#35: Tijs Synaeve 🇧🇪

November 22nd, 2023 In this episode: Tijs Synaeve from Belgium. After the sudden passing of his father in 2005, Tijs suffered from anxiety attacks. Tijs self medicated with alcohol to try to cope. Upon seeing a psychiatrist, he was prescribed the Benzodiazepine Tranxène (Clorazepate), antidepressants and eventually a staggering 8 milligrams of Rivotril (Clonazepam). Trough the years he had visited America and on his last visit, he stumbled upon the book "Blood Orange Night", inspiring him to want to come off Benzos. He had tapered to 4.5 milligrams in a few years, but ended up in an inpatient treatment where he was tapered off Benzodiazepines and all other prescription drugs in four days during a ten-week treatment. He survived, but one year later, he still has some symptoms. After coming off of Clonazepam, he started to do some research on Benzodiazepines. Realizing Benzodiazepines aren't as safe he was told, Tijs is spreading awareness in Belgium and his story is featured in some reputable Belgium newspapers.