healthcare while on benzo or in benzo W/D

I did post a few things recently on a local forum, without being specific. Based on the responses (consumer forum) the faith in the GP ('huisarts'/home doctor) is so overwhelming ... everybody should have one. Insurance requires a referral for visits to specialists.

But I think we all know that there are a number of things doctors do not understand. Benzodiazepines in general, clonazepam specificially ... forget about it. That drug is prescribed so rarely in this country (The Netherlands), basically no doctor knows about it. It's not a sleeping or calming tablet.

The healthcare system in this country is very restrictive, specialists are very by-the-book and GPs ... that's a whole other story. Biopsychosocial model, they really like to find psychosocial causes for what is not obviously biomedical. No tests or referrals like in the USA, they are gatekeepers and use and abuse that powers. Basically, I've been the subject of medical abuse.All those promises ... and what that lead to ... My CNS is sensitized, clonazepam is unique, my health is really messed up. Maybe something could be done, but would they ? Why ? Taper off the clonazepam first ? Is there a 'colleague' to tell them that health problems have to be treated first ? I'm dealing with issues that were not treated, treated too late, treated incorrectly etc. What could be done is not exactly by the book. I know approximately what is going on, but I'm not aware of any healthcare system that uses the 'supermarket' model ...

I'm also not aware of any other European country that would really have anything to offer at this point. Considering my situation. If only I had visited a specialist all those years ago without a referral, and paid out of pocket. Past can't be changed.

I get the feeling that nothing can be done. Thinking about my options. Forget about tapering clonazepam, I know what that means ! Someone used the phrase FUBAR, and I agree.

So there is the dreaded cold turkey approach. It would be hell beyond belief, nothing like the CT I considered 5 years ago. Recovery of health by CT ... I can only assume it would be devastating.

Honestly, it might kill me. That wouldn't be the worst. It wouldn't be over in a year or so.

I once mentioned that isolated island ... that was not a joke. It would be very extreme. Not what people want to read.

Any suggestions ?

Can you do a micro-taper, liberty? That would certainly help. Also, to hold as long as is necessary for your CNS to stabilize, if needed. As long as you have continual prescriptions, you could do this. I certainly would have if I were in your shoes. You have access to the support forums here. Who cares if this takes years? Your CNS is the most important thing in this.

Maybe you've already thought about this, but it's the most benign for the CNS that I can think of. Going c/t would be a vast mistake. I'm still regretting c/ting off .5 mg. Ativan and then going too fast off K. At that time I didn't know any better. I wouldn't have done that had I known. It's a Russian roulette move.