First Time Etizolam Withdrawal

[[Ap...]]

Hi. I'm very happy to find a forum which may be able to help and reassure me.

 

I've never taken benzos recreationally, however for a year now I have been taking an average of 1.5mg etizolam per day, initially to sleep after stimulant use, which somehow became daily use because I knew stopping would be painful. After taking stimulants (an ongoing problem, maybe 2/3 times per month) this can increase to 2-3mg/day.

 

I now need to stop my use as soon as possible due to a work medical/drugs test  in a couple of weeks, and quite simply would like some opinions as to whether I can stop abruptly without dangerous physical symptoms? After a brief etizolam binge a few years ago I had terrible insomnia and horrific nightmares for a few days, but realise that despite my current dose being very low in comparison to some, the length of use could produce problems. I'm happy to take the pain for a week or two if my physical symptoms won't be dangerous. I realise that tapering would be far more preferable but it's not really an option for me, nor is using a longer acting benzo.

 

Many thanks in advance. 😊

[[Ch...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies, Apply Brandy.

 

A taper is recommended after a year of benzodiazepine use, but you can post to the wider membership about the potential issues connected with a rapid taper/cold turkey:

 

Cold Turkey, Detox and Rapid Withdrawal

 

I would read this post first: Important-read this first!

 

Please take some time to Create a Signature. This will help other members understand your history so they will be better able to support you.

Go to the top of the page and select Profile, then choose Forum Profile, insert drug history/timelines into the text box and click Change Profile.

 

When you have a chance, I highly recommend that you take a look at The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative source on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery, authored by Dr. C. Heather Ashton, who is an expert in the field. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations on the reasons for their existence.

 

Take care,

Challis 

[[be...]]

Welcome from me too. I posted on your thread at the CT board