Not myself

[[gd...]]

Hi, I am new to this and I want to get off benzodiazepines I really do love my life however. I have managed to get addicted to benzos. Over the last year. I was prescribed them anxiety, now I can't stop! What can I do?

[[al...]]

Hi there and welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

That is how most of us ended up addicted to benzos....by accident. It only takes 4-6 weeks for your body to become physically dependent on the drug and as such change your brain chemistry. This is why we recommend a slow and steady withdrawal so that you can give your brain a chance to heal and recover.

 

A great place to start would be to read through The Ashton Manual This is a wonderful resource written by Dr Heather Ashton, who is an expert in the field of Benzo Withdrawal. Here you can learn about all the ins and outs of Benzodiazepine withdrawal.  The recommended taper rate is 5-10% every 7-14 days , however this is just a guideline. Some find they can make bigger or smaller cuts or taper faster or  slower.  remember, there are no hard and fast rules in withdrawal, we are all unique and so is our withdrawal, what one person may experience another may not.  It is ALL trial and error. There is no right or wrong way to do this, there is only your own unique way that works for you so be patient and kind to yourself while you try to figure out what works best for you.

 

    The goal during and after your withdrawal will be to stabilize and manage your symptoms as best as you can to make them bearable. A common misconception is that stabilizing means the absence of symptoms  before you make another cut, it does not. Stabilizing means your symptoms are tolerable enough to make another cut.. Keep at it and know that the waves get shorter and the windows get longer and eventually it is all windows . Just remember to hang in there because you will get through it! Remember you can always log on and lean on your BenzoBuddies any time day or night. We have an amazing bunch of members, who are here to help you through this.

 

 

Here are some links to get you started:

 

For advice on how to taper , which method to use and to set up a taper plan visit our:  General Taper Boards

 

To discuss withdrawal symptoms while you are tapering please  visit: Pre Withdrawal Support And after you have finished your taper and are no longer on Benzodiazepines, the section to discuss your symptoms would be Post Withdrawal Recovery Support

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Feel free to post on any of our other boards. And for any technical questions you may have concerning how to do something  on the website  please do not hesitate to post a question in our Technical Support section.

 

Again, welcome! AlabamaWerle. xo

[[gd...]]

Thank you all, the taper method is what I have just begun. Right now I don't feel good at all but I am hanging in there. I am so glad you all hear to talk to. I didn't feel like I had any where to turn. Finding you all gives me hope. I will keep posting on my progress.

Thank you.

[[be...]]

Welcome  I am so glad you found us. We have great resources as well as great members. If I had one piece of advise it would be to do a slow taper. In my opinion a slow taper can greatly reduce symptoms. Did you start your taper yet?

[[gd...]]

I have started my taper, I think I am trying tapering to fast I can hardly function.I am going to read more infomation in how to do it more safely. If any one can give me any sugestions I would greatly appriciate it. ?

Thank you , Not Myself

[[ME...]]

Hi gdgd

 

I am 3 months on tapering (Klonopin), started at 1 mg.  Reducing by 0.0625 mg per week (1/8 of 0.5 mg tab).

 

Stuck at 0.5 mg.  Will resume again when I feel better.

 

Tapering slowly will help in avoiding withdrawal symptoms.

 

MEexpat