Using alcohol to taper?

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Hi I'm new here.  Been using Ativan for many years on and off.  Most recently for 15 months, 3 mg with alcohol, all in one dose at night, to sleep.  Cutting back to 2 mg creates insomnia.  I have dealt with chronic insomnia though, even before I ever was exposed to Ativan and the weaning off of Ativan.  So I'm not sure it is even a withdrawal symptom. I'm new to this board and will be reading more thoroughly this weekend, but I was wondering if anyone has used alcohol to withdraw.  It seems that even 2.5 mg of Ativan won't allow me to sleep, but with alcohol I do okay. I mean, I can sleep, but I feel terrible the next day.  What do you think about gradually weaning off the Ativan, while continuing with alcohol, and then eventually weaning from the alcohol? I'm not looking for specifics right now; just the idea of pursuing this plan.

Also, what would you say is the average amount of time, once withdrawing, that it would take a person to get past the insomnia? I know it is most likely individual, but I need some idea in my head before I can come to terms with tapering off.  How do people live with chronic insomnia? Just the thought sends my anxiety skyrocketing, thinking I will literally die from not getting enough sleep. This idea is fact based:  I know lack of sleep has a very negative impact on health.

Any thoughts appreciated...

[Guest [St...]]

Definitely stop with the alcohol.  You are creating an additional addiction and will likely be unsuccessful at stopping both.  I have insomnia so I know how that feels.  My doctor had me add Benedryl to sleep.  It may not work for you.  My suggestion is to make a doctor's appointment and talk openly with him/her about your addiction, withdrawl and alcohol usage.  They will likely suggest counseling, but you may get something less addictive prescribed to help with sleep.  Alcohol is only putting a bandaid on the real problems.    I'm working on being benzo free by the end of the summer.  I understand where you are coming from don't want you adding to your problems.  Hugs!!

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Thank you for responding...

Unfortunately, Benadryl does not cause me drowsiness.

I will try to take your advice..

The problem is facing a withdrawal while I still need to work, take care of my kids, etc...

So scared to face the insomnia.

I really hope people will respond with answers about insomnia..

How long off meds until you may get relief?

[Guest [St...]]

I was on Xanax. My dr had me quit completely taking it and substituted it with Librium.  It works a lot longer.  I started the transition on a Friday afternoon and the switch was hard, but not awful.  The worst was right at the 48 hour mark of stopping Xanax.  If you do the conversion, I started on a much lower dose of Librium.  I can still feel the withdrawl if I don't stay active.  My dr doubled my blood pressure med to conrrol the rapid heartbeat that withdrawal induces.  She also doubled my Prozac.  I'm sure this isn't a good idea, but I take 5 Benedryl an hour before bed and the Librium 30 minutes before bed.  They all kick in around the same time.  For those that drink tea or other natural remedies,  like melatonin,  they don't help me.  Keep asking your dr questions and talk about sleep issues.  There has to be something they can prescribe to help you.  I just don't want to see you end up being an accidental alcoholic.

[Guest [St...]]

My dr and I are working on being benzo free by the end of August.