Introduction

[[fi...]]

I'm joining because I want to hear from others their experience with benzos. I've been taking .5 mg of xanax for about 10 months, prescribed by a psych and taken "as needed". I'm on this site because I want to stay in touch with others because I don't have people in my real life who take the drug or understand my opinions/concerns. I just want to be a part of a community that will allow me to keep my xanax use in check. I'm afraid of becoming dependent on it and want to hear other peoples' stories and journeys with their addiction and recovery.

[[ma...]]

Hi  fionnaaaa Welcome to Benzobuddies

 

We are glad you found us, Benzodiazepines are meant for short term use, (2 weeks)  After a few weeks, the body becomes dependent on these drugs.  When you are ready to wean off, tapering slow helps to minimize withdrawal effects.  The general recommendation is to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days.  This is a guideline and it is ok to adjust this schedule for your own comfort.

 

We have a great community here of knowledgeable and friendly people who understand this process.  They will be willing to share their experience with you.  Feel free to ask questions so that members can respond

 

Are you familiar with the  Ashton Manual , it is an excellent resource for information about these medications and gives a lot of information about withdrawal/tapering. 

 

Here are some helpful links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

 

General Taper Plans

 

Withdrawal Support

 

If you would be so kind as to add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice this link will show you how to”Create a signature”

 

Welcome aboard

 

Magrita

 

[[be...]]

Welcome. They really are a class of medication that is meant to take for several weeks or less for a variety of reasons. One is that a dependency can develop in as little as two weeks. Taken long term they usually end up being a poor solution for what they were originally prescribed for.  Another reason why they are meant for very short term use is that tolerance can be reached. Sometimes that can happen in weeks, months or sometimes years. Tapering becomes much more difficult at that point. The time to taper is before that happens. Again, welcome. It is always nice to have a new member.