I, and others had been referencing Dr. Espaka's 2009 statement in advising others benzos should be avoided:

"The benzodiazepines will not help you with the Sinclair Method - they will hamper, slow, and weaken your de-addiction or extinction progress. Avoid them if at all possible. There is both scientific research to support this and also clinical cases ...."

UPDATE

Dr. Espaka has backtracked on this 2009 statement. There is inconclusive evidence warranting this hard-line stance. While it still remains a possibility it's anything but definitive.

Wow! Thanks for the update, Bardo!

I appreciate you posting this.

BUT, I have seen those that have been on Benzos struggling with TSM; however, It could be that they where the small percentage that TSM didn't work for.

I do wish someone would do studies.

Jaba, I totally agree with you. If anyone asks me I'll still advise them to drop benzos as it anecdataly presents clear issues. However, I thought it best to inform straight from the horse's mouth that it requires a study to be sure of anything.

Hi Bardo,
I have been tapering my benzos so I can start TSM. Unfortunately, my physician had me do it at a rapid rate and I've been suffering since. I had to reinstate so I will start the taper over. One shouldn't really mix alcohol with benzos for the most part, so I am going to have to delay starting TSM. I have the prescription and was ready to start, but this is going to take several months to get off benzos. Thanks for the update.

I dropped TSM for several months due to the Benzo's. I'm on a very low dose of Xanax .05 time release 2X a day. I have an anxiety disorder that dates back to my childhood which was likely a catalyst for decades of abusive drinking. I started TSM several weeks ago, scared that it wouldn't work because of the tendency of the brain to add more receptors. I'm not giving medical advice here, however my doc did not think the low dose of Xanax I'm on would affect TSM. So far he's been right and I try as I might to chase it the old buzz from alcohol isn't there anymore. AF days come easy, and when I do drink it's more pure habit than craving. I'm convinced I'm going to be successful this time around. It's great to see the names again of fellow TSM journey pals, and I too am very grateful that the site is back up. Best to everyone.
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