First time on the forum

[[ha...]]

Greetings. I've been getting better, but feel that I need some support from the benzo community. I was taking ativan on as needed basis for several weeks then switched to Xanax (1-4mg/day) and was taking it everyday for 5 weeks. I tapered off in 5 days. First few weeks were brutal (to my surprise considering amount of time I was on total). Progress seems to have stopped though. I'm at 7 weeks off benzos. Need some advice and encouragement. Will give more details in next post.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member. Unfortunately, one can become dependent on benzos in as little as two weeks.  It's very difficult to take benzos "as needed" without becoming dependent.  Hopefully you'll feel better soon.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that. 

 

Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these and other symptoms are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Post Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms in Chapter III, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

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

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

 

[[ha...]]

Thank you so much. I will check out some of the other sources and get on some of the other discussion boards. Blessings