Mission Statement
BenzoBuddies: an inclusive, nonjudgmental mutual-support environment for those who wish to withdraw from benzodiazepines.
Members of the BenzoBuddies community are encouraged to exchange ideas, information and support during the process of withdrawal and recovery.
Although outside of the immediate scope of BenzoBuddies, members are free to discuss their wider medical problems and needs as they relate to benzodiazepine use and withdrawal.
Taking or quitting any medicine—including benzodiazepines—should be a personal decision made in consultation with a suitably qualified medical practitioner.
Through a peer-support model, we strive to help members achieve their goals.
Is Your Medicine a Benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepines—and the chemically distinct, but very similar acting, 'z-drugs'—are prescribed 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 more exhaustive list of benzodiazpines.
* Brand name equivalent.
** Z-drug
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.