Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion

Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion is a 'must read' for those in any stage of discontinuing benzodiazepine tranquillisers such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Rivotril/Klonopin, their relatives, counsellors, doctors and other caregivers. It is also proving to be invaluable to people addicted to or withdrawing from antidepressants, alcohol, painkillers and other drugs. The author integrates her extensive personal journey through benzo withdrawal with her mental health counselling experience to provide an easy to read, practical and comprehensive recovery guide. She maintains a logical, balanced and responsible tone throughout and in doing so, takes the reader into the realm of withdrawal from an emotionally safe perspective. The book is filled with useful information including how to manage psychological symptoms, how to use breathing and grounding techniques, positive self-talk and other tools to cope, what stimulants to avoid, tips for counsellors, doctors and other carers, and insightful journal logs and reflections. The appendices include an A to Z of symptoms, benzodiazepine equivalence table and resources guide. The author was prescribed a benzodiazepine for a medical condition and did not have anxiety, depression or any other psychological problem prior to taking the drug. By sharing her challenging experience, she confirms that the psychological symptoms many users experience when withdrawing are mainly organic in origin and not always due to underlying anxiety as they are often told. She has skillfully managed to make a book about prescribed drug dependency and recovery uplifting and encouraging. It is enriched by her experience, and her courage and determination to remain optimistic will inspire and give every reader hope. This is exactly the resource you've been looking for. As you read it you will be guided through your stages to recovery with the reassuring feeling of your hand gently being held.