Stages of Protracted Withdrawal
By Tomasz Starczewski
Discontinuing psychiatric medications is undoubtedly a challenging process that requires patience and support. People considering coming off these medications often fear the unknown and what awaits them on the other side. In this article, we will outline and discuss the various stages of healing.
Grieving Process
When we realize that the source of our problems may be the medications themselves, rather than “mental illnesses,” and that to regain health we must come off them, the first stage encountered by those deciding to discontinue medication is grief. This process often involves the five stages of grief:
Stage I – shock and numbness
Stage II – yearning, bitterness, and regret
Stage III – disorganization
Stage IV – reorganization
Stage V – acceptance of the current situation
These stages of grief are challenging compared to "typical" grief, such as mourning the loss of a loved one. Patients often experience not the usual emotions associated with grief, but instead, they find themselves in a severe state usually accompanied by suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are consequences of drug-induced, iatrogenic neurological damage to the nervous system.
Decision about recovery
After processing what has happened and understanding what lies ahead for the coming months and years, the most challenging step awaits: taking responsibility for your healing journey.
At this stage, many people desperately seek a “magic pill” to cure them and repair the damage caused by the medications. Unfortunately, many learn the hard way that this path doesn’t lead to recovery.
Typically, individuals face a choice: either passively wait for improvement or actively participate in their healing process by supporting their body’s recovery.
While the first option is understandable given the difficult state patients are in, it often prolongs the healing process and worsens overall health.
Those who choose to actively support their recovery face another daunting challenge, often finding themselves navigating it alone.
Support
At this stage, support becomes crucial. Ideally, this support would come from close loved ones, such as a supportive partner or family members. However, such resources are not always available. To avoid feeling isolated in the healing journey, it’s worth seeking help from a psychiatric drug withdrawal consultant who can guide and assist during the process.
What does healing look like?
Unfortunately, recovery from psychiatric medications often follows a nonlinear pattern known as the “wave and window” phenomenon. Patients may feel as though they are improving, only to later experience setbacks as symptoms worsen again. The good news is that, over time, the good days (windows) become more frequent, while the bad days (waves) diminish.
What helps in the healing process?
Beyond support, taking proactive steps to aid your recovery is important. If you simply wait for the symptoms to improve on their own, the process may take much longer and be much harder to endure.
Diet
Diet is a critical factor with numerous benefits during the healing process. After taking antidepressants, the microbiome is often depleted and needs rebuilding. A ketogenic diet, which stimulates autophagy, appears to be one of the best options.
Physical activity
Exercise is another key element, aiding recovery by stimulating BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes neurogenesis.
Supplements
Certain dietary supplements can act as a lifeline during tough moments or provide support when dealing with persistent issues, such as chronic sleep problems, which are essential to the recovery process. However, caution is necessary, as the nervous system is highly sensitive during withdrawal and may react paradoxically even to seemingly safe supplements.
Learning from others
It’s beneficial to seek advice from those who have recovered from long-term withdrawal syndrome. These individuals can offer guidance on the most effective and safe self-help tools. Such collaborations often yield far better results than attempting to navigate the process alone.
A long but worthwhile journey
Recovering from psychiatric medications is a lengthy process requiring patience and determination. However, the vast majority of people who successfully discontinue medications eventually regain their health and rediscover joy in life. It’s worth fighting for yourself, seeking help, and reclaiming your well-being.
About the Author
Tomasz Starczewski is a Neuroscientist and Neurobiologist who works as a Psychiatric Drugs Withdrawal Consultant with over 6 years of experience in Protracted Withdrawal. Tomasz specializes in recovery programs for both acute and protracted withdrawal syndrome from antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. The program consists of precise diagnostics and a holistic approach focusing on restoring disrupted homeostasis due to drug-induced autonomic dysregulation. The program is primarily based on stimulating BDNF, autophagy, and regulating the microbiome. The client also receives essential tools to alleviate symptoms, which they can use independently during the recovery process. Sessions are conducted in the form of trauma therapy, which is also helpful in the healing process.
