23 yr old from denver, off for a month

[[td...]]

Hi! I am a 23 year old f in Denver. I am joining because I am seeking support for what I believe is protracted withdrawal from 3 years of low-dose benzodiazepine use (ranging from .5-2 mg of ativan and .5-2 mg of klonopin daily). I took my last dose of klonopin, .25 mg, at the very end of 2016. I quit ativan while hospitalized, but have taken it during moments of weakness (last time was about ten-eleven days ago).

[[pi...]]

Hello tducks,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies and congratulations on being benzo free. Since you were hospitalized when you stopped taking benzos, did you stop cold turkey? Additionally, 2mg of klonopin is actually a pretty significant dose. You are really pretty early off, stopping at the end of 2016. At three months off I was still in the thick of withdrawal with some strong symptoms. The good thing is that these things will ease up with time.

 

Taking "rescue" doses can be tricky. One can lead to another and another and it's possible to find yourself dependent once again.  You will find good support here and knowing that others have been through this can help you to accept this process and allow the central nervous system to heal.

 

I'll give you a link to the Ashton Manual. Although it discusses tapering in detail, it also gives good information about the withdrawal process in general. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Post Withdrawal Recovery Board where you can post and receive feedback from members.

 

It's important to remember that this is temporary, time is the healer in terms of benzo withdrawal. We'll be happy to support and encourage you as you recover. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Post-withdrawal Recovery Support 

 

pianogirl