thankful I haven't been on it for as long as some and have a doctor who is understanding. Still could have been better informed about it prior to being prescribed it.

Please give this woman a medical marijuana card, only thing that helped me off benzos, and lexapro but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going that route cuz I’m still on it

What feels worse than feeling powerless? Nothing. What feels better than reclaiming your power? Nothing. ❤️ I’ll never give my power away to anyone again. No one is my guru especially not a complete Stranger, a supposed “ expert, a person who is making money off taking my inherent power and keeping it from me. Keeping me weak and needy. Dependent. Not happening. Never again. All the best to everyone. We got this. 🤟🏻🙏🏻 It’s worth it. For our loved ones and ourselves. ❤

Based on my experience Ativan made anxiety and panic worse. You need to find a psychiatrist that understands the drug to wean you off it. Hell is when your brain is scrambled by the medication and can’t stop taking it.

I'm in heart failure and the same thing they yanked me off last month and gave me hydroxizine I've been on them prescribed since I was 17 I'm 30 now fighting the good fight, Xanax and Klonopin both prescribed.

It’s NOT ADDICTION, they’re DAMAGING NERVOUS SYSTEMS AND BRAINS!!!

The patient is overweight and we know most anxiety , the answer is exercise, it releases neurotransmitters , the kind that relieve anxiety. During addiction the body due to physical dependence won’t release these if addicted to Xanax , tapering is the right way to go but exercise would speed up her cessation, lesson one of withdrawal symptoms.

I used bromazepam for 2 months and when i quit i didn't have any issues but my anxiety was severe so i don't know

I was chemically dependent on Xanax for 8 years. It almost cost me my life. It’s not worth it.

People aren’t addicted they become dependent but not addicted however she was for sure abusing it !!!!! It doesn’t completely take away the anxiety like it first does so she takes more and more

Now they’re getting children addicted to benzodiazepines. It’s disgusting. I’m struggling to get my 14yr old off. My child was prescribed 37.5 mg of a benzodiazepine which is over the FDA max of 20mg for an adult.

It says literally on the side of the bottle that it's addictive... yet here she is saying she never knew. What a airhead

I get gagging and nausea. I have been having gagging and and retching and I believe from withdrawal but my psychiatrist and other support such as family refuses to believe my retching and dry heaving is a withdrawal symptom. My insurance doesn't cover treatment centers since I am on medicare and medi-cal. also my help comes from regional center RCEB due to a disability. It is like going to the dentist taking my X-ray every few minutes for many years. Usually Seroquel helps me too at bedtime

oh the mainstream media is talking about this issue ....too bad its 20 years too late .

My doctor purposely won't give me Xanax because of my history with over drinking alcohol. Rather he prescribes me Seroquil. It's become very difficult to sleep without it

I’m trying to come off trazadone and it’s rough

I wish everybody would take accountability with medication and usage. These medications also save peoples lives, we should also broadcast that.

What about having to use clonazepam for 21 years because you have been misdiagnosed with epilepsy!!!! I WANT OUT!!!

This doesn't touch what the drug does in withdrawl

She’s not addicted she’s dependent. Dependence is what prescribers don’t talk to you about.

I had to get my doctor to get me off Xanax. Because it works when you take it I would end up taking too much. And I genuinely don't want to feel that way. I've been using klopin since then. I hope I can get off of it one day but it's actually helped and I take it as you're supposed to take it.

People like this is why i can't even get one prescription. Even though i desperately need it because of panic and anxiety issue. My doctor before i have the one i do now was so cautious would only prescribe me an SSRI and only SSRI's. Didn't work and i was unable to function, That was ok, with her because she had no liability and me suffering was fine. Just wanted to keep switching SSRI's that was doing even more damage. So i got a new doctor and said he won't prescribe me this because he said it's addictive even though i'm trying to live a normal life. He also said , If i don't like it to find another doctor. I feel sorry for her for the way she feels because i know the feeling, On the other side of that coin, Because she allowed herself to get addicted. People like me get punished because of people like her. Her problem then becomes mine. Her and the other people who claim they are addicted. At least your doctor cares and gave you the tools to feel better. take my doctors who only look out for themselves and don't give you the tools to function just so they feel no liability whats so ever. These doctors who ignore patients should be held accountable !

Can we PLEASE keep in mind that some people really need this medication? Sick of the stigma

Adderall is what causes the anxiety lol so big pharma sponsored.

Things that will help withdrawal are as follows….. Vervain, skullcap, motherwart, passionflower, lemon balm, ginger, onion, l-theanine, taurine, Amanita Muscaria mushrooms, reiki, positive thinking and breath work( very important) ☮️❤️to all you can do this!!!

So are we going to sue those companies aswell people American's get addicted to EVERYTHING? Also to add when a kid takes a heavy dose of medication when they're younger it is hard for them to come off it when they're older from what I read and what I dealt with myself. BUT to have the issue for over a year is this crazy. And to say you are addicted to that medication is also ridiculous

It's incredible how this pills are prescribed by doctors like aspirin but they're SO adictive and hard to get off. I'm tapering clonazepam and it's a real struggle.

I have anxiety and I take Buspar. It is one of the only medicines that is used for anxiety that is not a control substance.

Every woman is on this crap, it’s scary

Same here

Is there any way i can contect her?? I have a good supplement to give her about her anxiety

I hate to have to go counter narrative here, but I've taken them for a long time and really have nothing bad to say. Maybe you guys aren't taking them right.

They are not anti-anxiety drugs. They are anxiogenic drugs. They are as anti anxiety as SSRI's (which cause suicide, homicide and mass shootings) are antidepressants. The naming of these is ridiculous. They are also not medicine but are pharmaceuticals.

Xanax has ruined so many lives.