Walking Through the Fire

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Salutations. I'm looking for support and hoping to support other members as well. I've through hell over the last month or so. My benzo use began roughly a year ago, but addiction has been a struggle for me most of my life (lots of trauma as a kid and in early adulthood). Anyway, I began with Klonopin but quickly got caught up in the world of RC benzos and clonazolam would eventually be my undoing. I had a grand mal seizure back in October and was hospitalized for several days. They had no knowledge of this drug and were utterly unequipped in helping me; thus, I got back on the roller coaster. Things got really bad and I finally ended up in a detox center. I could write pages about that experience alone but suffice it to say that it was the best and worst experience of my life. But I kept breathing. I kept fighting.

 

My stay at the detox center was two weeks--which was way past their typical stays of 5 days for most patients. I had a great doctor there that did some research into the shit I was taking and found that just one of those pills was equivalent to 5-7 klonopin and at the height of my addiction I was taking roughly 10 in a typical day. If you do the math it quickly becomes obvious that I am very lucky to be alive; in fact, it was a literal miracle that I didn't of respiratory failure in my sleep. Unfortunately, I am still struggling with a slew of debilitating symptoms, but I know that it's temporary and try to remind myself of that old mantra that "this too shall pass." Thanks for taking the time to read this and I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Best wishes to all those on their way to recovery. Keep fighting.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hello, spiralout  - welcome to BenzoBuddies, and congratulations on being benzo-free!

 

So sorry that you suffered through the misery of a fast detox, but let's hope the worst of it will be over soon - you've definitely come to the right place for support during your recovery. 

 

I'm so glad you decided to join the forum - you'll find plenty of information and support here. Our members have gone through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal, so you'll be able to connect with others who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.

 

Please feel free to post to any of the specialized boards, which can all be accessed from the BenzoBuddies Community Forum homepage. Based on the information provided in your introduction, the following link may be a good starting place for you.

 

  Post-withdrawal Recovery Support

 

When you have a chance, we 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 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.

 

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

 

Again, welcome!

Leslie 

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Hey Leslie! Thanks for taking the time to compose that message. It was very helpful and I am glad to be here. I will be sure to read through the Ashton Manual as well. Finally, congrats to you on staying benzo free!