A year ago today, we received the devastating news that our beloved medical director, Dr. Christy Huff, had passed away. While heartbreaking, it wasn’t unexpected—Christy had been trapped in an intense setback for months. Tragically, it ultimately took her life.
The time since has been marked by grief and loss. In the wake of her passing, we focused on what we knew Christy would have wanted most: the well-being of her family, particularly her young daughter. Grief is not something that fades quickly—it is a lifelong process. As her family continues to navigate this loss, we ask that their privacy be respected now and in the years to come.
As most of you know, Christy was a powerhouse. Despite being a quiet person, she was brave, passionate, and relentless in her fight to end this harm. She would go anywhere and do anything to make a difference. Her impact on BIC was huge, and the countless lives she touched are a testament to her dedication. You can learn more about some of her contributions and the incredible work she did for BIC on her profile on our website here.
It has been a year. We miss her. We honor her. And we wish she were still here. We are also angry—angry that she was taken from us. She was angry, too. She often expressed how desperately she wanted to return to us at BIC and the life she had rebuilt after her taper. In her own words, she shared that she felt like she was “murdered.”
In her absence, we have continued our mission, knowing that’s what Christy would have wanted. We believe she would be proud of what we’ve accomplished this year. As we move forward alongside her family, we are ready to begin the process of sharing what happened to her. We’ve already taken steps in this direction, and we will continue to do so until her story is fully told. One of Christy’s final wishes, in the event she didn’t survive, was for us to ensure the world knew what happened to her. As of today, nothing has been published, and the full story remains untold. We hope this changes soon.
We know many will have questions, but at this time, we aren’t able to respond to personal inquiries about Christy’s passing. We appreciate your understanding as we prepare to share more.
The end of Christy’s life is a tragedy. She healed—until she didn’t. The harm ran deep. One of our hesitations in sharing the details of her death is the fear that others might become fixated on it and lose hope. Unfortunately, this has already happened with some, even without any details. We want to be clear: our intention is not to scare anyone or bring more suffering to our community, but to ensure the public understands just how serious and dangerous prescribed benzodiazepines can be. We share her story to honor Christy’s memory and fulfill her final wishes. We also want the world to understand that resources, including research funding, must be specifically dedicated to benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND). The consequences of continuing to ignore this harm are too dire.
While Christy’s story is heartbreaking, and her death was entirely preventable, we want to remind everyone that we have witnessed countless individuals—some of the most severely affected—improve and go on to lead happy, fulfilling lives, even those who once believed it wasn’t possible. We see this every year, and we don’t want anyone to lose sight of that.
Support the Dr. Christy Huff Memorial Fund
If Christy’s life touched you and you would like to support her legacy and our mission, you can make a donation to her memorial fund here.
All donations to the Dr. Christy Huff Memorial Fund will be directed toward the projects she was most passionate about, including research, media outreach, and public awareness campaigns regarding the risks associated with benzodiazepines. After checkout, you’ll see a question where you can designate your donation to the memorial fund.
Yesterday we were all made aware that beta blockers were the cause of Christie Huff’s major setback. Christie was so brave and such a warrior throughout her whole horrific benzo experience. I can’t imagine the fear or a panic of debilitating symptoms which led to her deciding to take her own life. I absolutely respect that she could endure no more and she had given so much. I appreciate her transparency and letting the world know the cause of setback even after her death.
We all will rely on each other‘s information and experiences. I thought it would be beneficial to share my experience specifically with beta blockers. My history is that I was on benzos for 20 years for insomnia. I took the lowest dose of .5 and didn’t even take it every single night to sleep, but I definitely took it most nights. About 2 1/2 years ago or closer to three years ago now, I got Covid. Unbeknownst to me, I was already into intolerance withdrawal for many years and my health was deteriorating. Through two 911 calls and trip to the ER, I found out that I had dangerously high blood pressure which is an underlying condition that makes Covid much more complicated. At one point my blood pressure was 180/120. The doctor put me on a beta blocker, while intolerance, benzo withdrawal, and I felt even more terrible. I had to cough like every 10-30 seconds because my heart was beating out of beat and coughing seem to help regulate it. It was such a frightful and scary experience for about two weeks. The doctor then switched me to a calcium channel blocker. I stayed on that medication for two years and actually just Over a month ago, I came off of it. Ironically, while I was on the calcium channel blocker, my blood pressure remained in the somewhat high category. As soon as I came off the medication, my blood pressure went back to perfect. It has been perfect for over a month. I do think that my damaged benzo body had an adverse reaction to blood pressure medication. Around the same time as I was put on blood pressure medication, I was also put on a statin for cholesterol. I came off the statin about 2 1/2 months ago and immediately could notice a difference in my flexibility and relief of joint pain. I went from walking around like I was 90 years old to be able to go up and downstairs freely. These are both lessons learned that I’d like to share with everybody. I know everyone is very different but the more information we have I’ve about our personal experiences, the better armed we are to be aware and make our own decisions.
I am still suffering from symptoms, I am 27 months off benzos. Just came out of a very bad wave. Like everyone else, I’m hoping for the best and praying that I fully recover.
Sorry, two typos. Christy, spelled correctly. Tolerance withdrawal.
The “volunteers” knew how she died but didn’t think we needed to know? Dr. Huff was transparent about her journey. Why would it benefit us to know later? Certainly didn’t benefit us to find out from The Wall Street Journal. This whole thing makes me sad and frustrated. We are just trying to survive and don’t need our support group to decide what we can know, should know or not know. Your mission doesn’t line up with how you handled this unfortunate event.
I am sorry for her loss. It is so important to tell our lives’ stories to help others. Shying away from unpleasant things are all too common today. Kudos to the family and Dr. Huff for sharing her battles and helping so many.
I just read from BIC’s newsletter this:
”
Dr. Huff’s story is being told for the first time, as she requested, in the comprehensive Wall Street Journal article, “Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug,” by Shalini Ramachandran and Betsy McKay. This is the extent to which her family has chosen to share. Please continue to respect their and our privacy.
We know she would be proud of the coverage and the impact this article will have.”
This article is behind the paywall. I will have to ask a friend who has a subscription to help or go to the library.
I see the same thing so I can’t read it either. I wonder why it’s not being published here on the BIC site…..I’d rather donate money to the Christy Huff Memorial Foundation than the WSJ.
WSJ has copyright for this article. You also can go to your library to get access to this article.
I just got a free copy from my library.
In late 2023, she took a common “beta blocker” drug, which blocks adrenaline, and was besieged by adverse effects, including muscular atrophy and anxiety “bursting from my chest.” She surmised that “prior damage from benzodiazepines came into play.” Last March, she killed herself. Her husband later found a note she had written on her phone.” If I end up taking my life or dying of natural causes, I consider this to be a murder,” she wrote, blaming damage from prescription drugs. “My body has been completely destroyed. I would never leave my family and beautiful daughter if I had another option.”
Thank you for sharing this.
You are welcome.
Above please Scroll over “About Benzos” and then scroll over “Benzo Basics” and then click on “Medications and Supplements of Concern on Benzos during Cessation and after Withdrawal. “Table of Contents” will pop up and then on the sixth point you will see a quite extensive “Potentially Dangerous Substances List”.
As we are all different and react differently to withdrawal, post withdrawal and protracted, the Potentially Dangerous Substance List that BIC has provided on their website is one we all should take seriously.
I have had six setbacks and am currently in a two-year unrelentless setback with absolutely no windows and never a reprieve! I was a short-term user – a total of 85 pills from start to taper barely 5 months prescribed for sleep only…no other issues. It was a very happy time in my life. Last dose of that evil poison was June 2015.
In between my setbacks when I have healed, I don’t even think that I’m going to be in another setback. But this time around, if I ever heal, I know I will stay as strict as I am when I’m trying to heal in a setback. I absolutely now stay away from anything on that list and I have weaned off of all supplements and hormonal progesterone cream. I only eat pure, organic whole foods – nothing processed – no sugar – no caffeine – no flour – no gluten and I only drink non-fluoride water tinted with organic lemon juice and I still haven’t healed!! I force myself to at least walk a mile every day when prior to this injury ten years ago, I was hiking 5 miles every day after work.
Thank you BIC for all the work you do and thank you Christy for the work you relentlessly did to make a difference and to get as much information out there to us as you did!! You are a gift!!!
Pam,
What benzo were you on?
I stupidly didn’t research and totally trusted my doctor. It was Lorazepam. I only took 4-5 pills the first month and didn’t feel normal inside but I thought it was my hormonal pellet that was due. If I wasn’t on the hormonal pellet, I would have known right away it was the so-called “sleep medication”.
Her work has meant so much to those of us in this fight. As a benzo survivor myself, I know how relentless the side effects and uncertainty can be. This loss is heartbreaking and fills many of us with mixed emotions. Of course, we need to respect her and her family, but for those of us on this journey, understanding the full story matters.
Many suspect suicide, a struggle that’s all too familiar in this battle. Knowing what “setback” may have contributed to this wouldn’t change the outcome, but it could offer insight that helps others. Thanks for considering this.
With all the cloaked language surrounding her death, I’m assuming she committed suicide. It was her 5th year anniversary of coming off the benzo and she couldn’t take the suffering any longer. Rest in peace, Christy!
Also, it’s kind of strange everyone is pushing for the “story”.. this isn’t a drama show yall.. that’s up to BIC and her family. And they said they would post it. If her story is all you got from this posting, you need to reevaluate yourself, as we lost a beloved member of our community, and a family lost their loved one, first and foremost.
Always have Christy and her family in my prayers, alongside everyone else suffering in this 🙏
Well this comment section really went off the rails, reminds me of why I left all the Benzo ‘support’ groups online.
We all have one thing in common, we’re all victims of benzodiazepine damage. We spend most of our days vacillating between fear, depression, anger, helplessness and despair.
It’s obvious that the passing of Christy has affected all of us deeply but lashing out at each other and this wonderful site is sullying her memory and is counterproductive to our recovery. The last thing any of us need is more negative energy and pointing fingers is a waste of time.
To all of you who are like me, who are still suffering the effects of this horrible drug, who just wish it would end, extend a hand to a fellow sufferer in honor of Christy. When all is said and done we only have each other as we’re the only ones who truly understand this endless road we’re on.
Never surrender.
Personally, I don’t feel the need to know the details and what led up to Christy’s passing. There were probably many factors, and Benzo damage is so unique to each individual.
I’m much better 6 years off after a 5 year taper. Still have symptoms that I accept and live with. One area is my thyroid. The Benzos caused a dysfunction and the unknowing Dr, radiated it. All I had to do was taper off, and I would’ve had a thyroid. Another lasting problem, in addition to symptoms, is I cannot take any supplements, or any meds that may be needed for my health. I’m older now, after surviving this, and I can’t take a statin for cholesterol or an antibiotic. If I attempt to take it, I get severe Benzo symptoms that I had a decade ago. So, hopefully my heart holds out on its own, and I can enjoy life a little longer. Benzos are so destructive in so many ways. If there is a devil, it’s definitely benzodiazepines.
I do believe now ( we have a very interesting experience to share once) that the devil is something to do with the benzos and other psychiatrical drugs. We need to work on it yet, to gather experiences and testimonies to prove it, but there are some blueprints to it.. … so for now what I can suggest: to pray to get out of this stuff…
I remember reading about Christy Huff’s death last year and feeling so sad. I was hoping to find out some of the details because my sister was going through a slow taper at the time and I was always looking for any information that might be of help to her and wanted to learn from other people’s experiences. My sister finished her taper in May, but then suffered a setback in June, and in July, she killed herself. It was a total shock, and I’m still suffering from shock and grief and overwhelming sadness. And I want answers. I want people’s stories to be told so that the dangers of these drugs will be known. Christy Huff was open about her story and wanted her story to be told. I understand that her family is grieving. I am grieving the loss of my sister too. But I don’t understand their hesitancy to tell her story, the story she wanted to be told. It feels hurtful, like it’s something to be ashamed of. I thought the mission of the BIC was to inform people, not to make them feel ashamed of their stories.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I happened to come across this post and found it interesting because of the topic benzodiazepines (sp).
I am so sorry about the loss of your peer, doctor, and friend.
I am concerned as I suffered a TBI from a car wreck eleven years ago. Due to front lobe brain damage that helps control my anxiety and emotions I was prescribed meds which I am still on. I don’t know what would happen if I came off of them. I know….. I know it wouldn’t be good. No one tells you this or what my options are. No way could I even talk to my psychiatrist about this. Just putting this out here, is way out of my comfort zone. Thanks.
Please let us know the truth of what happened to her. It’s extremely important that we know the truth. She wanted exactly that as I understand it. I don’t know of anyone that unintentionally died after healing from Benzodiazepines. It’s very confusing & very disturbing.
I don’t understand all the upset they clearly said they are going to share the rest of her journey soon…and those of us who have been off benzos a long time understand the “healed until she didn’t” not taking away from anyone I am almost 8 yrs off and man I have had some intense set backs that can last hrs to days…but if I had to deal with months of intense set backs??? Seriously? The answers you are seeking we know…Bless you all and keep fighting the good fight!!
I miss Christy and hate how much she suffered.
Karen…I’ve had 6 hellish setbacks and each one getting longer. My fourth setback was one year, my fifth setback was 1 1/2 years and I am in a current setback of 2 years this month with absolutely not one window!! And to top that off, the med was prescribed for sleep and I took a total of 85 pills from start to taper less than 5 months.
There are important lessons to learn from Dr. Christy Huff’s tragic death and the sooner the better for the public, for benzo survivors and their caregivers, and for everyone working in the benzo-harmed community. I commend the professionalism of the benzo coaches who I witnessed address Dr. Huff’s death and the fears it generated head on providing timely support to group members. When a leader dies tragically, there is work to do addressing vulnerable peoples’ legitimate needs and it has nothing to do with peoples’ sense of “entitlement” which is an unfortunate, misguided term.
I hope BIC’s next communication will be more straightforward and not sensationalized with phrases like “She healed—until she didn’t.” I hope BIC will take care to contextualize her story in a way that is consistent with the anecdotal evidence regarding setbacks, their causes, SI and non-linear healing from BIND.
I first “met” Christy virtually in a Facebook benzo support group. For probably obvious reasons, it’s exceedingly rare for a medical professional to be public with their identity in these support groups so I was immediately intrigued by her incredible courage in being so open with her story.
We had quite a bit in common- we were around the same age and had only daughters around the same age as well. We were both placed on benzos by doctors for “approved” medical reasons and became chemically dependent, not addicted. We fought unrelenting physical and psychological symptoms both during our time on benzos and during the acute withdrawal and PAWS processes. We were also both medical professionals. I can’t tell you how much relief it brought me to commiserate with another human about how much underlying shame there is in this– if we were trained medical professionals, we both wondered, HOW was it that we were duped into taking these medications believing that they were “safe”? Shouldn’t we have been “smarter” than that?
She and I only talked a few times and retrospectively it’s easy to say that I wish I had connected with her more. But to say that is to ignore the reality of those years in which we were both, quite literally, fighting for our lives. She was still micro tapering when we first spoke and I was a year out from being CT’d at a rehab. We were both dealing with many, many persistent symptoms. I am glad that I was able to express to her how much her story helped me in the early days of withdrawal. I’m also glad that my last message to her was one of hope. She was so generous in sharing her time with me, however brief.
As of April 16th of this year I will be 8 years out from that CT and I do not have a good reason that I am here and she is not. So many questions that will never be answered. But one thing I can tell you for sure is that she did not owe anyone her story. She was exceedingly generous in sharing it publicly, most likely at great personal cost to her both personally and professionally. In sharing her story, she helped legitimize our suffering as benzo patients as she worked tirelessly to change the very system that had failed her and so many others. She did not have to do any of this, and yet she did, helping countless benzo sufferers along the way.
Another thing I can tell you for sure is that her family does not owe anyone her story now. They do not owe anyone closure, or a resolution, or hope. They have dealt with an incomprehensible loss over the last year and will continue to deal with it for the rest of their lives. If you are a benzo withdrawal sufferer, know that Christy’s story is not YOUR story and has no bearing on whether you will heal. It doesn’t matter what benzos she took or what her protracted symptoms were or how she passed. It doesn’t matter whether she tapered or microtapered or was CT’d. Her symptoms are not your symptoms. We are all different and will heal, or not, according to our own physiology, history and psychology. The best thing we can do now to honor her legacy is to remember her courage, her tireless advocacy and her generosity of spirit. We can carry these things forward with us no matter what our symptoms or situations are and in that, there is hope.
This is one of the most thoughtful and compassionate reflections we’ve seen. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
I agree. 👍
To Christy’s family:
I very much hope you are reading these comments. Christy will be forever admired for her strength, as well as cherished for her contributions to all those suffering from benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and BINDS. She helped blaze the trail for awareness and publicity. She was both brave and kind. The fact that she decided she could endure no more is a decision that those of us who have suffered completely can understand. We are so very sorry for your loss. As her family, you saw her suffer so much and rode the roller coaster of hopes and worry and celebration of the better times. I hope that you’re not reading these comments and thinking that we are gossipers or prying or just wanting to know the details of her set back for any other reason than learning from her in her final moments. Christy helped so many people during her journey and even the end will help so many people. I just want her family to know that the reason we would like to understand the details of her setback is to help us now and others in the future. The BIC coalition responses here have been immature, self-righteous and condescending. We appeal to her immediate family to understand our reasoning and change the disclosure timeline to right now. Thank you Christy for everything you did and having a last wish of sharing these details. As always, and even today, she is a beacon for BINDS.
Really well said. Thank you, Rebecca!
“The BIC coalition responses here have been immature, self-righteous and condescending. ”
== I read the BIC responses here one more time, and still I don’t see that it has been “immature, self-righteous and condescending.” Can you explain?
These are examples of BIC’s terrible choices of words:
-“wildly unreasonable to equate community reactions with the deep pain of those closest to her”
-“There seems to be a lot of entitlement in these posts”
-“So, what have you done on a volunteer basis for our cause?”
-“If we were, what would be the point? John, your comment perfectly illustrates the issue of sharing versus not sharing.”
-“This is NOT our job. We are volunteers. It’s easy to type demands in the comments”
I don’t agree with the idea that BIC’s choice of words is terrible. The real issue is entitlement. People are acting like they’re owed more than they actually are. Nobody is owed an explanation for anyone’s death, and BIC and her family would be within their rights to stay silent. The harassment, especially on Dr. Huff’s tribute, is in poor taste. No matter the circumstances, someone will find a way to blame them. Some are upset they’re talking about her death, others that they’re not talking enough.
It’s fair for BIC to ask why people are badgering volunteers instead of offering support or volunteering to help. I think it’s commendable they’re preparing people for what’s coming, even though they likely knew the headache it would cause. It’s out of line to suggest the community’s loss is anywhere near her family’s. This community can be toxic and self-absorbed, which explains why many people leave when they heal.
Not entitlement, not harassment and not badgering. Those terms are inappropriate.
I understand your perspective, Ruby, but I still stand by what I said. They are appropriate terms. The reactions I’ve seen, especially the criticism directed at BIC, reflect a sense of entitlement that seems misplaced. The community’s loss is real, but that doesn’t mean there’s an automatic obligation for anyone to share details or justify their actions. BIC and the family are doing their best under difficult circumstances, and people should respect that. It’s disappointing to see people criticize an org that has done so much. At the end of the day, everyone needs to take a step back and remember that no one owes anyone anything, especially when it comes to something as personal as this.
I agree. I don’t think BIC has done itself any favors in the way it has responded to the comments here.
Thanks Rebecca. I wish BIC had a forum like benzobuddies.
All sounds perfectly reasonable to me
Thanks Rebecca. I wish BIC had a forum like benzobuddies.
Brian,
Please understand if I am accurate in my response.
Christy wanted fellow benzodiazepine sufferers to know what caused her setback. Please see this quote:
“One of Christy’s final wishes, in the event she didn’t survive, was for us to ensure the world knew what happened to her.”
BIC has decided to withhold this information, please see this quote:
“One of our hesitations in sharing the details of her death is the fear that others might become fixated on it and lose hope.”
Do you see how we are interpreting this situation?
The blog said Christy wanted her story told, not the specifics of her setback, and BIC seems to have every intention of sharing it. People demanding they tell it immediately is bizarre. She’s been gone over a year. It’s clear for many that it’s not about Christy or what she wanted, but about what her death could mean to them in their anxious minds, as if we’re all the same. While I understand being anxious and afraid, that’s not a reason to share anything. They don’t owe anyone anything now, but it seems they still want to tell it, and I think they will, probably on a bigger stage, based on how they’ve worded things. We’re just going to have to wait
I’m 8 years from a rapid taper of multiple psych meds. I’m extremely ill. I had/have underlying Lyme and recently an EDS diagnosis. Last year I thought I was dying and went to hospital it was horrific. I’m now only 59. I’m very concerned going into senior years like this. I really need to understand what happened to Christy and hope to hear soon.
I’m 8 years from a rapid taper of multiple psych meds. I’m extremely ill. I had/have underlying Lyme and recently an EDS diagnosis. Last year I thought I was dying and went to hospital it was horrific. I’m now only 59. I’m very concerned going into senior years like this. I really need to understand what happened to Christy and hope to hear soon.
Molly,
Are you 8 years off or were you on the drugs 8 years?
May Christy RIP. I am currently fighting for my life. I feel like death 24/7. Chest pressure, heart palps, weakness, and dizziness upon standing are the worst sxs (many more + horrible burning). I have been on these drugs for over 30 years, so I don’t know if recovery is possible. I was put on the drugs for anxiety, panic, and cardiophobia 30 years ago. If the drugs would work, I would choose to just stay on them (why put yourself through this hell at my age now)……but tolerance has now made that impossible. I feel like I am being tortured 24/7. Can someone please reply to me. I will reply back. I am so scared.
Daniel, thanks for sharing. That is a lot of suffering. I don’t know what to say to be helpful.
Grace Z,
Thank you for responding. How are you feeling and doing? Briefly, what is your benzo history?
Daniel, I haven’t taken any benzo personally, though I suffered in other ways. I have been following Christy Huff MD for two years now. I deeply admire what she did, and mourn the loss of her.
Daniel, I too was prescribed Benzos for over 20 years. You sound like me 10 years ago. Your symptoms will subside. It will take a long time, but you will get better. So hang in there. My severe chest pressure, horrific fear, derealization, intrusive thoughts, severe body pain are gone. Once you’ve safely and slowly tapered off, you will heal. Take care
Thanks for responding Janice. My email address for easier contact is inbox62972@gmail.com if you don’t mind emailing me. You sound like you have recovered from this hellish nightmare. I feel like I am about to have a heart attack and die 24/7. I am miserable (can’t sleep or eat). I just got out of the hospital and cardiologist said my heart tested fine, yet I feel like I am dying so it must be the benzos causing these bizarre 24/7 symptoms.
Is this just click bait to keep harmed people roped in to donating?? The benzo injured are just as affected by Christy’s sudden death as her family is. In many ways more due to the fact that we share the same iatrogenic injury. We aren’t being nosy. We are terrified that we too will meet this same mysterious fate. Privacy is one thing, but Christy was at the helm of this crippled community. It just irks me that not only is our suffering ignored by the system that caused it, but even the support apparatus denies us.
We posted this on the anniversary of her death to honor her memory and update you on our efforts to tell her story. Calling it clickbait is not only offensive but also dismissive of the profound, unique grief experienced by her immediate family. It’s wildly unreasonable to equate community reactions with the deep pain of those closest to her.
Thank you for updating us on your efforts to tell her story. I will be patient waiting for it.
Thank you!
It isn’t unreasonable at all. All who have suffered this unfathomable torture are trauma bonded together beyond familial bonds. It is impossible to understand this level of relentless agony unless you know it personally. Family may empathize but they’ll never know. Yes, Dr. Huff’s passing is tragic, and her family and friends are grieving her loss. We are also grieving her death coupled with witnessing our own bodies and minds suffering the same very gradual, agonizing, mysterious death. We deserve answers.
This post was meant to honor Dr. Huff and update the community. It is not about easing anxiety (it won’t) but informing the public. We remain committed to telling her story with care and respect.
In spite of my overly emotional replies, I very much appreciate BIC and the ongoing effort to bring awareness to this topic. Maybe one day Benzodiazepines will be a thing of the past.
Great job creating a huge Benzo Blunder. I give huge credit to Christy but how BIC has handled her passing has been nothing short of the absolute worst way possible. I am a husband of a survivor but you would damn well know what killed my wife if she passed due to a setback.
You’re talking to a bunch of severely injured people, who haven’t healed, who live in fear, everyday, call it whatever you want, call it bringing more attention to the damage then… its wrong to make statements like she almost healed until she didn’t and a couple other lines, and things that are 100 percent pure triggers for severe anxiety in a bunch of severely injured people. How about just leave those parts out then, we haven’t healed. Most of us have been turned against by our own worlds, how do you not get it? People go to a doctor 100s of times in agony and you don’t get it ? Healed until she didn’t? Ok. It’s just ridiculous, just say something in her memory and have some respect also for people who are also greatly suffering.
We’re not only talking to severely injured people. If we were, what would be the point? John, your comment perfectly illustrates the issue of sharing versus not sharing. We are not sharing for the benefit or detriment of the community—the purpose of this message is to honor her and to let the community know that some details surrounding her death are coming, and they are hard to process. Out of respect for those who are suffering, we are mindful of how we communicate, but there is no easy way to share this. If this is overwhelming for you, please take care of yourself in whatever way you need. You already understand harm if you’re living with it, and you may not be in a place to engage in awareness right now. A reminder of our mission: educating about the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed—not to make people feel comfortable. This is to help alert the public.
Then do your job and tell us. NOW. D must have something to say about this. Where is he?
This is NOT our job. We are volunteers. It’s easy to type demands in the comments. Would you like to volunteer and help us with the work we’re doing?
Agreed 100%
Again it is a hard balance. BIC seems to be getting ready to tell her story, but her family might not be ready yet. In the meantime, my guess is that her setbacks after five years being Benzo free might be similar to Matt’s setbacks after his seven years. Here is Matt Samet’s article: https://www.madinamerica.com/2013/10/setbacks/
100 percent
It just dawned on me that perimenopause might have exacerbated her symptoms. Can we discuss what menopause causes to women’s health and just because you are in withdrawals and protracted withdrawals from psych meds and the devastating effects of these. What about perimenopause does it magically stay away bc you are already suffering with withdrawals? I think not. Her doctor should’ve checked her hormone levels and see if that was also a contributing factor. Let’s learn from this and support women who are going through the change ontop of the effects of these neurotoxins. RIP Dr Huff.
Agreed. Good call. Unfortunately, we still don’t know what happened. I hope we will be able to learn from this tragedy.
I have just recently begun HRT and have noticed slight improvement. I am 6 years post taper and thought it might be time to try something aside from just letting time heal. Unfortunately, I have so many physical issues that go beyond what HRT can help with. It’s very challenging adapting to being disabled.
A gal on the BIC instagram said she was healed for two years and then started bio identical hormone replacement including progesterone and within 6 months all hell broke loose…a severe, severe setback. Please be careful. The posting is on the BIC’s instagram under the “Symptom Frequency” chart.
Experiencing 43 months of protracted so I fully understand the pain she went through. Don’t know how much more a human can take. Inhumane!!! She was a warrior!!!
5 years post rapid detox (5-day) and it is too much! Strain on heart caused permanent damage. Reluctantly, seeing no other options I agree with my psychiatrist to reinstate at small dose and do a proper taper.
As an elder, I very concerned about dementia as a result of both long term use and rapid detox.
When Christy’s story is published, laws will come into effect that will change the way benzodiazepines are prescribed… I am living proof and survived this horrible nightmare. I was on Xanax, Ativan, Valuim and Klonopin for over 14 years and had no money to buy my medicine. I weaned for 2 weeks then went cold turkey. It took 14 months for the withdrawals to subside. I had severe, uncontrollable shaking, severe vertigo, akastsia, suicidal tendencies, severe agoraphobia and incoherent moments. But after about 6 months, I made myself get a job. I went from being a 22 year veteran, professional Registered Nurse to working at a Carwash as a lot attendant! The best thing I did was go back to work and learn how to socialize again and face the Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction. Since 2023, all my symptoms have subsided except some brain buzzing sensations. I’M SO THANKFUL TO GOD AND YOU ALL FOR KEEPING ME STRONG! CHRISTY’S STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD so others know how dangerous all the above mentioned drugs are!
I’ve had time to heal and look forward to stepping back into the Nursing profession so I can be a living testament to others! One top of all this, I’ve been a Type One Diabetic for over 33 years without any complications. It was tough to mange my Diabetes during the withdrawals but somehow I managed. RIP Christy, my hero!!!
Michelle, I am deeply moved by your incredible story! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Yes ma’am! Of course! I want others to know that the Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome DOES GO AWAY. It doesn’t last forever. Our bodies need time and will take it’s time to heal. Our brains need time to reset and realign it’s neurotransmitters and receptors as well. Being on benzodiazepines tells the brain to tranquilize the entire body to a state of “tranquility”. So naturally our brain starts to freak out because it’s waking up from that tranquilizing state. It’s extremely uncomfortable and the brain goes into the fight or flight response initializing strong adrenaline dumping. My whole point: Even though we feel like the PAWS IS NEVER GOING TO END, GUESS WHAT? IT DOES! The body and brain knows how to heal and balance itself out
Even if we have to be on an SSRI or other adjunctive medications. BLESSINGS TO ALL!!!
Michelle, thank you again for being such a positive example!
This is very powerful. After 18 years on prescription benzos by doctors I have decided enough is enough as I have tolerance withdrawal as well as now actually tapering. I always thought why am I so worse wit anxiety, panic, depression and the awful body sensations. Little did I know how much these benzos did to me. They added on more “diagnoses” such as agoraphobia (which I was always one to love socializing) And I couldn’t understand what was happening. I thought I was just losing my mind. Needless to say with the research and education, I have learned this past couple of months. I am now on a proper taper as last year I had a facility tape for me within 20 days which caused a very scary traumatic experience. I always wondered to myself how can I feel this much more anxiety and be on a benzodiazepine it didn’t make any sense until recently and in my soul I knew that this was the problem. One time I asked a psychiatrist to remove the medication and she told me I was too anxious. I needed to keep taking them and then she discharged me. Finally, I am moving in the right direction and I know it’s gonna take time I’ve been battling for many many years but this time I am educated around what benzodiazepines due to a person and I just have to be patient and trust my healing journey ahead. Thank you for sharing as you provide hope when we are feeling hopeless in the realm of the horrible benzodiazepine world. Many blessings.
Thank you for preparing us. I can only imagine how complex it is behind the scenes, and the pain and grief that Christy’s family must be going through.
We will never forgot Christy. ❤️
“One of Christy’s final wishes, in the event she didn’t survive, was for us to ensure the world knew what happened to her. As of today, nothing has been published, and the full story remains untold. We hope this changes soon.”
Who is in control of releasing this setback information? Who is the gatekeeper? Who is preventing Christy’s final wish from being executed?
I think the family has the right not to release it to the public. But now it looks that it will be released soon for public interest, as that was what Christy would have liked to do. I agree it is a hard balance.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that her set back was caused by taking the COVID jab. That’s what did it everyone — no need to wonder. Your shouldn’t ever take it either.
Trigger*
It’s so sad I wish they’d just tell us. It’s gotta be the jab or she took herself out of here. I’m 14 months off and I have set backs as well that are very intense so I could see how it would just push someone’s mentality over the edge. This is crimes against humanity either way. We will fight for her and the millions of others. Love you all please stay strong.
Her setback and death had absolutely nothing to do with COVID or any vaccine.
Good to know! Thanks!
This is so sad, I have been on a benzodiazepine for 13 years, tried one time to get off and scared the blank out of me, my legs felt so weird. My dose is .25 mg of Clonazapam. I was on a low dose of Ativan to I did go off of it on my own just stopped it at the time did not know to just stop it, until I came upon things online. I also was on Zoplicone. I have weaned off this years ago. But my sleep is not good since I have been off these drugs, not sure if it’s because of going off them not in a slow taper or it’s what I’ve been through that got me on these awful drugs. And I am on Effexor xr 75mg and a hormone cream, and calcium magnesium made by a compound pharmacist.
You see I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2012 and I was quite scared and overwhelmed of this diagnoses. It should not be taken lightly of what people go through to get there sugars under control.And all the other things that go along with diabetes it’s NOT an easy thing to live with. I was told of my diagnosis on September 11th 2012. Long story, to tell on here, but I ended up with diabetes distress, scared of everything diabetes related. So my doctor put me on Pristq, then Ativan, then Clonazapam, then hormone cream progesterone. Then switch to Effexor xr from a psychiatrist a few years later. Anyways I am still on the clonazapam .25 and Effexor xr, 75 mg and hormone cream, and want off all of them, the Effexor xr gives me awful constipation, and I think racing thoughts of the events I have been through. Or it’s trauma. The diabetes diagnoses, was hard enough then my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, and passed away November 11 2015 I was devastated, and still grieving her, she was my rock, and my rock through the diabetes diagnosis. I was in shock over her diagnosis because she seemed fine, we were away on holidays when we came home I got a phone call from my brother that she was in hospital. I went ther right away. Asked her what was going on she said I have cancer and pointed to her back she was having a hard time breathing and was on oxygen, so was having a hard time talking. I was stunned. She was taken down for tests right after she told me. I was in shock then started crying. Don’t remember much after that on this day.
Then she passed away a month and a half after diagnosis. It’s been 9 years and still feel very guilty not being there after her doctor told her she kept it from me, because of my diabetes and the distress I was going through. I asked her why she didn’t tell me and she said because you had your own problems that you were going through. I know she was protecting me, but my God I wish I was told I could have been more support for her. Sorry didn’t mean to go on and on.
This is so sad about Christy so very sad, I listened to her on YouTube and what she was trying to do, asking for people to be informed about these drugs before being put on them, I wish to I was informed to on what can happen trying to get off them and not long term. I’m scared to try again. And I think my anxiety and panick is too much to try again. And I don’t have much support to try again. No one seems to believe me, or gaslights how serious this can be if you don’t taper properly and my husband won’t listen to any of the YouTube videos or online reports on benzos or antidepressant withdrawl.
I believe in you and I believe that you can do it with the proper taper from a medical professional taking your time to come off of them is possible. I’m in the process of doing it myself right now. You are a warrior ~ Absolutely anything is possible. Keep the faith.
Healed until she didn’t? It’s these vague statements that leave alot or us feeling very lost. It is sad, but… she was one of the major influences and its messed up to not just say what happened so we know if she died FROM the physical damage. We all live in fear everyday, it’s just kind of wrong to do this.
I completely agree.
I agree 100 percent
I agree! Like is scary! Her story needs to be told! That is what SHE wanted!
I was on lorazepam for 12 years! I was even surprised at how long I had been on it when I got the records from the pharmacy. The damage those drugs do is incalculable. I got them all from a doctor I trusted and who was well credentialed.
The withdrawal took me about a year and a half under the guidance of a doctor who does only this!!
It cost me the most precious gifts I have-a relationship with my daughter, my sons and my husband – though the family is intact but not as it should be.
I cannot get that back as hard as I try.
It also cost me jobs that I really loved an was excellent at. I admit that I had some part in it because I kept pushing myself.to be a super achiever but, again, I was under doctor’s supervision. Had I known the damage they would do I would have modified my life. Enough of all that.
Dr. Huff remains a stallward of this fight and inspiring efforts to seek the truth. Bless her and her family-but she paid far too great a price.
Thank you for preparing us for sharing more of Christy’s passing. Thank you!
I was shocked and devastated when I learned about Christy passing a year ago. It’s still just as devastating. She was a force and gave so much to us all. I almost forgot how vulnerable she was to this horror. I’m thinking of her family and daughter and I’m so very sorry this happened. These Benzos should not be allowed to be prescribed period. I was prescribed Benzos for over 20 years. They went very wrong and it took me five years to taper off. I’ve been Benzo free for 6 years this month. I still have symptoms but I’m doing much better. I’m living life as best I can with my limitations. Life is so wonderful with no psych meds at all. Will I ever be completely normal again? I don’t know. But it does get better. Much better. I help my 90 yr old mom, my twin granddaughters, and I just adopted a puppy. I was bedridden 10 years ago so I’ve come very far from that point. I can do so much more now. You will all get better. I know it’s horrific and sinister. It will get better. I promise you.
I will never forget Christy. 🩷🩷
Very well said, Janice! Thank you! I am so happy because you have been doing well after being Benzo free for 6 years!
Thank you Grace
I was mid-taper from a benzodiazepine when Dr.Huff died. Just her death was terrifying to me. If Dr. Huff didn’t make it, how can I? My opinion is that she made herself a public figure in this battleground. We have given her a year of privacy for family to grieve. Will give her eternity of honor. Please let her death inform those of us still in the arena. Are there things to watch out for, to guard against? All of the innuendo is worse for me than some basic facts. I really do want to know as a final act of learning from her. I have finished my taper. What am I facing?
There ate mo words to describe the loss the injustice the pain. I am so sorry. I will not give up today.
I understand people wanting to KNOW, however we must respect the privacy of Christy’s family. Our of respect for THEIR grieving, we MUST not pressure or prod because WE want answers. Let things unfold as they will.
The most important thing is the healing of her husband and daughter and rest of family.
For people who are still struggling in protracted withdrawal, it would be very helpful to be made aware of what led to Christy’s setback. This is crucial information given her healing trajectory. Please at least provide a timeline for full disclosure. It’s hard to understand why this information is withheld for any amount of time – now over a year. It’s people’s personal feedback: transparency on mistakes, triumphantly sharing what has helped, that’s the type of crucial info we all cling to. Not knowing what caused this horrible and sad turn of events does not help anyone. It sounds like you had her permission for disclosing her terrible setback. What are you waiting for? A polished paper/presentation/video? Just please release the facts. PS – I’m also in month 27 and scared of unknowingly or inadvertently causing a major setback.
I’m just starting my taper in week five and it scares me to death not knowing because what I have learned this past few months after taking benzodiazepine for 17 years and hearing this is scaring the life out of me and I’m already in a fearful mode from this dumb, terrible medication. After seeing this that really frighten me and I just joined and learned of the Collation and I’m hoping that I can be OK at the end of this because I’ve lived here far too long
Please receive this in good faith. Thank you for the update, however I suspect by not disclosing even a summary of what led to Christy’s death, it is effectively running cover for those responsible who are functional idiots that consider inducing brain damage and severe neurological injury with neurotoxins as some sort of therapy. As far as I know these neurotoxic chemicals have no therapeutic value at all. Brain damage is not therapy nor is it therapeutic.
I am battling right now to pull back the curtain and expose how prescribing neurotoxins without a valid target pathology is criminal malfeasance. The tragic death of Christy at the hands of clinicians who seek cover for their lethal deeds by conflicted Standard of Care guidelines will go unnoticed by those culpable for their contributory actions and those responsible for the guidelines.
If you can email me at least a summary of what led to Christy’s death, it might help when I bring this issue up to legislators. The legal system is too corporate captured and does not have the will to fight. This battle space is now with legislators if there are any remaining who have a conscience and a spine.
God bless and protect you all,
Mike
Thank you for your efforts in trying to hold prescribers responsible. What happened to this woman is unconscionable. Unfortunately my mother died from BIND in 2022. I wish I knew how to properly tell her story. More people need to know about the end result for some due to doctors prescribing this poison.
Finally! But when…. Many might be setting themselves up right now. Thank you for telling us .. she would have wanted this. Like I said a year ago and got totally blasted for. When will this be published? I actually stopped coaching for this very reason.
May I ask how she passed from BIND. I’ve known about protracted withdrawal but first in hearing about this BIND.
This is not happening…. It appears that BIC actually enjoys holding all the cards. I wrote a book (published on Amazon) giving BIC and Dr. Christy Huff full credit for all their work. I volunteer to help people almost every day to keep people alive and not commit suicide because I know how to heal. I left this community and shut down my website when this happened after being told by BIC to not contact them again. I was demanding answers not only for my clients but for my identical twin sister who was in Acute at that time. My family knows about grief – as does most everyone else. Withholding the truth does not benefit the family as Christy wanted her legacy to HELP others. Not this bullshit telling people that they acting like they are entitled by asking for the truth. By the way – a slow symptom based taper did not heal Christy. Tapering a proportionate amount of time based on how long someone has taken Benzos is the most efficient way to allow the body to overcome dependence and heal. That is my opinion based on the experience of others. I survived a 10 day rapid detox (barely) and at 6 1/2 years out – am alive and healthy. No one has evidence based medical information- all we have is anecdotal and can learn from others. Like what happened to cause her setback and death. Do the right thing.
Christy,
I never knew you personally, but I definitely know the hell on Earth that you endured. The benzo community lost a true Warrior and a shining light. 💫💫💫
I will always remember the work that you did and how hard you fought. This obviously doesn’t include the behind the scenes work that must have felt thankless at times. Thank you Christy 💜
Fly high Warrior Angel 🕊🕊🕊
Today has been a really hard day. I want to thank BIC for their thoughtful post regarding Christy’s death. She was a dear friend, and I miss her daily. Her legacy lives on in all of the work we do.
With a heavy heart,
D
Praying for you D. May the Lord bring you comfort and healing, In the mighty name of Jesus Amen
This is so touching and I am so inspired by your mission – do you have a one page handout/flier that I can share with my patients ?
Dear friends, we are sad to see so young and talented people being taken from us by these evil drugs. I have been looking for like minded people in Switzerland. We, as a family, have gone through very tragic benzo related season, and I have being preparing a letter to our canton’s health minister hoping to help to save some life’s in the future. In Switzerland, doctors give psychotropic drugs, like benzos, in any circumstances, as sweets. Such a tragedy. Yesterday, in a local newspaper, they wrote about an increasing anxiety in the midst of youngsters (11-20 years old) and three times as much as before Covid, benzo dependency ! All starts with doctors prescription!!!! I need to find people in Geneva to prepare a collective paper to the minister.
Thank you for what you have been doing,
Sincerely,
Larissa Kunz
Geneva
I’m in Geneva. Larissa I’ve been going through this same nightmare. How can I contact you??? This benzo problem is only going to get worse, none of the doctors understand or want to understand. We need to share stories. We need to make people listen. This site has my permission to give you my email address.
Contact me.
T. Milazzo
I’m from Lausanne and in a second major setback at 5 years off . Setbacks are for real .
RIP Christy
Hi Milazzo
So sorry to hear you are going through the same thing.
Please do get in touch with Larissa
larusik at hotmail dot com
or swisscom mobile *** seven four two five five three nine
i hope you know what I mean with the three stars
** nine
Thank you so much for sharing this. How beautiful that it was Christy’s final wish for us to know her story. So that the public will understand the dangers of benzos and, ultimately, so real and lasting change can happen. She indeed was brave, passionate, and relentless in her fight to end benzo harm for all of us! She lives on in our hearts forever!
I think of you, Dr Christy Huff so often. Your work helped me to get through my taper and recovery. Without it I don’t know where I would be. I am so grateful for your hard work and miss you. I will appreciate you always. Love to your family.
Thank you for sharing this. Beautifully written and transparent, while respecting the wishes and privacy of those involved. I look forward to hearing more when the time is right. Christy fought so hard and made such an impact. Thank you Christy, and RIP.
I feel very triggert by this. Intuitive I knew her passing was benzo related. But to actualy read it, I didn’t expect the sadness and madness it gives me.
I’m doing a very slow taper, have a long road ahead and not knowing what could happen (that such a thing like here story can happen), makes me mad and feel powerless.
Both the knowing and not knowing what brought her there… is the same. I hope to read more soon.
Mandy, I CT from KNP on Nov. 27, 2023 after being on 3MG a day. I have since been promoted, flown to 5 different states on business, and I just got back from Cancun from a solo trip. IT GETS BETTER!!!
How many years were you taking them? I’ve been tapering xan, but I’ve been on them since a teenager and I’m now in my mid 50’s.
It doesn’t get better for everyone. I am 6 years post taper and on a downward trend. There are many of us like this.
Keep up with your taper and try not to think about worst case scenarios. Go slow and be patient- no need to rush. You can do it!
Mandy,
My heart breaks for you as you walk the path of suffering. I am here,2 years off Ativan after my own walk on the path. Withdrawal is hell,but know this: getting off benzos and staying off is real and possible. Go slow and steady as you go. I am living,breathing proof that you can do it. There’s nothing special about me. I just refused any longer to be a slave to the drug,the doctor,and the misery they both brought into my life. Peace,my friend.
Finally! But when…. Many might be setting themselves up right now. Thank you for telling us .. she would have wanted this. Like I said a year ago and got totally blasted for. When will this be published? I actually stopped coaching for this very reason.
Hi Mandy,
Just a word of encouragement: slow the taper to a snail’s pace if necessary, and do not be in a hurry. If in doubt, go slower, but go. However, at the same time do everything in your power (like make wise moment by moment choices) to improve your metabolic health. You have executive authority over your body. Put your body in the best possible position and condition to enable it to adapt to the changing toxic level of the poison in your body. You are not powerless. Your body wants to heal, but we need to help it. It’s kind of like: stop stepping on landmines before trying to sew the leg back on; Or extinguish the fire (of inflammation) in the kitchen before you call a contractor in to rebuild it.
Please explore a therapeutic ketogenic intervention. This will fuel your brain and heart with ketones, and you will likely improve many other unrelated health issues. It also will help to lower systemic inflammation and the adverse consequences of all manner of physiological and psychological stress. This is huge. A ketogenic diet is known to improve brain health. It is the most studied dietary intervention in history for over 100 years.
If you are looking for a magic bullet intervention, this is the closest you will get. You will not find it in a drug or pill. You were not born with a pharmaceutical poison deficiency despite what the pharmaceutical companies’ marketing departments shove down our throats and want us to think.
Prepare your body for the fight. Equally importantly and even more so, prepare your heart and mind by praying to God to help, heal, and preserve you. Know that God is real: He is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
A few names to search out to help:
Ben Bikman, Why We Get Sick; Insulin IQ;
Paul Mason (you want to know everything he knows);
Jason Fung;
Chris Palmer, Brain Energy;
Georgia Ede, Nutritional & Psychiatry: The New Science of Hope.
Doug McGuff, Resistance Exercise (IHMC).
Anthony Chaffee
Ken Berry
Sean Omara
Georgia Ede – Nutritional & Metabolic Psychiatry: The new Science Of Hope
https://youtu.be/REHWvw-eQaQ?si=an7A8b5_KKazhVDj
These will get you started and pointed in the right direction.
God bless and protect you,
Mike
Hi thanks for the info. I’m wondering how you go about tapering like a snail when you’re Dr is hurrying you along. I’ve shared a lot of info with her that she ignores. Not just a benzo but also SNRI.
I’m feeling the same way. I’m just starting a week five on my first taper, and I’m scared very scared and all I have ever been scared due to this medication and what is done to me so far it was created even more panic, anxiety, and fear and now when I see this, I’m feeling very hopeless.
This was a hard read & triggering .
Very scary …. I think beign on either side of knowing g & not knowing is daunting
Re
I have been off benzos and ssris 11 years now and I’m still suffering, this past year has been somewhat difficult. Christy may you be resting well, and your Memory Eternal. Thank you kindly for the Work you did for this cause.
I think out of respect for her and her family, asking what happened should not really matter unless she wanted the community to know.
Yes very triggering, now scared to ever try to get off this crap.