• Timothy John Snyder shares his personal experience with benzodiazepine addiction, which began at age 16.
• He highlights the severe withdrawal symptoms and the lack of adequate treatment options available.
• Snyder advocates for changes in prescription practices and improved care for long-term users to address the dangers of benzodiazepine addiction.

Timothy John Snyder provides a first-person account of his 24-year struggle with benzodiazepine addiction, starting with Xanax at age 16 and continuing with Klonopin. He emphasizes the addictive nature of these drugs, the harrowing experience of withdrawal, and the inadequacy of current treatment approaches. His narrative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of long-term benzodiazepine use and advocate for changes in prescription practices and improved care for those affected.

• What: Personal account of a 24-year benzodiazepine addiction, detailing the initial prescription, the progression of addiction, the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and the challenges in finding adequate treatment.
• Who: Timothy John Snyder, Teva, Roche, and the broader medical and pharmaceutical community.
• When: Addiction spanning from age 16 to the present (age 40), with emphasis on the immediate dangers of initial Xanax prescription and ongoing struggles with Klonopin withdrawal.
• Where: Experiences occurred in various locations, including doctor's offices, rehab centers, and personal spaces (home, shower, movie theater).

Snyder's personal account highlights the significant risks associated with benzodiazepine prescriptions and the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction and withdrawal. The narrative underscores the importance of cautious prescribing practices, comprehensive withdrawal management, and increased awareness of the potential for dependency. His criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry and the medical community reflect a broader concern about the over-prescription of benzodiazepines and the lack of adequate support for those seeking to discontinue their use.

That’s not anxiety relief in your hand. That’s your future slipping away in silence.

Timothy John Snyder's account serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of benzodiazepine addiction and the often-overlooked challenges of withdrawal. His call for shorter prescriptions, better care for long-term users, and an end to the silence surrounding this issue underscores the urgent need for reform in prescribing practices and treatment approaches. While his personal story offers a sobering perspective, it also serves as a catalyst for change and a voice for the millions affected by benzodiazepine dependence.