Scooter’s Story and Recovery

[WebDevElijah]

 

Scooter McGroover's Success Story

My journey with benzodiazepines began in 2010, during my first year as a teacher. Severe anxiety and insomnia led me to try Ambien, which eventually turned into misuse. By my second year, a sleep doctor prescribed 0.5 mg of Klonopin, which helped me initially but masked deeper issues. I used Klonopin intermittently for five years and stopped cold turkey every summer without major issues.

In 2018, anxiety and migraines resurfaced. I returned to Klonopin, taking 0.125 mg twice daily to cope. This led to interdose withdrawal, restlessness, and severe mental agitation. I quit cold turkey in March 2018, which triggered intense symptoms including akathisia, insomnia, depression, and intrusive thoughts.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Insomnia: Zero sleep for weeks, improving gradually over 24 months. By month 29, I began sleeping 6–7 hours nightly.
• Akathisia: Constant need to walk, severe mental agitation, and depression for the first year. Symptoms lessened between months 12–18 and continued fading.
• Derealization/Depersonalization: Loss of connection to people and memories. Symptoms eased after 24 months.
• Physical Symptoms: Burning skin, head pressure, blurry vision, and ear issues persisted early on but improved over time.
• Anhedonia: Lost interest in hobbies and life pleasures. Gradually regained enjoyment around 24 months.

Coping and Recovery

• Exercise and Routine: Walking daily and maintaining a simple routine helped rebuild stability.
• Therapy and Support: Found solace in benzo-wise therapists and supportive forums.
• Creative Outlet: Released two albums documenting withdrawal and recovery (Get Well and Relearn).

Key Lessons

1. Time Heals: Healing was slow but steady. Symptoms faded subtly over months.
2. Avoid Reinstating: Kindling from repeated use made recovery harder.
3. Treat It Like a Brain Injury: Focus on exercise, diet, and reducing stress instead of relying on medication.

Success and Hope

Now, 38 months off Klonopin, I’ve returned to a fulfilling life. I sleep better, enjoy hobbies, and have reconnected with my family. If I can recover, so can you. Healing takes time—stay strong and take it one day at a time.

Helpful Resources:

• Get Well and Relearn albums: Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp