Almost 18 Months Benzo Free

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It would be wrong if I didn't start my 'success' story by showing my appreciation to all of those who supported me during my five month w/d time to be free of Clonazepam after taking it for almost 20 years. I'm just a few weeks short of my year and half withdrawn.

 

To keep this post positive, upfront, I should mention that the worse day after jumping off K is better than the best day during my w/d. I hope that makes sense. (Sort of like 'my worse day at home is better than my best day in the job force?') 

 

I'm very fortunate that my wife has been a sounding board for me when I w/d from K. She also was the one that pointed out to me that 'I just wasn't there'...I had so much brain fog that I seemed like a zombie to her, and SHE was the one that pointed out to me 'have you been taking a lot of one of your drugs?' She helped. No, she initiated my recovery because she love me so much. It was the BB forum that helped me up and beyond what I thought would be an impossible task.

 

Sure, I still have some issues, but it's wonderful to be clear-headed again and be able to self-talk myself through those rough scenarios. I still have some stress related physical problems, but they are far easier to deal with than the mental problems I was having before when I was on K. I can't begin to tell the BB forum how wonderful it is to do things I wouldn't have even tried while on benzos and during w/d. For instance: I now can feel good about myself. I can read an entire book, while before I didn't have the ability to concentrate and get through a paragraph without having to reread it (at least once) to get a remote idea what the author was trying to say.

 

I've admitted to myself that I'll never be anxiety-free; that's just is my nature, even before I started benzos 20 years ago. Also, I have some regrets from a total loss of memory of just about anything between the age of 50-60. (I'm 71 now). I regret putting my family and friends through those times I made it so difficult for them. My memory now seems to work pretty darn well, and my 'lost years' is coming back in little bits and pieces. The ability of the mind and body to heal is AMAZING, if we just give it the chance.

 

My sleep habits...nah...not too good. I just have so much energy, I like to stay up late and 'do things.' Once I get to sleep, I'm good for 5-6 hours a night. Social anxiety? Yes, it's still there, but only 10% of the time instead of 90% of the time. My health? I've had some rough times from anxiety, but do you think I'd like to fight that anxiety with benzos? NOT, NO, NEVER!!! I've been through that once or twice before, and I want the end of my life to be happy and benzo free.

 

Might I give those struggling some advice? You can do it. Don't gauge yourself by how someone else plans to get off of benzos. Each of us is different. Don't be self-deprecating and putting yourself down. We all know where that IDEA comes from, don't we? (It's surely not from God or whomever you believe in.)

 

I'm not trying to 'preach to the choir.' I am continually amazed at the strength of BB forum members. You have a lot more going for you than you imagine.

 

Thanks again for helping me and listening to me. There is definitely strength in numbers. 

[[Be...]]

Congrats to you! I am glad you have your life back, with a huge helping of acceptance.

 

Best to you in the years ahead!

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Thank you for sharing you're amazing and positive story

Congratulations to you! 👍👏

Wishing you all the best in your benzo free life 😊

 

[[ma...]]

[[be...]]

I am glad you doing so well. You Go!  :smitten:

[[pi...]]

Hello Zion,

 

Congratulations and thanks for coming back to post this message of hope.

 

Isn't it amazing how the brain returns to normal functioning, no longer covered by a haze of medication.  It's like a rebirth!!

 

I wish you all the best in your benzo free life.

 

pianogirl 

[[Gr...]]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. I wish you many, many happy times with your family.

 

-- Grace

[[Vi...]]

Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your successful story with us. Wishing you a very happy life feeled with love and happiness.

Vica

[[Ar...]]

Congratulations! Thank you for encouraging the rest of us who are in the midst of healing.  Wishing you lots of joy and love for the rest of your life.  You are blessed to have such a loving and caring wife.