Jordan Ellis
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian academic, author, and media commentator, gained widespread attention in the late 2010s for his views on cultural and political issues. In early 2020, Peterson made headlines when it was revealed that he had spent several days in a medically induced coma at a clinic in Moscow, Russia. Peterson had become addicted to benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety medication, and travelled to Russia for emergency drug detox treatment. He had previously attempted to quit cold turkey and undergone failed treatments in North American hospitals, struggling with the severe withdrawal symptoms. The decision to seek treatment in Russia was made by his family, who felt it was a last resort to help him overcome his addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospitalisation | Emergency treatment for dependence on anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepine) |
| Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Treatment type | Medically induced coma for withdrawal |
| Treatment duration | Eight or nine days |
| Treatment outcome | Successful; Peterson recovered from benzodiazepine dependence |
| Contributing factors | Stress associated with being a public figure, family health issues |
| Family involvement | Daughter Mikhaila and son-in-law Andrey Korikov |
| Public reaction | Sympathy from fans, criticism from media outlets |
| Subsequent recovery | Lengthy period of rehabilitation |
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What You'll Learn
Jordan Peterson's benzodiazepine dependence
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian academic and psychology professor, was hospitalised in Moscow, Russia, in early 2020 for benzodiazepine dependence. Peterson had been prescribed benzodiazepine, a class of drug that includes Xanax and Valium, for an autoimmune reaction to food. However, he continued taking the medication to cope with the stress associated with being a public figure.
In May 2019, Peterson attempted to quit cold turkey but suffered acute benzodiazepine withdrawal. He then spent three months at a clinic in the United States, where doctors tried to wean him off the medication. Upon returning to Toronto, he experienced akathisia, a movement disorder that causes constant restlessness and an inability to sit still. In January 2020, Peterson was admitted to a hospital in Toronto, where he underwent a medically induced coma to ease the withdrawal symptoms. He was then transferred to a hospital in Moscow, where he received treatment for his benzodiazepine dependence and a severe case of pneumonia.
Peterson's daughter, Mikhaila, stated that the decision to bring him to Russia was made out of desperation, as they could not find any other options that worked. She also noted that her father was improving and was off the medication. However, she acknowledged that he still had a long road to recovery.
Benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal is a challenging process, and it is essential to seek proper medical assistance. The state-of-the-art treatment for benzodiazepine dependence involves gradually weaning patients off the drugs outside the hospital over several months, reducing the dose by 25% every two weeks. This method has a high success rate, but unsuccessful attempts to quit cold turkey can make subsequent detoxes more difficult.
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Withdrawal symptoms and their effects
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator, was hospitalised in Moscow in 2020 for drug detoxification and treatment for pneumonia. Peterson had become dependent on benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that treat anxiety, panic disorder, and seizure disorders.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual abruptly stops or slows their use of an addictive substance, such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. The body can become physically or psychologically dependent on these substances, leading to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance and the individual, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include cravings, sleep problems, headaches, nausea, restlessness, and agitation. In the case of cocaine withdrawal, individuals may experience a negative change in mood, tiredness, insomnia or hypersomnia, irritability, increased appetite, and problems with concentration. Withdrawal from opioids, such as heroin, may also cause unpleasant symptoms, though it is rarely life-threatening. However, the discomfort can lead to physical and psychological distress, increasing the risk of relapse.
In the case of Jordan Peterson, his withdrawal from benzodiazepines resulted in akathisia, a movement disorder characterised by constant restlessness and an inability to sit still. The severity of his withdrawal symptoms and their impact on his health led to his hospitalisation in Moscow, where he underwent a medically induced coma to manage the withdrawal process. This procedure is considered unconventional and may be regarded as too dangerous in some regions.
It is important to seek medical support when experiencing withdrawal, as it can be unsafe to abruptly stop using addictive substances. Detoxification can be a challenging process, and relapses may occur without proper management and support. Treatment options are available to help manage withdrawal symptoms, including medication-assisted treatments and therapy. A safe and supportive environment is crucial during this time.
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Previous failed attempts at treatment
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian academic, author, and self-help guru, was hospitalised in Moscow in 2020 for drug detox treatment and severe pneumonia. This came after several failed attempts to overcome his dependence on benzodiazepines, a potent anti-anxiety medication.
Peterson's daughter, Mikhaila, revealed that the decision to seek treatment in Russia was made out of desperation when no better options could be found in North American hospitals. She also stated that her father had previously undergone several failed treatment attempts, where doctors tried to slowly taper him off the medication.
One of these attempts occurred in a clinic in the United States, where Peterson tried to wean himself off the drug over three months. However, upon returning to his home in Toronto, he suffered from akathisia, a movement disorder that creates constant restlessness and an inability to sit still. In December 2019, he went to a Toronto hospital but doesn't remember much after that until he woke up in Russia.
Peterson's treatment in Moscow involved a medically induced coma to help him through the withdrawal process. This procedure is either unknown or regarded as too dangerous in North America. While it helped him become free of akathisia, it was still an incredibly gruelling process, and he had to relearn basic tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, and buttoning his clothes.
Peterson's case highlights the challenges of treating benzodiazepine dependence, with withdrawal symptoms that can be extremely difficult to endure. The standard treatment involves gradually tapering the dosage over time, but even this method can be challenging, and some patients may require multiple attempts to successfully detox.
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Peterson's time in a medically induced coma
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator, was hospitalised in Russia in 2020 for drug detox treatment. He had become addicted to benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that includes Xanax and Valium, which had initially been prescribed to him for an autoimmune reaction to food. However, he continued taking them due to the stress associated with being a public figure.
Peterson's daughter, Mikhaila, and her husband, Andrey Korikov, made the decision to move him from a hospital in Toronto to a hospital in Moscow, as they believed his treatment in Canada was doing more harm than good. They arranged for him to undergo a medically induced coma in Russia, a procedure that is "either unknown or regarded as too dangerous in North America." This procedure would keep Peterson unconscious while his body went through withdrawal, so he would not have to experience the trauma of it.
Peterson spent eight or nine days in a coma, and during this time, he experienced withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness and an inability to sit still, known as akathisia. When he awoke, he was confused and disoriented, strapped to a hospital bed, and surrounded by people speaking a foreign language. He had tried to rip out the tubes from his arms and leave the intensive care unit.
After emerging from the coma, Peterson had to relearn basic tasks such as walking, going up and down stairs, buttoning his clothes, and typing on a computer keyboard. He also had to deal with the mental and emotional aftermath of his experience, describing months of "dread and terror" and struggling to concentrate.
The decision to undergo the controversial procedure in Russia was met with criticism and speculation, with some questioning the ethics of the treatment and others speculating about the severity of Peterson's condition. However, his daughter defended the choice, stating that it was made out of desperation after failed treatment attempts in North America.
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Peterson's recovery and future challenges
Jordan Peterson's hospitalisation in Russia was due to his dependence on benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety medication that includes Xanax and Valium. Peterson had been trying to wean himself off these drugs, but he faced a challenging withdrawal process. To address this, he underwent a medically induced coma in a Russian clinic, which allowed him to be unconscious during the withdrawal. While this treatment was successful in that regard, it was also traumatic, and Peterson had to relearn basic tasks such as walking and typing.
After his hospitalisation, Peterson faced a lengthy recovery process. His daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, reported that he was "on the mend" and that his sense of humour had returned. However, she also acknowledged that he would need time to recover fully. In a YouTube video with Rex Murphy, Peterson himself spoke about his unsettled state of mind during this period.
Peterson's recovery was not without challenges. He had to grapple with the physical and mental aftermath of withdrawal, which can be a long-term process with lingering symptoms. In addition, there was public scrutiny and speculation about his situation, with some questioning the nature of his treatment and whether he was displaying addictive behaviours.
Looking forward, Peterson's future challenges may include managing any ongoing symptoms associated with withdrawal and preventing relapse. It is important to note that detox is just the first step in a comprehensive addiction treatment plan, and ongoing support and therapy are crucial for sustained recovery.
Peterson has returned to the public sphere and continues to produce content, including a new book, "Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life," which may indicate his willingness to confront these challenges head-on.
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Frequently asked questions
Jordan Peterson was hospitalised due to his dependence on benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety medication that includes Xanax and Valium.
Benzodiazepine dependence occurs when an individual becomes reliant on benzodiazepines, a type of drug that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety or insomnia. While it can be an effective treatment when used appropriately, long-term use or misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Jordan Peterson underwent a medically induced coma in a Moscow hospital to treat his benzodiazepine dependence. This involved placing him under general anaesthesia so that he would be unconscious during the withdrawal process, which can be extremely challenging and dangerous.
Jordan Peterson travelled to Russia for treatment after being unable to find North American doctors who would accommodate his treatment preferences. His daughter, Mikhaila Peterson, stated that the decision was made out of desperation after several failed treatment attempts in North American hospitals.
There is conflicting information regarding whether Jordan Peterson was addicted to benzodiazepines. While some sources claim that he was addicted, others state that he was dependent but not addicted. Addiction and dependence are distinct but related conditions, and it is important to note that both can have serious health consequences and require professional treatment.
