05-28-2016, 10:40 PM
As previously and repeatedly stated, this isnt meant to replace the advice of an MD. Which I again am not. I agree that it's not a one size fits all area, it's barely a one size fits two or more area. I can take almost any benzo and know what to expect. Then I'll take an Ativan and have incredible anxiety, rage and violent outbursts. I can take 4mg of Klonopin and not get any result at all but 1mg of xanax will put me to sleep. Is everyone like this? No. Not at all and I never implied I expected anyone to be the same.
In my op I flat out stated these answers aren't derived from anything more than anecdotal evidence and observations of those close to me and my own personal experience. I'm not including medical studies because I won't go into that territory and studies can and are regularly refuted. Anecdotes and experience are more relatable and in my opinion (like everything else here) more accurate than a .PDF of a confusing series of tables and things like peak plasma levels during a menstruating rodent's average Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone that's going to attempt the Ashton method needs to read the materials thoroughly and speak to their doctor. You're correct, there is the problem of half life. I've not addressed the ACTUAL undertaking of the method imtentionally because it differs from person to person and from an ethical and, depending on area, legal standpoint, I would need 6-12 more months of schooling and testing that I have neither the interest or desire to complete to represent anything I'm saying as anything other than "hey, I've been to benzo hell and it's not pretty. Here are some directions in which you should look to see if any of this fits your particular situation or may help you in any way."
Yes, there are flaws and variations as with anything. This is also probably the only solution for many, many people. I credit it with quite literally saving my life. I'm not calling it the unicorn of benzo dependence or a miracle cure. Even using the Ashton method with no deviation... it isn't fun. Tapering off of anything isn't a trip to the theme park. It's a little slice of hell, i'm the first to admit that. Is it better than a potentially fatal, cold turkey most general practitioners will suggest (and by that I mean force upon the patient)? Most certainly.
In my op I flat out stated these answers aren't derived from anything more than anecdotal evidence and observations of those close to me and my own personal experience. I'm not including medical studies because I won't go into that territory and studies can and are regularly refuted. Anecdotes and experience are more relatable and in my opinion (like everything else here) more accurate than a .PDF of a confusing series of tables and things like peak plasma levels during a menstruating rodent's average Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone that's going to attempt the Ashton method needs to read the materials thoroughly and speak to their doctor. You're correct, there is the problem of half life. I've not addressed the ACTUAL undertaking of the method imtentionally because it differs from person to person and from an ethical and, depending on area, legal standpoint, I would need 6-12 more months of schooling and testing that I have neither the interest or desire to complete to represent anything I'm saying as anything other than "hey, I've been to benzo hell and it's not pretty. Here are some directions in which you should look to see if any of this fits your particular situation or may help you in any way."
Yes, there are flaws and variations as with anything. This is also probably the only solution for many, many people. I credit it with quite literally saving my life. I'm not calling it the unicorn of benzo dependence or a miracle cure. Even using the Ashton method with no deviation... it isn't fun. Tapering off of anything isn't a trip to the theme park. It's a little slice of hell, i'm the first to admit that. Is it better than a potentially fatal, cold turkey most general practitioners will suggest (and by that I mean force upon the patient)? Most certainly.