May 30th, 2025

In this episode: I speak with Ryan Hebert from California, U.S.A. Ryan is two years psych med free after being misprescribed benzodiazepines for 12 years, spanning most of her adult working life. She was on Ativan (generic: Lorazepam), before being switched to Klonopin (generic: Clonazepam).

It took Ryan three attempts and three years to fully taper, much of it during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, she became extremely ill and was diagnosed with a mitochondrial metabolic disorder, linked to the combined stress of withdrawal and multiple COVID infections.

Ryan speaks about a farm-based recovery program post-benzodiazepine in North Carolina, evacuating due to hurricane Helena to Santa Barbara to be closer to family and friends. Today Ryan is focussing on rebuilding her life and raising awareness about the harm of benzodiazepines.

Ryan starts off with words of gratitute for her family and ends with a short self-produced song. She also wanted to share this quote:

"You don't get to check out of the human experience for over a decade without severe consequences -- emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. Coming back online after that long is not just a process, it's a reckoning."

In Spring 2027, Ryan plans to walk the Camino de Santiago with other survivors as a symbol of healing and hope. If you want to join and/or connect, you can e-mail ryan at: ryanrenehebert@gmail.com and her Instagram: elcaminoforacause.