Posted by bassman on February 4, 2007, at 15:19:28
In reply to Re: Ashton Rocks! » bassman, posted by Quintal on February 4, 2007, at 13:13:48
We just disagree with what Dr. Ashton is advocating. I've been reading her site for years. As a panic disorder person, for whom long-term benzo usage is an important alternative, she comes across like she is running the equivalent of a anti-smoking site...the assumption is that benzos are bad for you (they lead to "addiction, tolerance, etc. all of which have been disputed in the literature) and everyone should get off of them; and people should, of course, use her method. I do agree with her that sometimes people abuse benzos (but seldom PD folks) by taking doses that are quite high and get themselves into the unfortunate situation that the side effects have become intolerable, but they are heavily dependent and have trouble decreasing the dosage-and that is a very bad situation to be in. The best thing for such people may be to have a structured taper, but there are lots of good ones, not just with Valium-and maybe those people, like alcoholics, should stay away from benzos period for their own well-being. But that is an individual decision, not one that should be made by "the state". I think she has contributed to the benzophobia in the UK that to my mind, causes unnecessary suffering.
I see what you are saying and I think I see why you feel she is in some ways a mental health advocate (her letter certainly was entertaining!)-perhaps you can see that I see her mission differently and her reliance on available data outside the UK somewhat inflexible.
poster:bassman
thread:729587
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070201/msgs/729675.html