Comment by DonHopkins

1 day ago

Wow. Thanks for inspiring me to ask. Why haven't they covered this in South Park yet? It would make such a great episode.

Summary:

Jordan Peterson, after becoming a media figure, struggled severely with benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction (drugs like clonazepam, often prescribed for anxiety). In 2019-2020, his health sharply declined:

He had a severe physical and psychological dependency on benzodiazepines.

He reportedly developed "akathisia" — an intensely painful restlessness often associated with withdrawal or side effects.

After several unsuccessful treatments in North America, Peterson was taken to Russia by his family, where he underwent a medically induced coma and controversial detox procedures to try to end his benzo dependency.

Why Russia?

At the time, his family said that the treatment options available in the West were either not effective, too dangerous, or unavailable. Some reports indicated that the Russian clinic used unorthodox treatments — things that might not be approved or widely practiced in Canada or the U.S. The whole episode was seen by many critics and even supporters as deeply tragic and unsettling, especially for someone whose public message was based on personal responsibility, resilience, and stoic perseverance.

Outcome:

Peterson survived, but his recovery was long and painful. Later interviews (including one with his daughter, Mikhaila Peterson) showed him visibly frail. His cognitive sharpness, many observed, seemed noticeably impacted for some time afterward.

Jordan Peterson: Health Problems:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Peterson?utm_source=cha...

Jordan Peterson suffers year of 'absolute hell' and needs emergency treatment for drug addiction that forced him to withdraw from public life, daughter says:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/jordan-peter...

Controversial Scholar Jordan Peterson Treated for Addiction in Russia:

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/02/10/controversial-scho...

Drug Experts on Jordan Peterson Seeking Treatment in Russia for Benzo Dependence:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/what-drug-experts-say-about-...

The Jordan Peterson Benzo Story — Terminology, Rapid Detox, and Media Coverage: