It’s July 11th -World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD).
Each year on this day, those who have been harmed come together to raise awareness about the dangers associated with longterm benzodiazepine use, including adverse affects and a debilitating withdrawal syndrome that can last years.
Frequently prescribed for mental health conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, many people believe that benzodiazepine withdrawal only happens to people who misuse the medication.
Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people experience dependence, tolerance, and severe, withdrawal symptoms even though they have followed their doctor’s orders, taking their medication exactly as prescribed.
As someone who lost a decade of my life due to prescribed harm, I’ll never shut up about this injury.
What is Benzo-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) like?
At the risk of being accused of exaggerating, I will say that BIND is akin to being stuck in an invisible torture chamber 24/7. Symptoms include (but are not limited to): extreme fatigue, difficulty focusing, memory loss, extreme nervousness, sleep disturbances/night terrors, relentless insomnia, sensitivity to light & sound & smell, digestive issues, development of environmental allergies, muscle weakness, body aches & pains, and emotional lability. Some develop involuntary muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia); others develop akathisia (a unrelenting inner restlessness).
There is no escape.
Surviving BIND is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I didn’t think humans could endure that level of continuous suffering and still remain alive.
There were times I couldn’t imagine a future—but I hung on & waited for the miracle.
And eventually… it came.
It took a decade to rebuild my life, one day at a time, but I am on the other side of the injury, and I truly believe that what is possible for one is possible for all.
Instead of celebrating alone, I want to celebrate with you.
Join me August 1st at noon (12:00 PM Eastern) for a FREE online art class.
We’ll create something beautiful and, most of all, we’ll celebrate hope.
If you’re in a hard season, this invitation is especially for you.
I’d love to see you there.
To sign up for my FREE workshop, register HERE.
You’ll receive a link to the ZOOM along with additional information you will need via email.
xoxo
PS: You don’t need fancy supplies. Just bring what you have. I promise, we’ll make it work.