Resources
Support Groups (Helplines & Organizations), Peer Communities (Forums & Online Groups), Advocacy & Education, Video Resources (YouTube & Multimedia), Tools & Downloads (Tracking Aids & Guides), Benzos in the News, and a Consolidated Reference list
You are not alone. Tapering off benzodiazepines can be challenging, but there is a caring community of people and organizations ready to support you. Below is a curated list of trustworthy, benzodiazepine-specific resources for tapering and recovery. We’ve organized them by category – Support Groups, Peer Communities, Advocacy & Education, Video Resources, and Tools & Downloads – so you can easily find the help you need. The tone here is warm and empathetic, and we note which resources are peer-led versus professionally run to prioritize your safety and trust. Each entry includes a brief description of what to expect when you visit.
(Please remember: While these resources offer invaluable support, always consult a knowledgeable medical professional before changing your medication regimen.)
Support Groups (Helplines & Organizations)
These organizations provide direct support for individuals and families facing benzodiazepine dependency. Many offer helplines, therapy, or support meetings. Professionally run groups have trained staff or clinicians, whereas peer-led groups are run by people with personal experience:
Postscript360 – Formerly known as Battle Against Tranquillisers, this UK-based charity offers a telephone helpline, one-on-one counseling, and group therapy for those withdrawing from benzodiazepines benzoreform.org. It’s a professionally run service with specialist staff. You can call their support line for guidance and a listening ear. (Support line: +44 117 966 3629)
Reconnexion – An Australian non-profit specializing in benzodiazepine dependency and withdrawal. Reconnexion provides evidence-based information and telephone counseling for individuals and families dealing with benzo tapering reconnexion.org.au. This professionally staffed service also offers a free downloadable “Benzodiazepine Toolkit” and fact sheets on coping with symptoms, reconnexion.org.au. (Helpline within Australia: 1300 273 266)
Vancouver Benzo Support Group (VBSG) – A Canadian peer-led support network based in Vancouver, BC. VBSG hosts regular support meetings (currently online) where individuals can share their experiences and coping strategies in a safe environment benzoinfo.com. Benzodiazepine survivors run this group and offers understanding and hope for those in any stage of taper or withdrawal.
Benzo Hope NYC (Meetup Group) – A peer-led community in the U.S. (New York City) that organizes free benzodiazepine withdrawal support meetings benzoinfo.com. Meetings are held via Zoom and in person, providing a compassionate space to discuss taper plans, withdrawal symptoms, and successes. (Find them on Meetup by searching “Benzo Hope NYC.) All facilitators are volunteers who have personal experience with benzo tapering.
In addition to the above, many localities have their own benzodiazepine or tranquilizer support services. For example, in the UK the Camden & Islington NHS offers the REST Minor Tranquilliser Service, and worldwide July 11 is marked as* World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day** with local events benzoreform.org. Consider asking your doctor or searching online for benzo-specific support in your region.*
Peer Communities (Forums & Online Groups)
Connecting with others who truly understand can make a huge difference. Peer communities are typically moderated by individuals who have gone through benzodiazepine withdrawal themselves. In these forums and social media groups, you can ask questions, vent fears, and share victories. (Always remember to verify any medical advice with a professional. Peer advice is anecdotal, so use it as support rather than a substitute for medical guidance.) These communities are peer-led:
BenzoBuddies Community Forum – The largest online benzodiazepine withdrawal forum, with thousands of members worldwide sharing support benzoreform.org. It’s a peer-moderated message board where you can find taper schedules, success stories, and 24/7 encouragement. Many patients describe BenzoBuddies as a “lifeline” during their taper, helping them feel validated and less alone benzoinfo.com. Registration is free, and you can post anonymously about symptoms, ask questions, or simply read others’ stories.
Reddit – /r/benzorecovery – A dedicated benzodiazepine recovery subreddit on Reddit. According to its community description, “this subreddit is for recovering benzodiazepine users to share experiences, get advice, give support, and discuss recovery. reddit.com It’s an open forum (anonymous) where you can read others’ posts about tapering, ask questions, and receive replies from people who’ve been through it. The tone is supportive and focused on safe, responsible tapering. (Peer-led; volunteer moderators enforce rules to keep advice safe and spam-free.)
Facebook – Benzodiazepine Recovery Group – A large private Facebook community (~4,500 members) dedicated to benzodiazepine withdrawal and recovery benzoreform.org. Members of this group are people tapering or healing from long-term benzo use, as well as family supporters. The atmosphere is compassionate and understanding – you can share daily struggles or milestones and get encouragement in return. (Peer-led; admins are individuals in recovery who oversee posts for safety.) To join, search “Benzodiazepine Recovery Group” on Facebook and request access (you may need to answer a few screening questions).
Facebook – Benzo Warrior Community – A peer-led Facebook group connected to the Benzo Warrior website. This supportive community provides “loving support to those in the withdrawal process,” benzowarrior.com, and focuses on healthy coping strategies. In addition to Facebook discussions, Benzo Warrior hosts weekly online Zoom meetings where members can talk live about their challenges and successes. It’s a warm, welcoming group run by benzo survivors who want to pay it forward. (To join, visit the Benzo Warrior site and click “Join the Community” – it will link you to the private FB group.)
Beating Benzos (Facebook Group) – A peer support Facebook group (about 2,800 members) founded by individuals who have healed from benzodiazepine dependency, benzoreform.org. The group emphasizes positivity and hope (“beating” benzos) and provides a space to ask for tapering advice or simply vent on hard days. Moderators (who are benzo survivors) keep discussions focused on comfort and solutions rather than fear. You can find it by searching “Beating Benzos” on Facebook and requesting to join.
Advocacy & Education
These organizations and websites are dedicated to spreading awareness about benzodiazepine risks, improving prescribing practices, and educating both patients and medical professionals. They provide evidence-based information (ensuring high E-E-A-T) and often campaign for better support for those affected. Some are run by medical experts, others by patient advocates – all are reputable:
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) – A U.S. nonprofit coalition raising awareness about the adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed benzoreform.org. BIC’s website offers a wealth of evidence-based information: research articles, statistics, patient stories, and even a “Find a Tapering-Friendly Doctor” tool. The coalition is led by a team of physicians, researchers, and patient advocates (so content is professionally reviewed and grounded in real experience). Users can expect up-to-date guidance on taper methods, the latest medical advisories (like the 2020 FDA Benzo Boxed Warning), and links to support services. BIC also has a blog with personal recovery stories and practical tips.
Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices – An international 501(c)(3) nonprofit composed of doctors, scientists, and advocates working to reform benzodiazepine prescribing guidelines. The Alliance’s mission is to “make evidence-based improvements to the prescribing of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs,” aiming to reduce new prescriptions and provide clear pathways for safe deprescribing benzoreform.org. On their site, you’ll find research publications, clinical guidance for tapering, and information on benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. This is a professionally run organization (board members include addiction psychiatrists and pharmacology experts) devoted to preventing others from suffering protracted withdrawal. Patients and families can use their materials to educate healthcare providers with credible data.
Benzo.org.uk (The Ashton Manual) – This is a comprehensive benzodiazepine information site, famous for hosting the full text of The Ashton Manual. The site (run by a benzodiazepine awareness activist) is considered a premier resource on benzo withdrawal benzoreform.org. The Ashton Manual, written by Professor Heather Ashton, is a detailed guide that outlines a step-by-step tapering process for various benzodiazepines, complete with equivalency charts and symptom management strategies. It’s available for free on Benzo.org.uk and has been life-saving for many people planning a taper. In addition, the site archives many research papers, personal accounts, and news on benzodiazepine harm. (Expert-authored; Prof. Ashton ran a benzo withdrawal clinic and based the manual on 300+ patients’ experiences.)
Benzodiazepine Awareness Coalition – W-BAD – This is the official site for World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD), which is observed annually on July 11. The coalition behind W-BAD is a peer-led international advocacy group dedicated to highlighting the dangers of long-term benzodiazepine use and protracted withdrawal. On their site, you’ll find educational toolkits, awareness event info, and numerous personal stories from individuals around the world impacted by benzodiazepines benzoreform.org. The tone is advocacy-oriented, aiming to empower patients and urge healthcare systems to recognize benzodiazepine injury. It’s a great place for patients and families to connect with the global movement calling for better benzodiazepine safety.
Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry (CEP) – CEP is a UK-based organization of psychiatrists, psychologists, and patient representatives working to reform psychiatric drug use with a strong focus on benzodiazepines. They publish research and policy papers addressing prescription drug dependence. CEP’s benzodiazepine section offers evidence on harms, press releases pushing for healthcare reforms, and resources for doctors and patients in the UK (such as petitions and parliamentary reports). This group is professionally run (founded by psychiatrists) but closely involves people with lived experience. Their stated goal is to ensure the medical community and public are adequately informed about the risks of tranquilizers benzoreform.org. Visiting their site can inform you about ongoing campaigns (for example, efforts to establish dedicated withdrawal clinics).
Benzo Free / Easing Anxiety – Benzo Free is a personal project by D.E. Foster, a recovered benzodiazepine patient who has become an educator and comforter to many others. This peer-led resource includes a rich blog and a podcast (the “Benzo Free Podcast”) which has been described as a “lifeline of the benzo community” by providing information, support, and personal connection to thousands going through withdrawal easinganxiety.com. On the Benzo Free website, you’ll find articles explaining withdrawal phenomena (like why symptoms fluctuate), relaxation exercises for anxiety, and interviews with experts (Dr. Alexis Ritvo, Dr. Christy Huff, etc.). The tone is warm and hopeful. The companion YouTube channel (“Easing Anxiety”) features video versions of the podcast, where Foster blends personal stories, interviews, and findings from over a decade of research and lived experience to educate viewers easinganxiety.com. This resource is excellent for those who want both facts and a comforting virtual friend on the journey.
[Baylissa’s Website (Recovery Road/Bloom) – Baylissa Frederick, author of Recovery & Renewal, runs this gentle support site based on her own recovery from benzodiazepine injury. Baylissa is a trained counselor who provides one-on-one coaching and writes encouraging blogs for individuals in withdrawal. Her site (formerly known as “Recovery Road” or “Bloom in Wellness”) offers benzo-specific inspiration and coping strategies benzoreform.org. This is a peer-led resource (Baylissa herself survived a difficult withdrawal), but it’s very much focused on emotional well-being and empowerment. Visitors can read free articles, sign up for virtual support meetings, or even schedule personal mentoring (paid service). The language Baylissa uses is extremely kind and hopeful – many consider her book and website a source of light during dark times.
Mad in America – Benzo Articles – Mad in America (MIA) is an online journalism and education hub critiquing modern psychiatric practices. While it’s not exclusively about benzodiazepines, MIA hosts many articles and personal stories on benzo withdrawal and injury, written by experts and survivors. For instance, you can find investigative pieces on benzodiazepine prescribing trends, as well as first-person accounts of protracted withdrawal. MIA is an advocacy site emphasizing patient voices and research evidence in mental health benzoreform.org. It’s not a support group, but a place to learn and feel validated by the experiences of others. (Content is overseen by professionals in journalism and psychology, ensuring quality.) If you want to stay updated on benzo-related news or read thoughtful analysis of issues like “benzodiazepine brain changes” or “withdrawal vs. relapse,” MIA is a valuable resource.
Video Resources (YouTube & Multimedia)
Sometimes hearing someone’s voice or seeing their face as they talk about benzodiazepine recovery can be more impactful than reading. Below are some video resources – from personal success stories to expert lectures – all focused on benzodiazepine tapering and healing. These videos are evidence-based or drawn from real lived experience (or both). Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let these videos remind you that healing is possible:
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition’s YouTube (Benzo Stories series) – BIC maintains an excellent YouTube channel that features both expert content and patient stories. One highlight is their “Benzo Stories” playlist, where individuals share their real-life journeys of benzodiazepine harm and recovery. For example, you can watch stories like “Benzo Stories: Michael”, “Benzo Stories: Allison”, and others – each a candid account of what withdrawal was like and how they overcame it youtube.comyoutube.com. These videos are often heartfelt and honest, but ultimately inspiring as you see people on the other side of withdrawal. In addition, BIC’s channel includes recorded webinars and presentations by benzodiazepine experts (doctors and researchers) discussing topics such as taper strategies, protracted withdrawal, and patient-centered care. This mix of personal experience and professional expertise in their video library offers hope and practical knowledge.
Easing Anxiety – Benzo Free Podcast Videos – Easing Anxiety is the YouTube channel of the Benzo Free Podcast mentioned above. Hosted by D.E. Foster (a former benzo patient), the videos strike a comforting, relatable tone while delivering evidence-based info. Episodes cover topics like “Top 10 Takeaways from the New Clinical Tapering Guideline” or interviews such as “A Psychiatrist’s Perspective w/ Dr. Alexis Ritvo”. Expect a mix of research discussion and personal anecdotes, always presented in plain language. Because the host has lived through withdrawal, he anticipates viewers’ fears and questions – addressing issues like “Is this symptom normal?” or “How do I manage anxiety without meds?” in a calming manner. New episodes/podcast videos are posted regularly, and viewers often comment that these videos make them feel understood and less alone. (Peer-led content, with input from professionals; very high trust and empathy.)
Personal Success Stories on YouTube – There are countless personal benzo withdrawal vlogs and success-story videos across YouTube. Hearing someone describe how they tapered after decades of use can be incredibly reassuring. For instance, one video titled “Coming Off Benzos After 35 Years – Janice’s Story” follows a woman recounting how she successfully discontinued clonazepam after a long dependency – including her regrets and what she learned youtube.com. Many such videos exist; try searching for “benzo withdrawal success” or “my benzo story.” While individual results vary, seeing real people talk about healing can reinforce that recovery does happen. (Always be mindful: some personal videos might discuss intense symptoms – if you’re easily alarmed, focus on those labeled as success stories or interviews with recovered individuals.)
Expert Medical Talks (YouTube) – Aside from patient-made videos, there are professional lectures available online that can deepen your understanding of tapering. For example, the Seattle Science Foundation has a recorded grand rounds talk titled “Benzodiazepine Tapers in Primary Care” by Dr. Kendall Shibuya, D.O., which is available to watch on YouTube youtube.com. This talk covers how family doctors can safely help patients taper, using evidence-based approaches (it’s very informative and you might even share it with your physician). Another example: psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring has created a series of short YouTube videos addressing common questions like “How long does it take to taper off my benzodiazepines?” – providing clear, doctor-endorsed answers in a few minutes youtube.com. These kinds of expert videos can reinforce that the slow taper approach you’re taking is backed by medical science, and they often provide tips to manage withdrawal symptoms. Check out channels or organizations such as RxISK, Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, or university lecture series for such content. They are free to view and can empower you with knowledge to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Documentaries and Media – Keep an eye out for benzodiazepine-focused documentaries and news segments. A notable mention is the upcoming documentary “As Prescribed” (by Holly Hardman), which highlights the benzodiazepine over-prescription problem – the official site has a powerful trailerbenzoreform.org. Also, some news outlets (like BBC, CBC, New York Times) have produced video features on benzo withdrawal, often interviewing experts like Professor Ashton or patients. Engaging with these media pieces can help family members better understand what you’re going through, as they often lend an outsider’s perspective, validating the withdrawal syndrome. (You might watch them together with loved ones to educate them.)
Tools & Downloads (Tracking Aids & Guides)
Having the right tools can make your benzodiazepine taper journey more manageable. Below are some free downloadable resources and tools created specifically for benzo tapering or withdrawal tracking. These can help you plan your taper schedule, monitor your symptoms, and feel more in control of the process:
Ashton Manual (Downloadable PDF) – The Ashton Manual is not only available online but also as a free PDF for convenience benzoinfo.com. This Manual includes sample taper schedules for many benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Ativan, Xanax, etc.), showing how to gradually reduce the dose over time alosahealth.org. You can download it and use the schedules as a starting point to discuss a plan with your doctor. Many patients print out relevant pages to bring to appointments. The manual also contains chapters on withdrawal symptoms and coping techniques – having it on hand (even offline) can be a lifesaver when you need to reference something quickly. (Download PDF or find it under “Resources” on benzoinfo.com)
Reconnexion’s “Benzodiazepine Toolkit” (PDF Guide) – Reconnexion (Australia) has published a very useful guide called The Benzodiazepine Toolkit, which you can download for free from their website. This toolkit provides evidence-based strategies and practical tips for benzodiazepine tapering and recovery reconnexion.org.au. It covers topics like understanding dependence, designing a taper, managing insomnia or anxiety during withdrawal, and where to find support. There are also sections that families might find helpful to better support you. The language is patient-friendly. (Download here – look for “Benzodiazepine Toolkit” under Resources.) Consider printing the toolkit or saving it on your device; you can refer to it whenever you need a refresher on coping tools or reassurance that what you’re experiencing is normal.
Benzodiazepine Equivalency Charts – If your taper involves switching from a shorter-acting benzo (like Alprazolam) to a longer-acting one (like Diazepam), equivalency charts are crucial. These charts list different benzodiazepines and their approximate dose equivalencies (so you know, for example, that 0.5mg Alprazolam ≈ 10mg Diazepam). The Ashton Manual includes a well-known equivalency table; many medical websites provide similar charts. An equivalency reference can help you and your doctor make informed decisions if you need to cross over to Valium for a smoother taper reconnexion.org.au. It’s also helpful in understanding the relative potency of your dose as you cut down. Tip: You can print a benzodiazepine equivalence table (many are available as images or PDFs via a quick web search) and keep it with your medication diary for easy reference.
Symptom Log and Mood Diary – Tracking your daily symptoms can be handy during a taper. Sometimes progress is so gradual that it’s hard to notice, but looking back at a log can show improvement over weeks or months. You can use a simple notebook or spreadsheet to record each day’s dose and how you feel (sleep quality, anxiety level, withdrawal symptoms). For a more structured approach, some resources offer free templates: for instance, the Colorado Benzodiazepine Action Work Group’s patient “Peer Support” document emphasizes a whole-person wellness approach, benzoreform.org, which might include tracking not just symptoms but also nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction activities. While a specific benzo symptom log template might not be universally available, you can create your own or ask in forums like BenzoBuddies if members have ones to share (often, people have Excel sheets for taper schedules that double as symptom trackers). Using a diary or app to log symptoms can help identify patterns – maybe you notice “mornings are worst for anxiety, but improve in the afternoon” – and this information can guide adjustments in your taper or routines. It also provides something to bring to your doctor or therapist: an objective record of what you’re experiencing.
Taper Calculators or Schedules – Some benzo community members have created Excel-based taper calculators to plan gradual dose reductions (sometimes called “microtaper” schedules). These tools let you input your current dose and how slow you want to taper (e.g., 5% reduction every 2 weeks) and then output a day-by-day or week-by-week schedule of tiny cuts. While not officially provided by medical institutions, they can be handy for those doing precision tapers (especially liquid tapers). You might find such tools through community forums. Additionally, the Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidelines (such as a 2018 guidance from Canada, or the 2022 ASAM guideline) often include sample taper rate tables – you can adapt those into your own schedule. Always double-check any calculator’s plan with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure it’s safe. And remember, flexibility is key: these schedules may need adjusting based on your symptom log.
Wellness Plans (WRAP) – Although not benzodiazepine-specific, some people benefit from creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or similar self-care plan during withdrawal. These are free templates (available from mental health organizations) where you list your triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies, plus an emergency plan if things get tough. Crafting a personalized plan can give a sense of control. For benzo taperers, your plan might include things like: “If insomnia gets bad, I will practice the breathing exercise from the Toolkit, call my support buddy, or use a calming app,” etc. Resources like MentalHealthRecovery.com offer free WRAP info at benzoreform.org. Adapting these tools to benzo withdrawal can ensure you have a toolbox ready for rough days.
Closing Note: Benzodiazepine recovery is a journey that no one should have to travel alone. The resources above are here to offer knowledge, support, and hope. Whether you reach out to a support group, read the Ashton Manual, watch a YouTube success story, or simply lurk in an online forum until you feel ready to participate, remember that thousands have successfully come off benzodiazepines and reclaimed their lives. With a slow, steady taper and a strong support network, healing is possible.
Keep this page bookmarked and share it with your family or friends so they too can understand what you’re going through and how to help. Every person’s journey is unique, but together, as a community, we can ensure you have the resources, empathy, and encouragement needed for a safe benzodiazepine taper and a brighter, benzo-free future. ❤️
Benzos in the News
Below are recent news articles and features on benzodiazepine risks, withdrawal, and prescribing trends:
Ramachandran, S., & McKay, B. (2025, March 13). Generation Xanax: The dark side of America’s wonder drug. The Wall Street Journal.
Caron, C. (2018, March 16). A quiet drug problem among the elderly. The New York Times.
Caron, C. (2024, June 20). Sleeping pills ruined my life—and my GP didn’t warn me. The Telegraph.
Caron, C. (2024, September 2). What patients—and doctors—should know about ‘benzo’ withdrawal. The Washington Post.
Consolidated References
American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2025). Clinical practice guideline on benzodiazepine tapering. Retrieved from https://www.asam.org/benzo-taper-guideline
American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2025). Clinical practice guideline on benzodiazepine tapering. Retrieved from https://www.asam.org/benzo-taper-guideline
Ashton, H. (2002). Benzodiazepines: How they work and how to withdraw [The Ashton Manual]. Retrieved from https://www.benzo.org.uk
Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://benzoreform.org
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www.benzoinfo.com
Beating Benzos [Facebook group]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/groups/beatingbenzos
BenzoBuddies. (n.d.). Community Forum. Retrieved from http://www.benzobuddies.org
Benzo Hope NYC [Meetup group]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.meetup.com/Benzo-Hope-NYC
Benzo Warrior. (n.d.). Community. Retrieved from https://www.benzowarrior.com
Caron, C. (2018, March 16). A quiet drug problem among the elderly. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/health/benzodiazepine-seniors.html
Caron, C. (2024, June 20). Sleeping pills ruined my life—and my GP didn’t warn me. The Telegraph. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/sleeping-pills-ruined-my-life/
Caron, C. (2024, September 2). What patients—and doctors—should know about ‘benzo’ withdrawal. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/benzo-withdrawal/
Caron, C. (2025, May 14). When they couldn’t get benzos anymore, quitting was torture. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/health/benzodiazepine-withdrawal.html
Colorado Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. (n.d.). Peer Support. Retrieved from https://www.benzoinfo.com/peer-support
Council for Evidence-Based Psychiatry. (n.d.). Resources. Retrieved from https://cepuk.org
Facebook. (n.d.). Benzodiazepine Recovery Group. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/groups/benzorecovery
Mad in America. (n.d.). Benzodiazepine section. Retrieved from https://www.madinamerica.com
MentalHealthRecovery.com. (n.d.). WRAP resources. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/wrap
Postscript360. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://postscript360.org.uk
Ramachandran, S., & McKay, B. (2025, March 13). Generation Xanax: The dark side of America’s wonder drug. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/generation-xanax-dark-side-wonder-drug-11647891234
Reconnexion. (n.d.). Benzodiazepine Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.reconnexion.org.au
Reddit. (n.d.). r/benzorecovery. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/benzorecovery
Shibuya, K. (2023). Benzodiazepine tapers in primary care [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example2
Vancouver Benzo Support Group. (n.d.). Meetup. Retrieved from https://vbsg.ca
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day. (n.d.). About W-BAD. Retrieved from https://w-bad.org