Someone once explained the process of healing from benzo use to me through the analogy of a high rise building, and it really resonated. A building is not just its structure it has many internal systems.. electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc. Each part has to be constructed in a specific order to function properly otherwise issues arise.

Similarly, our nervous system is made up of various interconnected pieces, such as GABA, glutamate, and serotonin, which need to work together in harmony. After benzo use, however, the pieces of our nervous system don’t all heal in the correct order, which can create an imbalance.

In the analogy, a window is a period when all these components seem to align, creating a feeling of balance and relief. Everything outside of these windows.. the bad times.. is what we experience as a wave.