Finding a Doctor to Support Benzodiazepine Taper

[Dallala]

Hello, my mom is in a behavioral psychiatric unit following a suicide attempt related to her Xanax use. Before the attempt my mom, dad, and her primary care worked to lower her dose from 6-8mg of Xanax a day to 3mg of Xanax a day. The three of them were not aware of the Ashton method and my mom had a terrible 3 months of withdrawals and worsening mental health. A couple of weeks ago she was so beaten down by the withdrawals that she attempted to take her own life. She is in a better state mentally now and after being in multiple facilities (the first of which took her off of Xanax cold turkey and lead to a seizure), the doctor in her new psych unit recommended the Ashton method. Now she is on 5 mg of Valium in the morning, 5mg of Valium in the afternoon, and 10mg of Valium in the evening. My mom is ready to be discharged but cannot leave until we have care set up for her. We don’t want to take her back to the primary care that first prescribed Xanax and then botched her initial Xanax-based taper, but we’re afraid that’s our only option. Most physicians we talked to don’t want to prescribe these medications. How do we find a doctor who will support her withdrawal?

Edited December 27, 2024 by Dallala

[WebDevElijah]

@Dallala

 

I’m so sorry to hear about the challenges your mom has faced, but it’s encouraging that she’s in a better place now and receiving care with a more structured approach. Finding the right support for her withdrawal journey is crucial, and you’re not alone in struggling to locate a doctor who understands benzodiazepine dependence and tapering.

 

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Locate a Specialist:

Look for a psychiatrist or addiction specialist experienced in benzodiazepine withdrawal. You can start by:

 

• Searching through professional directories like the 
 

American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) or

 

Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC).

 

• Contacting a local hospital’s behavioral health department or a teaching hospital, as they often have specialists who are familiar with evidence-based tapering protocols like the Ashton Method.

2. Ask About Telemedicine Options:

Many doctors offer telehealth appointments, which can expand your options if local providers are unwilling or unavailable. Be sure to ask if they are comfortable managing a slow Valium taper.

3. Find Supportive General Practitioners (GPs):

While many physicians are hesitant to prescribe benzodiazepines, some family doctors or internists are willing to manage long-term tapers if provided with guidance (e.g., Ashton Manual). Bring printed resources to demonstrate your knowledge and intentions.

4. Consider Functional Medicine Practitioners:

Functional or integrative medicine doctors may be more open to supporting your mom’s journey, particularly if they specialize in mental health or holistic addiction care.

5. Explore Patient Advocacy Groups:

Reach out to groups like “Beating Benzos” or the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition. Members often share referrals for physicians in their area or tips for navigating the system.

6. Document Her History:
Prepare a detailed medical history, including her past experiences and the Ashton taper she’s currently on. This will help potential doctors understand the situation and avoid setbacks like cold-turkey withdrawal.

Finally, don’t give up. Many patients and families face similar barriers, but persistence often leads to finding a compassionate provider who aligns with your mom’s needs. Supporting her emotionally and advocating for her during this time will make a big difference.

 

Wishing you and your mom strength and healing.