Fund Support Groups for Benzo-Harmed Patients

The Global Benzo Support Network is a network of virtual support groups held over Zoom. GBSN offers support to people who have been therapeutic-dose dependent on benzodiazepines or psychiatric medications and who are in the process of “tapering,” or weaning themselves off these medications. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is highly dangerous and can last for years. It is the only drug withdrawal that can cause death through its symptoms alone, and is unsafe to do in a rehabilitation facility due to its risk and its length. With a lack of understanding and support from the medical community at large, millions of people turn to support groups to learn DIY methods for creating a safe, slow, liquid taper, in addition to finding advice and support while experiencing painful and often misunderstood symptoms such as akathisia, agoraphobia, and unexplained chronic pain. 

GBSN offers support groups seven days a week, including groups designed for patients who have been Cold Turkeyed, or ripped suddenly and dangerously off of their medication. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy courses are offered for free to help members learn coping skills during and after their tapers. Members of the community who do not speak English are paired with translators to help them learn how to safely taper. One-on-one peer coaching is also available for those seeking to create a specialized plan for their taper. Additionally, GBSN is active on social media, where posts are designed to educate and spread awareness. 

We are asking for donations to cover the cost of Zoom Licenses for facilitators; our platform, Meetup.com; graphic design for global outreach; and translators for print and video educational materials. GBSN runs on volunteers who are currently in benzo withdrawal. Our bandwidth for supporting and caring for our community is stretched thin, and we need your support to continue to offer the variety of resources available to our members. 

GBSN is a necessary organization, as very few support systems for the benzodiazepine epidemic exist. GBSN’s holistic nature ranges from support groups, to skills classes, to mindful art therapy, to one-on-one coaching--our members are supported from the beginning of their tapers to well after they are finished tapering. Your support fights shame and stigma, and promotes affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and more.

For more information please visit our links.