I witnessed firsthand the influence of pharmaceutical companies on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. During my internship, I observed how the pharmaceutical companies’ marketing strategies were used to influence the prescribing habits of doctors. I saw how these companies would offer free samples, sponsor research, and even fund conferences for doctors, all in an effort to promote their drugs.
My first job after graduate school was another eye-opening experience that almost prompted me to leave the field. I was a research coordinator for an inpatient hospital involved with clinical research trials bringing depression drugs to market. I was completely shocked at what I witnessed in the industry-sponsored research trials. I witnessed the rubber-stamped FDA approval process for experimental drugs that had adverse reactions or no efficacy, yet were still approved after only a three-month follow up study. I saw people being included that did not meet all inclusion criteria and vice versa with the exclusion criteria. I saw data being thrown out that should have been reported. I was sent to trainings in nice locations with all expenses paid to learn how to do the “industry sponsored version” of the scientific method; their version was vastly different than the scientific method I was trained in at university level neuroscience labs.
A. Therapy: Beyond the Conventional
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The author’s journey into therapy stemmed from a disillusionment with the field. They witnessed firsthand the discrepancies, deceptions, and greed that were prevalent within the field, leading them to question the traditional methods of therapy. This disillusionment fueled their desire to pursue a career in therapy, driven by a need to offer holistic alternatives to the mainstream treatments.
This shift in thinking was driven by a growing awareness of the complex interplay between trauma, mental health, and the body. This awareness has led to a new understanding of the body’s role in processing trauma and its impact on mental health. This understanding has also led to a shift in the way we approach mental health care, moving away from a purely symptom-based approach to a more holistic approach that considers the whole person.
It has been inspiring to see more and more awareness growing around psychiatric drug withdrawal and hyperbolic tapering in the last few years. The tides are changing around this once very taboo topic. Thanks to Mark Horowitz and David Taylor for creating the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and Z-drugs), which is a very huge win for the tapering and psychiatric drug withdrawal community to have in print! My hope is that in the next five to ten years more and more awareness, protocols, and remedies will become available for those seeking to discontinue psychotropic drugs. The sad truth is not everyone can taper down to zero with the current knowledge we have today. Akathisia and tardive dyskinesia are facets of the nervous system in withdrawal that can lead many to re-instatement and sometimes to suicide. Dysautonomia can be a common and very debilitating side effect for those who taper too quickly or cold turkey. There are a vast amount of variables that can make or break a person’s experience of tapering off a psychotropic. The person’s age, length of time on the drug, the dose of the drug, kindling experiences due to cold turkey attempts in the past, underlying co-occurring infections (such as Lyme’s disease, Epstein Barr, etc), mold exposures, parasites, difficulties with detox organs and pathways, genetic mutations (such as MTHFR, COMT, NRF2), heavy metals and other toxic burdens, and of course a too fast taper.
Tapering is a process of gradually reducing the dosage of a medication over time. It is a common practice in the management of chronic conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, tapering is not a simple process and requires careful planning and consideration of various factors.
This summary provides a list of tips and suggestions for managing stress and anxiety, which can be helpful for individuals experiencing these challenges. It is important to note that these are not medical advice and should not be considered a replacement for professional help.
* **Histamine intolerance:** A condition where the body struggles to process histamine, leading to various symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. * **Low histamine diet:** A dietary approach that restricts foods high in histamine, aiming to reduce histamine intolerance symptoms. * **Intermittent fasting:** A pattern of eating that cycles between periods of eating and fasting, potentially promoting autophagy.
Vagus nerve stimulation is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. It can be achieved through various methods, including cold water exposure, breathing exercises, and meditation. **Detailed Text:**
The vagus nerve, often referred to as the “wandering nerve,” plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s stress response.
* Amino acids are essential for building and repairing tissues. * Supplements can be helpful for people who have difficulty getting enough amino acids from their diet. * Organ meats are a good source of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. * Organ meats are particularly beneficial for people who are tapering off a drug or supplement regimen.
This summary is about the benefits of grounding, specifically the impact on the nervous system. It highlights the importance of spending time on the ground, particularly in nature, for regulating the nervous system. ## Detailed Text
Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves connecting with the Earth’s natural electrical charge.
Medical gaslighting – It can be very painful to come to terms with the amount of medical trauma and medical gaslighting that happens from well-meaning doctors and nurses. So many are just uneducated and unaware of the difficulties in psychotropic withdrawal. The medical profession desperately needs training to be able to identify withdrawal and protracted withdrawal, instead of assuming it is a mental illness. A good therapist can help you process and unpack the experience of gaslighting and realizing that the medical system that got you on the drugs has very little knowledge or tools on how to get you off the drugs.
This is because the full dose can create a heightened state of reactivity, making it difficult to differentiate between emotional responses and physical sensations. Here, it’s important to understand that the taper is a process that can take months or even years. A gradual reduction of dosage is crucial to avoid complications.
The process of tapering and withdrawal from substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can be challenging and complex. It requires a careful and individualized approach, as the body’s response to these substances varies significantly. Here are some techniques that can be helpful in tapering and withdrawal:
