I want help

[[Ho...]]

Hello everyone,

I started Valium years ago due to severe anxiety attacks n insomnia. I also was in an almost deadly car accident where I got level four brain damage that damaged temporal lobe which involves emotions. I was in coma n found out I have lupus along with many other injuries n surgery. I never thought I would b in a position to have benzo withdrawals. Never been addict or addictive personality. So I don't understand why this is happening.  I sometimes go 4 days without sleep n nothing else helped. I started xanax 3 months ago n all went bad. I'm trying to taper but don't know how. I can't take this along with everything else I'm going through. I thought support group could really help me.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  It sounds like you've been through a lot, and my heart goes out to you.  Benzos are very powerful medications that can cause dependency in almost anyone.  Most members here were prescribed this medication by their doctors like you, and became dependent without knowing in advance that this could happen.

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through.

 

For those who are starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but there are many others. These are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

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. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested 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!

 

 

[[Se...]]

I'm so sorry you're going though this.  I think most of us never thought we'd become drug addicts by following a doctor's advice, but the harsh reality is that we're every bit as messed up as heroin addicts.  Don't underestimate the fight ahead of you or you'll never make it.

 

The good news is that there is an army of people here who have walked the path out of hell.  Most of us can relate to anything you're going through in a way no one else can.  It's something I wouldn't wish on anyone and it's tragic how many people find themselves where you are.  Stay strong, read the forums here, and feel free to PM me if you really need help, whether it be advise or hope. Anyone with a heart who has gone through this knows the right thing to do is to help the people who are still in the nightmare. I knew if I survived it, I'd do anything possible to help others do the same.  I've tried everything...different tapers, different supplements and medications, different spiritual frameworks.  It took everything I had to beat klonopin, but I know for a fact it's a war you can win.