25 years old - Diazepam

[[Au...]]

3years ago I got into benzos and all sorts of other drugs, at first I was using etizolam to take the edge off drugs or to help with the comedown... my has it gone downwards since then. I've tried most drugs people can think of at least once, the only two I kept doing over this 3year period is Benzos and Cannabis

 

I've been 17days free of cannabis so far, I've also stopped my caffeine intake completely and drink water only. I used to drink so much pepsi, that was all I would drink... not diet kind either.

 

I've not had a GP for 2+ years after failing to follow THEIR taper plan, they eventually blacklisted me from their clinic because I wanted to follow the ashton manual for quitting, not their plan.

 

During that time I also visited a lot of referrals, some I went to even had no idea how to help me and that they don't deal with benzos, only heroin addicts. After a lot of back and forth, I gave up with trying to convince them to follow the ashton manual.

 

I lost complete faith in the NHS and have not had a GP for years, after quitting cannabis I realised how much I need mental help, along with getting off diazepam... I don't even know my dose but I take 20-40mg a day depending on how I feel.

 

Today my mother filled in the info and took it to another doctors to register with them, they said it takes 2days to get onto the system then I can make my first appointment... with bank holiday etc, I should be able to make an appointment to my new doctors on tuesday, and boy they have no idea what is coming their way.

 

Major anxiety

Agoraphobia

Benzo dependency

Depression

other misc mental health issues.

 

I'm also Autistic, hence the unique username as per the sites advice to keep my life private. I'm from the UK.

 

Just wanted to join up, as I plan to seek referrals from my new GP to seek therapy and help... I've even saved up my benefits as I'm willing to pay to get seen quicker and also maybe see someone more understanding to my situation. I still have the ashton manual for W/D from 40mg diazepam printed out from 2014...

 

I was hiding behind cannabis, sugar drinks and benzos for years... when I quit the two I could... it hit me like a brick. It's been rough 17days, and I know w/d from benzos will be even rougher, but I need to make the move and progress to a healthier lifestyle.

 

Thanks for reading all and I shall be around this board as often as I can.

 

I think just getting a GP again and a LEGIT benzo script will ease my anxiety of "omg panic, running out of pills" that I've had a few times. It's time to face reality for me, and to taper off diazepam.

 

Any advice that a GP or specialist may not give? Hopefully I can start my taper plan within the next month if I get an appointment and stuff sorted in that time.

 

I feel like I'm going to be a massive burden on my family, my mother said it won't bother her but with my mental health issues... who knows how things will turn out once I start my taper... one thing is for sure, I need to be heard and seen by a specialist... and I really hope this time they will look at the printed out ashton manual and have a proper understanding to support me.

 

Again thank you and I hope this place can support me and I will return the favour in kind, thank you very much for this site.

[[me...]]

Hello, and welcome to the forum! In order to taper off benzos, it's necessary to establish a steady daily dose and taper slowly off that.  This isn't always easy, but it's doable, and well worth the effort.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to see  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms in Chapter III, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

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.

 

Again, welcome!