T.U.R.N.

Tranquilizer Users Recovery Network is a network of people devoted to helping those who are dependent on benzodiazepines.

The purpose of the network is three fold: to provide support for people suffering from tranquilizer use; to disseminate literature on the consequences of long-term tranquilizer use and what helps during withdrawal; and to contribute to the prevention of benzodiazepine addiction.

What is TURN?

The group consists of a broad spectrum of individuals: People who have been on tranquilizers long enough to be suffering physically and emotionally from their use, people who have gone through withdrawal, and people who want to withdraw. What makes this drug-taking group unique is that they have taken the drug as it was prescribed; they have become addicted as the direct result of being "good patients".

The network also consists of family members, health professionals, researchers and others who are committed to bringing the dangers of long-term tranquilizer use into public awareness and promoting wellbeing.

Why does TURN exist?

The group exists to help people by providing information, encouragement, truth and support. Denying the dangers of use and the difficulty of withdrawal makes it very difficult for those who are suffering to get help.

Withdrawal from tranquilizers can be a long and difficult road; truthful information about what works can be life-saving.

What does TURN do?

TURN provides support to people who are suffering from the consequences of long-term use. The greatest support can often come from the knowledge that others have suffered similarly and that, over time, symptoms remit. The understanding that it is the drug which is creating many enduring problems can be very empowering. People going through withdrawal need repeated encouragement and support above all else.

How long does withdrawal take?

"When will this suffering end?" is the most sought after answer for people going through the withdrawal process. Much of the psychiatric literature minimizes the severity and duration of distress, with the consequence that both the patient and prescribing physician are unaware of just how painful and protracted the recovery process can be. Being told it is ´all in your head´ leaves the person in withdrawal feeling hopeless and isolated. The withdrawal process is different for everyone, but most who taper off the drug go through varying levels of intensity of symptoms. Following taper to zero dosage, some post-discontinuation problems like sensory hypersensitivity can clear up in weeks; other problems like muscle pain and tingling can last a year or more.

How does one get this help?

You may call or write to the location below. Your inquiry will be responded to promptly, usually the same day.

What about professional help?

Tranquilizer withdrawal can be a period of intense strain for the person withdrawing and those close to the person going through withdrawal. Studies have shown that the most important factor in successful withdrawal is repeated encouragement. If, as is often the case, friends and family cannot provide the unwavering support and encouragement necessary for successful withdrawal and post-withdrawal recovery, then professional help is probably critical.

Possible consequences of prolonged tranquilizer use:

* increasing anxiety and panic

* worsening or development of agoraphobia

* depression and tiredness with need for excessive sleep

* memory problems with difficulty in learning

* decline in overall physical health

* withdrawal symptoms between doses or at dose reduction with:
dizziness, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, nightmares, flu-like feelings, sweating, headache, increased anxiety, gastro-intestinal distress, muscle and joint aches and pains, sinus problems, teeth grinding (possible TMJ), ringing in the ears, hypersensitivity to light, sound, taste, smell and touch, intrusive thoughts including suicide and fear of harming others, perceptual distortions, vision problems, muscle weakness and twitching, and more.

Reduction of benzodiazepine use may result in serious withdrawal symptoms. Under NO circumstances should dose reduction or discontinuation be undertaken without physician supervision.

To become a member of the Tranquilizer Users Recovery Network (TURN) or to receive professional help, contact either of the founders:

Sandra E. Jacobs, MFCC
Licensed Psychotherapist

David H. Jacobs, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

TURN
228 ´B´ South Cedros Avenue
Solana Beach, CA 92075
(619) 793-9606