Why Work With A Psych Drug Coach?

Benzodiazepine and psych drug withdrawal is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face in my life. I was rapidly tapered in 9 days from a potent cocktail of powerful psychiatric drugs at a rehab facility and thrust into a terrifying reality that I was completely unprepared for. The sudden shock of psychosis in combination with a heavily damaged brain was not something that I was even remotely aware would be possible when I detoxed so abruptly. While in treatment, I was without guidance, much support, or anyone who could tell me what was happening to me. All I knew is that I was suffering terribly and that I wanted more benzodiazepines to alleviate the hell I was experiencing. After coming to terms with the fact that there was no possible way to reinstate and that I would have to go through this process, or die, I slowly began to search for answers as to what was happening in my mind and body. I gradually learned about my damaged neurons, burned gaba receptors, dysregulated nervous system, and injured vagus nerve. Although my growing knowledge offered some insight, it did little to help me with consolation that I could ever get past this awful period of life, or get to a place where I would just feel normal ever again. The most troubling and horrifying thought was; “what if this is permanent?” From everyone I have spoken to, this seems to be the #1 fear that people have, surrounding benzo damage. I figured that I could maintain the debilitating symptoms long enough, if I at least knew that there would come a day when I would eventually heal.

Often, one of the hallmarks of healing from benzos is how long the symptoms take to completely disappear. Many people will turn to doctors and ER’s in order to find a solution to, what seems like, a physical ailment or serious medical condition only to realize that there is nothing wrong, aside from benzo damage. Psychiatric drug harm often will imitate other medical conditions and lead the sufferer down a path of anxiety, panic, dread, and high medical bills before they talk with others who have been through benzo hell and can help the fellow sufferer to not panic, accept the symptoms, and find helpful ways of coping. When I came into my recovery community for my alcoholism, I needed to see for myself that there were, indeed, people who had survived their drinking days and had gone on to live whole and purposeful lives. This continual reassurance gave me the hope I needed to keep going and know that healing might also be possible for someone like me, who was once completely hopeless. I tend to see the same principle apply while engaged in helping people who have damaged by psychiatric drugs, and burned by the medical system. People are disillusioned with life, and suffering terribly at the hands of doctors who were once thought to be helpful and capable healers. In desperation, people then turn to the benzo community in search of answers and healing, where they can meet others who have been through the same fate and have lived to tell about it.

My purpose for all that I do today is to be of service to my fellow benzo sufferers and shout from the rooftops that healing is possible! You are not stuck where you are, currently. There is a purpose for you and you will indeed heal. Only someone who has been through benzo damage can identify with another sufferer in a way that nobody else can. Forming a relationship, or mentorship with someone who has gone before you through the awful trenches of benzo hell can be an asset to your healing in a way that nothing else can. There is no magic pill to cure benzo damage, or anything that anyone can do to speed up the process of healing that only time has a way of doing. But, there are people who’ve walked through the darkness and can empathetically identify with you and hold your hand through the woods, while nourishing a part of your being that desperately needs light and love. Some call this part the spirit, the soul, or our inner/higher selves. It’s the part of us that longs for true and honest connection with our fellows, and deep understanding and trust that life is good, and we were meant for something greater than just needless suffering. The path through the darkness has many perils that a good coach will help to navigate and make sure that you are in the best possible position to heal faster, and more completely than if you try to forge ahead on your own. The relationship created between the coach and coachee is one of trust, and a commitment to see that the person still in distress has the best possible chance of healing. It’s a bond formed under difficult circumstances, and one that is sure to make a lasting impact on each other’s lives due to the intensity of many people’s road to recovery.

When I came off of benzos in 2015, I didn’t find much support online. Today, I see that many others have jumped up and put their hands out in order to help pull others up from the depths of despair into a new and wonderful life. I’m so pleased to see that the growing online benzo community is really thriving and active. Over the last few years, there seems to be many more people speaking up and alerting the public and healthcare providers about the dangers these drugs pose. I hope to continue to be a small part of this large and beautiful movement to help end needless suffering among unsuspecting people. If you are someone who believes that coaching may be beneficial to you please go to the “work with me one on one” section of my website and I would be honored to speak with you, privately.