One year since I started/8 months no xanax

[[on...]]

Well today is a big double anniversary for me.....one year ago today January 31 2016  I started my taper off xanax after taking it continuously for thirty years. Today is also the eight month anniversary from when  I jumped and took my last xanax- May 31 2016!  I remember well the fear I felt a year ago beginning this journey. So many times during my taper I thought I wouldn't or couldn't make it.... Benzo Buddies was a godsend when I found this site- the support was a true lifesaver for me. Over this last year I have found strength within myself I didn't know I had and for that part of this journey I am grateful.  Without my xanax crutch I have had to learn how to rely on myself to get through the tough times. In the last few weeks I have finally started to notice some real progress- I feel more and more like my true self- like a foggy curtain has been lifted. Yes- I am still grappling with surges of  anxiety,  jaw clenching, tinnitus  and some fatigue but I know I can handle what is ahead because I made it this far and I  am still standing. I wanted to give hope to people still tapering or in acute withdrawal that if I can make it to the other side after 30 years that you can too. Take good care of yourself- go slow at a pace your body can handle and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some day soon I hope to post a success story where I can say I am completely healed but till then I am grateful for how far I have come.

[[me...]]

Great to hear, ontheroadme!  I love to read stories from people with long-term drug use like you (and me), that get out the other side. So inspiring!

[[on...]]

Meowie-thanks so much for the kind words....it means a lot.

[[Tr...]]

Well today is a big double anniversary for me.....one year ago today January 31 2016  I started my taper off xanax after taking it continuously for thirty years. Today is also the eight month anniversary from when  I jumped and took my last xanax- May 31 2016!  I remember well the fear I felt a year ago beginning this journey. So many times during my taper I thought I wouldn't or couldn't make it.... Benzo Buddies was a godsend when I found this site- the support was a true lifesaver for me. Over this last year I have found strength within myself I didn't know I had and for that part of this journey I am grateful.  Without my xanax crutch I have had to learn how to rely on myself to get through the tough times. In the last few weeks I have finally started to notice some real progress- I feel more and more like my true self- like a foggy curtain has been lifted. Yes- I am still grappling with surges of  anxiety,  jaw clenching, tinnitus  and some fatigue but I know I can handle what is ahead because I made it this far and I  am still standing. I wanted to give hope to people still tapering or in acute withdrawal that if I can make it to the other side after 30 years that you can too. Take good care of yourself- go slow at a pace your body can handle and remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some day soon I hope to post a success story where I can say I am completely healed but till then I am grateful for how far I have come.

 

Hi there. I am so glad you are feeling better. As we jumped about the same time, you were 2 weeks ahead of me. I am still with lots of symptoms, there are days I feel better but then always got hit with the waves. I am 7.5 months. I am hoping to get better a lot in possible  August or Sept. Again congrats and hope everything will be good from here for you.

 

Tracy

[[on...]]

Thanks Tracey- I have been following your story as you and I are in a similar place time wise. I do hope you start to turn a corner soon...for me it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that  I started to notice a real improvement...still have a ways to go but at least I feel like I have made real progress. Best of luck to you for a good month eight!!!

[[ma...]]

Well Done 

[[be...]]

You go!  :smitten:

[[on...]]

Today marks 10 months  without a xanax!!! I am continuing to feel  a real move towards healing. Many  more days feeling hopeful and happy. Symptoms are being eliminated or at least reduced in severity. Yes the waves still come but they are shorter in duration and severity. Tinnitus, jaw clenching,  and anxiety surges are the remaining biggies but I can feel so much improvement from where I was when I jumped..  I am feeling like maybe just maybe I will be ready to post a success story at 12 months out. ...fingers crossed!!!

[[So...]]

You are a true warrior and inspiration, much healing your way 

[[Tr...]]

Today marks 10 months  without a xanax!!! I am continuing to feel  a real move towards healing. Many  more days feeling hopeful and happy. Symptoms are being eliminated or at least reduced in severity. Yes the waves still come but they are shorter in duration and severity. Tinnitus, jaw clenching,  and anxiety surges are the remaining biggies but I can feel so much improvement from where I was when I jumped..  I am feeling like maybe just maybe I will be ready to post a success story at 12 months out. ...fingers crossed!!!

 

I'm so glad to hear . I'm 2 weeks behind you . I hope we heal by 12 months . For me , I think it's going to take longer . I still have Windows and waves. I'm currently in a 2 weeks now . My symtoms are less in severity and frequency but I'm still suffering a lot . Dizziness and extreme fatigue are big ones . Chest pain , shortness of breath , headache , intrusive thoughts . I have good days . My mood have improved and I smile more and laugh more compared to months ago .good luck and 10 months we awesome !!!

 

Tracy

 

[[Su...]]

this is very helpful to me who is just starting after a long term use at your dose!  We can do it if we stick together with this kind of encouragement.

Thanks thanks thanks!