My Benzo Story

[[Da...]]

Hi All-

I started taking benzodiazepines ten years ago to treat panic attacks and social anxiety. For the first eight years, I was under the supervision of a physician - for the last two years, I have obtained the medications (Xanax) via alternative routes. Presently, my dosage is 1-1.5mg/day. I have experienced numerous withdrawal symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, extreme insomnia and agoraphobia the two times I attempted to taper myself off Xanax. I managed to stay off the drug for six and eight weeks, respectively, but the side effects (including not being able to leave my home) were intolerable. At this time, I am seeing a therapist to address my anxiety issues, and I am hoping to switch to a longer-lasting drug (valium?) and minimize the dose slowly overtime. My biggest concern is addressing this with a physician. I feel that if I present my situation, I will be referred to a detox/treatment center. I am afraid that the medical professionals will perceive my use as recreational, and not see the underlying anxiety, especially considering that I have been self-medicating for two years. I do not know what to do. Any advice would be tremendously helpful.

Regards,

K.

 

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  I understand how hard it is to get off xanax, it took me three tries over a number of years before I was successful.  I planned and managed my own taper, as do most members here.  It's hard to get any doctor to assist with a slow taper, even if they are prescribing the drug, let alone if they aren't.  Most doctors seem to want to taper their patients off too quickly.

 

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!

 

 

[[Su...]]

Welcome Daisy,

I think lots of us have done what we had to do in the throes of BenZo use.  And it is easily available on the street...

I do hope that you find a caring and informed doctor soon. Someone who knows that taking it "as prescribed" is what started the whole thing.

There's lots of info on BB if you look for it and find some positive threads. 

SS