This is a book that shouldn’t have to be written. After more than six decades of commercial benzodiazepine availability, it seems reasonable to expect that research communities would have clearly defined boundaries on initiation, limitations on duration of use, and discontinuation glide paths absent most of the actual reported agony. It seems reasonable to expect that medical communities notexhibit eyes wide shut by prescribing without informed consent, followed by discrediting and disparaging the agonies reported during medication discontinuation in words and inflections that smack of and stigmatize with accusatory psychosomatic self-culpability. No wonder tens of thousands of benzodiazepine survivors flock to online communities of similarly affected persons to find answers.
In The Waiting Room, Jennifer Swantkowski has given us a great gift: a master class on how she has and others might negotiate not only the nonlinear and imperfect journey through and beyond the clawed clutches of benzodiazepines, but also through the enormous difficulties posed by doubting clinicians who invalidate lived experiences. How, indeed, can one address the “smelly intruder” that is this medication and its angry, reactive receptors? Can one ever accommodate to this unwelcome visitor that won’t leave and remains unrecognized by medical providers who are supposed to acknowledge and assist in the restoration of health? Is radical acceptance possible whereby this caustic trespasser transforms into companion, advisor, and dare I say, friend?
To those affected by benzodiazepines, the author’s narrative will resonate strongly, suggests options for scenarios encountered along the way, and provides hope at the end of the day. To benzodiazepine prescribers, Dr. Swantowski’s gift includes replacing an old medical cosmology – one that still fundamentally revolves around medical provider at the center of decision-making – with a new one inclusive of right-sized expertise of authentically and fully-involved patients. And to all, she calls us to proceed deliberately, respectfully at “the speed of wisdom” – prudently slower than reactive symptoms and our culture otherwise seem to demand.
Unfortunately, this book had to be written. Fortunately, it is wonderfully done. Read on, then add your own chapters and your own understandings. It’s time.
