Hi there

[[Da...]]

My girlfriend was on benzos for over 25 years. She was hit by a car recently and had a major back surgery. She became addicted to the pain pills and when they cut off the pain pills shortly thereafter she was on heroin. She started a methadone maintenance program where the doctor made her quit the benzos. She's now off the benzos and on methadone but she has become quite unstable. I have anxiety issues myself but the anxiety she's experiencing is unlike anything I have seen. And she's started acting downright unstable seeing spider eggs in the shower but it's really just specs of dirt. Seeing fleas or ticks or live everywhere. But it's just lint or some other debris. That seems to have calmed down a bit but she's now acting like a "dry drunk" can't be touched or talked to and she can't barely get out of the house. Won't answer calls even from her family. She's completely miserable all the time and can't seem to function. I just wish somebody on here can give me some advice so I can help her.

[[pi...]]

Hello Darkstar123,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies and thank you for being here on behalf of your girlfriend.  I'm sorry about the trauma she went through because of the car accident and her subsequent addiction to pain medication.  Your girlfriend was taken off benzos cold turkey, that is not the correct way to withdraw from these types of drugs. She is experiencing all the symptoms that are common to withdrawal. 

 

How long has she been off benzos?  After taking them for 25 years, her system will take a while to recover from the sudden cessation of a strong medication. 

 

I'm going to give you a link to the Ashton Manual, it is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field. While it discusses tapering, it also gives a lot of information about withdrawal in general.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Cold Turkey, Detox, Rapid Withdrawal Board where you can communicate with others in the same situation as your girlfriend.

 

It would be good for her to read and post on the forum, she won't feel so alone knowing others have gone through the same process. Believe me, withdrawal anxiety is nothing like "normal" anxiety.  It is a temporary issue but recovery can take a while, especially if your girlfriend is also dealing with heroin withdrawal.

 

We'll be happy to support both of you, this process can be difficult for care givers as well.  Please do ask questions.

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Cold Turkey, Detox & Rapid Withdrawal 

 

pianogirl 

[[Wi...]]

You need to find her a dr. immediately to hopefully get her on a valium taper. Google "Ashton manual" and read the taper plans etc. She could be in serious danger dude from a cold turkey 25 year habit. No joke. And the methadone aint gonna help her benzo withdrawals because methadone is an opiate. You need to do this quickly. Get some valium and follow the ashton taper plan as quick as you can. Shes not gonna be in any condition to do this herself because she will be going thru the most hellish dangerous withdrawals BECAUSE she simply cold turkeyed. I wish you luck man. I would get her valium by any means possible but ONLY to begin a taper-not to get high on. A cold turkey after 25 years use can literally cause seizure and death so i hope you take care of your woman in this most important time of need-now. Good luck