Dr. Heather Ashton - Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

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Dr. C. Heather Ashton is the leading expert on benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine withdrawal. In this clip, Dr. Ashton discusses the keys to safe, effective benzodiazepine withdrawal.

To order the DVD, visit PMAG's website:



Dr. Ashton, DR, FRCP, is an Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psycho-pharmacology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Dr. Ashton is an expert researcher and clinician in the area of addictive psychotropic drugs. She was the director of a benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic for 12 years and has developed the "gold standard" protocol for withdrawal from benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. She has written over 250 academic papers in professional journals and books, and is a frequent international lecturer on benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. For many years she has taught medical and pharmacology students, physicians, nurses and other health care workers about benzodiazepines and their effects, including the clinical management of withdrawal.

In March and April 2006, Dr. Ashton gave lectures on Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal Methods to heath care providers in Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. She also addressed physicians at an addictions conference at Parksville, B.C.

The Psychiatric Medication Awareness Group (PMAG) produced a 90-minute DVD of Dr. Ashton's April 4, 2006, Vancouver lecture. Dr. Ashton spoke on:
* how benzodiazepines and hypnotics (i.e., tranquillizers and sleeping pills) affect the brain and body
* symptoms of dependence

* the personal/social costs of benzodiazepine dependence

* benzodiazepine use and other substances such as street drugs

* withdrawal

* effective tapering plans

* outcomes and longer-term symptoms

* best practices


The DVD is a useful educational tool for benzodiazepine users, those withdrawing from benzodiazepines, physicians and other health care professionals, and non-profit organizations.
It provides an excellent overview of Dr. Ashton's protocol, expertise and wisdom.

Dr. Ashton's Manual for withdrawing from benzodiazepines safely and effectively:


For online support from a knowledgeable and sympathetic community (they've been there and done that!), check out the Yahoo Benzo Group:



Benzoisland - another excellent and knowledgeable online support forum:


Channel: Howto & Style
Uploaded: March 15, 2007 at 1:49 am
Author: Psychmedaware

Length: 00:03:23
Rating: 4.91
Views: 15827

Tags: Heather Ashton benzodiazepines benzos benzo withdrawal valium xanax ativan tranquilizers

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Video Comments:
Jsmooth7444 (November 15, 2008 at 8:06 pm)
I hope one day doctors will have to take the meds they actually prescribe instead of relying on the FDA's known symptoms...
snoopycool1 (September 21, 2008 at 11:45 am)
If you have issues with benzodiazepines there is online support. For free online support benzowithdrawal com They helped many.
Dorotaborsuk (September 11, 2008 at 4:40 am)
Dear Lynn,
If you ever still reading this page maybe you can give me some advice? You were so kind and you help awful lot. How was 'this' fot you? Did you manage from day one without any problems? Have you done it on your own or somebody's help ? Thanks - Dorotaa
Dorotaborsuk (September 11, 2008 at 4:33 am)
Oh God - I'm really not coping well. I believe that living on my own and having no family or close friends is a main factor. I'll do anything to come off benzos but unfortunately I pick on time when I've several serious problems to sort out and putting my loniless and problems all together make me only to come back to take higher dosage. Can anyone have had simmilar experience like I do? Can someone give me some advice what shall I do in order to gae out of this mess?
ccfc500 (September 7, 2008 at 6:35 pm)
this woman is full of shit and only intersested in selling products, shame on her as she has been through it herself ! no heart watsoever
eml256 (September 6, 2008 at 9:38 am)
anyone heard of "ibogaine" or "ibocaine" used for withdrawl of alcohol and drugs? am unsure of suitability of use for benzodiazapines. research "deborah Mash+ibogaine"
Dorotaborsuk (August 17, 2008 at 3:51 am)
I think person who manage to reduce dosage and succed very 1-st time is a hero. I'm trying to do is now. Unfortunately I've some serious problems to sort it now and when 10 pm comes the fear of (???) which I feel is overhelming. As a results I've few 'relapses' and took more pills then need it. I hate myself for it but I never will give up idea of coming off this 'magic pills for ever'. Being on yr own, doing it on yr own without any support is the most awful things of all.
lynnparryjones (June 27, 2008 at 7:52 am)
hi Dorota,

what fab news! I know its hard not to panic but please be assured you are in the best hands possible - Pam Armstrong is the best - I call her my Angel Armstrong she will get you there, it wont be easy but nothing worth having is, and what you get in the end is happiness and freedom - keep in touch much love Lynn x
Dorotaborsuk (June 28, 2008 at 1:40 am)
Hi Lynn - thank you very much and I obviously will kep in touch. Now I've new obstacle on my way - I've got hooked on Bromazepam which I always get it from doc from my country and which is not av in UK. In my country U r coming off benzos which you hooked on; in UK you have to always switch 4 Valium. My GP dasn't know about my problem. I sense I'll benzos-free bankcrupt if I'll get Valium from on-line pharmacies. May I know which benzos U were on and how long did it take U 2 come off? - xxDorota
lynnparryjones (June 28, 2008 at 2:51 am)
Hi Dorota,

Zopiclone, a sleeper still the same action, Lorazepam and Valium took me 11 months. total 20mg.

My understanding of benzo's is that they all have the same action on the brain regardless of what they are called bu the manufacturer. But Pam will put you right, she will negotiate with your dr if necessary, don't worry!!! You are at the start of something GOOD, eventhough it does'nt seem it. Listen to Pam and e mail me if you need to - good luck!!!

love lynn xx