Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support
Welcome to BenzoBuddies
Our mission is to provide the information and support you need to plan and execute a successful benzodiazepine withdrawal schedule.
Most of our members find themselves dependent upon (or addicted to) benzodiazepines, despite following the regimen prescribed by their doctors. Because of the insidious nature of these drugs, others find that their dosage spins out of control. This is often the beginning of a downward spiral of confusion and a life half-lived.
We will help you regain control of your life by providing the information, help, and support required to quit safely and stay off these drugs. In an atmosphere of mutual support, your fellow benzo buddies will help you plan your withdrawal and taper schedule. Membership of our community is completely free-of-charge.
Is Your Medicine a Benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepines (and the chemically distinct, but very similar acting Z-drugs) are used most commonly to treat anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used as muscle relaxants, pre-meds, and anticonvulsants. Some of the more common benzos and Z-drugs include: diazepam (Valium*); lorazepam (Ativan*); clonazepam (Klonopin*, Rivotril*); chlordiazepoxide (Librium*); alprazolam (Xanax*); temazepam (Restoril*); and zolpidem (Ambien*).
If your medicine does not appear in the above list, and you are unsure if your medicine is a benzodiazepine (or Z-drug), please check our expanded list of benzodiazpines.
*brand name equivalent.
How to Use This Website
We provide a variety of resources and tools to help you quit benzodiazepines. They include:
- Facts About Benzodiazepines: learn more about the various types of benzos, side and withdrawal effects, tolerance and dependency.
- Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Methods: a guide to the various withdrawal options available to you, and the possible advantages and pitfalls associated with each taper method.
- BenzoBuddies Forum: a platform for the benzodiazepine-dependent to discuss all issues surrounding their efforts to quit benzos (more below).
- Success Stories: discover how those before you are now enjoying their benzo-free lives.
Join the Discussion
Joining the BenzoBuddies forum is simple, and takes just two ticks! All that is required is a valid e-mail address.
By registering with the BenzoBuddies community, you will gain full access to the discussion boards; non-members participate on a read-only basis. In addition to the core parts of the community forum, there are off-topic boards, a chatroom for real-time communication, a PM (Personal Message) system for private communication, and a Shoutbox (an informal short message system that displays to the whole forum). There is even an arcade to serve as a distraction during the withdrawal process.
Registration is usually very straightforward, but if you experience any problems, the Help page should be your first port of call – most issues are easily resolved. If your problem remains unresolved, send a message using our form-mail system, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
If you decide to join BenzoBuddies or not at this time, we wish you a relatively symptom-free withdrawal from benzodiazepines.