Benzo Recovery Tips

[[AZ...]]

I thought I would post these benzo recovery "tips" for everyone's benefit.  I got these from another site and maybe some of you have seen it but I thought I'd post it here.  I find it reassuring and positive as it addresses many issues many of us have and that we are all healing at our own rates.

 

 

 

Benzodiazepine Recovery Tips

By Janet Currie

 

1. Recovery from being an accidental addict to benzodiazepines is serious business. It takes time for the central nervous system to heal and for neurotransmitters to stop being sensitive. None of us had the faintest idea that this kind of situation lay in front of us. So we are dealing with shock at what has happened as well as the real physical and mental/emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Recovery is not linear, as it is with other illnesses or injuries. If we cut our hands, we can actually see the cut heal and the pain diminish over time. In benzo withdrawal we can be well one day and very sick the next. This is normal and we have to look at our healing differently.

3. Recovery is an individual thing and it is difficult to predict how quickly symptoms will stop for good. People expect to be completely better after a certain period of time, and often get discouraged and depressed when they feel this time has passed and they are not completely better. Most patient support programs tell clients to anticipate 6 months to a year for recovery after a taper has ended. But some people feel better a few months after they stop taking benzos; for others it takes more than a year to feel completely better. Try not to be obsessed with how long it will take, because every day you stay off benzos, your body is healing at its own rate. If you do not follow this particular schedule, it does not mean there is something wrong or you are not healing. Even if you are feeling ill in some respects, other symptoms may disappear. Even people in difficult tapers see improvements in symptoms very early on. So don't let these time-frames scare you. The way you feel at one month will not be how you will be feeling at three months or at six months.

4. It is very typical to have setbacks at different points of time (these times can vary). These setbacks can be so intense that people feel their healing hasn't happened at all; they feel they have been taken right back to beginning. Setbacks, if they occur, are a normal part of recovery.

5. When people are in recovery, they have a lot of fears. One is that they will never get better. Another is that their symptoms are really what they are like — perhaps what they have always been like. Both of these fears are stimulated by benzo withdrawal. In other words they are the thought components of benzo withdrawal, just as insomnia is a physical component.

6. There is no way around benzo withdrawal and recovery — you have to go through it. People try all sorts of measures to try to make the pain stop, but nothing can shortcut the process. Our body and brain have their own agenda for healing, and it will take place if you simply accept it.

7. When you are having a bad spell, healing is still going on. People typically find that after a bad spell, symptoms improve and often go away forever. Try to remember this when times are hard.

8. There is no magic cure to recovery, but you can help yourself by comforting and reassuring yourself as much as possible. Read reassuring information, stay away from stress, ask your partner, family and others for reassurance, and go back to the things you did at the beginning if you are experiencing really tough symptoms.

 

9. When we start to feel better, it is very typical to try to do too much. We are grateful to be alive and we have energy for the first time in weeks or months. But this can be a dangerous time. When we do to much and take on too much too early, it re-sensitizes the nervous system. It doesn't prevent healing in the long term, but it can make us feel discouraged. So try to pace yourself, even if you are feeling good.

 

10. You do need to respect your body during recovery, although you don't need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. Exercise, in any form is critical — even if you can only walk around the house or to the end of the block. Eating well and avoiding all stimulants is crucial. Regular high-protein snacks can help with the shakes and the feelings of weakness we have during withdrawal and recovery.

 

11. Recovery is all about acceptance, but this does not mean passive acceptance. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable. Try to keep exercise happening. Work at your recovery even if that means accepting you are sick — for now. You wouldn't be hard on yourself if you were in a traffic accident and had injuries; you would work at rehab. Try to take the same attitude and approach to benzodiazepine withdrawal.

[[te...]]

Thank you

[[Ho...]]

Thanks, I really needed to read this. I had a wave yesterday and I was feeling down today. The wave is still here but this gave me strength.

[[Fo...]]

Thanks for posting.

More support the better! 

I know some of the theory=== it’s the courage I lack. -))

Dick

 

[[Ta...]]

Thank you for posting this! It is good to be reminded of all these things. Last Saturday, I had been feeling somewhat better so I scheduled myself to volunteer and also go to an event that night. I then spent the next four days in bed because I overdid it. So #9 really resonates with me lately! Its just that sometimes I want to push myself thinking the act of pushing will help me get better...but it never does. It can make it a whole lot worse. Anyway, thanks again!!!

 

"9. When we start to feel better, it is very typical to try to do too much. We are grateful to be alive and we have energy for the first time in weeks or months. But this can be a dangerous time. When we do to much and take on too much too early, it re-sensitizes the nervous system. It doesn't prevent healing in the long term, but it can make us feel discouraged. So try to pace yourself, even if you are feeling good."

 

[[Ma...]]

They were great Bill. I copied and pasted to our group and The Village.  Thanks so much!!

[[mo...]]

Thank you Bill I’m nearing the end and need this info.

[[de...]]

A very comforting and useful post, Bill.  Thank you. 

 

#7.  Precisely what has occurred for me. 

 

I am 78 days "off".  These last few days have been really terrible.  Felt my entire body and mind were being assaulted, terrorised. 

 

Woke this morning with energy, real energy.  DP/DR almost non existent.  I could "see", and it was beautiful.  I could plan.  I could "do".  Felt switched on. 

 

I don't know if it will last, but hope has returned, and I am so grateful.

 

I remain mindful of #9, as have previously fallen into this trap.  Not to overdo it. 

 

Keep the faith fellow travellers, our CNS's are on the job. 

 

Love your CNS, and it will love you. 

 

Dee

 

 

[[Ta...]]

 

Keep the faith fellow travellers, our CNS's are on the job. 

 

Love your CNS, and it will love you. 

 

 

Love this!

[[Co...]]

I needed this. Thank you. George

[[mo...]]

A very comforting and useful post, Bill.  Thank you. 

 

#7.  Precisely what has occurred for me. 

 

I am 78 days "off".  These last few days have been really terrible.  Felt my entire body and mind were being assaulted, terrorised. 

 

Woke this morning with energy, real energy.  DP/DR almost non existent.  I could "see", and it was beautiful.  I could plan.  I could "do".  Felt switched on. 

 

I don't know if it will last, but hope has returned, and I am so grateful.

 

I remain mindful of #9, as have previously fallen into this trap.  Not to overdo it. 

 

Keep the faith fellow travellers, our CNS's are on the job. 

 

Love your CNS, and it will love you. 

 

Dee

 

So glad to hear you’re doing well Dee. We may just make it. 

[[Ma...]]

This is more appreciated than you will ever know!!! I have been struggling, today especially, and this is just what I needed.  I have been having a very rough few days after my pharmacy switched brands on me and then a bout with the flu, feels like I am back to week one or two and it is horrible as we all know!

 

Bless you...Maggie 

[[ci...]]

I thought I would post these benzo recovery "tips" for everyone's benefit.  I got these from another site and maybe some of you have seen it but I thought I'd post it here.  I find it reassuring and positive as it addresses many issues many of us have and that we are all healing at our own rates.

 

 

 

Benzodiazepine Recovery Tips

By Janet Currie

 

1. Recovery from being an accidental addict to benzodiazepines is serious business. It takes time for the central nervous system to heal and for neurotransmitters to stop being sensitive. None of us had the faintest idea that this kind of situation lay in front of us. So we are dealing with shock at what has happened as well as the real physical and mental/emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Recovery is not linear, as it is with other illnesses or injuries. If we cut our hands, we can actually see the cut heal and the pain diminish over time. In benzo withdrawal we can be well one day and very sick the next. This is normal and we have to look at our healing differently.

3. Recovery is an individual thing and it is difficult to predict how quickly symptoms will stop for good. People expect to be completely better after a certain period of time, and often get discouraged and depressed when they feel this time has passed and they are not completely better. Most patient support programs tell clients to anticipate 6 months to a year for recovery after a taper has ended. But some people feel better a few months after they stop taking benzos; for others it takes more than a year to feel completely better. Try not to be obsessed with how long it will take, because every day you stay off benzos, your body is healing at its own rate. If you do not follow this particular schedule, it does not mean there is something wrong or you are not healing. Even if you are feeling ill in some respects, other symptoms may disappear. Even people in difficult tapers see improvements in symptoms very early on. So don't let these time-frames scare you. The way you feel at one month will not be how you will be feeling at three months or at six months.

4. It is very typical to have setbacks at different points of time (these times can vary). These setbacks can be so intense that people feel their healing hasn't happened at all; they feel they have been taken right back to beginning. Setbacks, if they occur, are a normal part of recovery.

5. When people are in recovery, they have a lot of fears. One is that they will never get better. Another is that their symptoms are really what they are like — perhaps what they have always been like. Both of these fears are stimulated by benzo withdrawal. In other words they are the thought components of benzo withdrawal, just as insomnia is a physical component.

6. There is no way around benzo withdrawal and recovery — you have to go through it. People try all sorts of measures to try to make the pain stop, but nothing can shortcut the process. Our body and brain have their own agenda for healing, and it will take place if you simply accept it.

7. When you are having a bad spell, healing is still going on. People typically find that after a bad spell, symptoms improve and often go away forever. Try to remember this when times are hard.

8. There is no magic cure to recovery, but you can help yourself by comforting and reassuring yourself as much as possible. Read reassuring information, stay away from stress, ask your partner, family and others for reassurance, and go back to the things you did at the beginning if you are experiencing really tough symptoms.

 

9. When we start to feel better, it is very typical to try to do too much. We are grateful to be alive and we have energy for the first time in weeks or months. But this can be a dangerous time. When we do to much and take on too much too early, it re-sensitizes the nervous system. It doesn't prevent healing in the long term, but it can make us feel discouraged. So try to pace yourself, even if you are feeling good.

 

10. You do need to respect your body during recovery, although you don't need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. Exercise, in any form is critical — even if you can only walk around the house or to the end of the block. Eating well and avoiding all stimulants is crucial. Regular high-protein snacks can help with the shakes and the feelings of weakness we have during withdrawal and recovery.

 

11. Recovery is all about acceptance, but this does not mean passive acceptance. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable. Try to keep exercise happening. Work at your recovery even if that means accepting you are sick — for now. You wouldn't be hard on yourself if you were in a traffic accident and had injuries; you would work at rehab. Try to take the same attitude and approach to benzodiazepine withdrawal.

 

Thanks for sharing these.  I'll be walking off in two weeks.  Will refer to this!

[[de...]]

I'm glad my post helped people.  I know positive posts help me no end. 

 

I had made a decision to step back from the forum for a bit as starting to feel overwhelmed. 

 

Changed my mind following my positive experience, as know how important it is to share the good news.  Negativity does my head in. 

 

I think I need to look more closely at tip #9 in Bill's post, as did overdo it a bit yesterday.  I was so happy to be able to 'do' stuff I went out all guns blazing.    Paying the Piper (somewhat) today.  Piper owes me heaps, he can sing for his supper. 

 

I am still much improved, but fatigue and anxiety have returned.  Not so bad. 

 

I have the feeling that this will pass quickly, and truly hope I have turned a real corner. 

 

We are going to make it mountain.  💕

 

Dee

[[Ni...]]

I thought I would post these benzo recovery "tips" for everyone's benefit.  I got these from another site and maybe some of you have seen it but I thought I'd post it here.  I find it reassuring and positive as it addresses many issues many of us have and that we are all healing at our own rates.

 

 

 

Benzodiazepine Recovery Tips

By Janet Currie

 

1. Recovery from being an accidental addict to benzodiazepines is serious business. It takes time for the central nervous system to heal and for neurotransmitters to stop being sensitive. None of us had the faintest idea that this kind of situation lay in front of us. So we are dealing with shock at what has happened as well as the real physical and mental/emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Recovery is not linear, as it is with other illnesses or injuries. If we cut our hands, we can actually see the cut heal and the pain diminish over time. In benzo withdrawal we can be well one day and very sick the next. This is normal and we have to look at our healing differently.

3. Recovery is an individual thing and it is difficult to predict how quickly symptoms will stop for good. People expect to be completely better after a certain period of time, and often get discouraged and depressed when they feel this time has passed and they are not completely better. Most patient support programs tell clients to anticipate 6 months to a year for recovery after a taper has ended. But some people feel better a few months after they stop taking benzos; for others it takes more than a year to feel completely better. Try not to be obsessed with how long it will take, because every day you stay off benzos, your body is healing at its own rate. If you do not follow this particular schedule, it does not mean there is something wrong or you are not healing. Even if you are feeling ill in some respects, other symptoms may disappear. Even people in difficult tapers see improvements in symptoms very early on. So don't let these time-frames scare you. The way you feel at one month will not be how you will be feeling at three months or at six months.

4. It is very typical to have setbacks at different points of time (these times can vary). These setbacks can be so intense that people feel their healing hasn't happened at all; they feel they have been taken right back to beginning. Setbacks, if they occur, are a normal part of recovery.

5. When people are in recovery, they have a lot of fears. One is that they will never get better. Another is that their symptoms are really what they are like — perhaps what they have always been like. Both of these fears are stimulated by benzo withdrawal. In other words they are the thought components of benzo withdrawal, just as insomnia is a physical component.

6. There is no way around benzo withdrawal and recovery — you have to go through it. People try all sorts of measures to try to make the pain stop, but nothing can shortcut the process. Our body and brain have their own agenda for healing, and it will take place if you simply accept it.

7. When you are having a bad spell, healing is still going on. People typically find that after a bad spell, symptoms improve and often go away forever. Try to remember this when times are hard.

8. There is no magic cure to recovery, but you can help yourself by comforting and reassuring yourself as much as possible. Read reassuring information, stay away from stress, ask your partner, family and others for reassurance, and go back to the things you did at the beginning if you are experiencing really tough symptoms.

 

9. When we start to feel better, it is very typical to try to do too much. We are grateful to be alive and we have energy for the first time in weeks or months. But this can be a dangerous time. When we do to much and take on too much too early, it re-sensitizes the nervous system. It doesn't prevent healing in the long term, but it can make us feel discouraged. So try to pace yourself, even if you are feeling good.

 

10. You do need to respect your body during recovery, although you don't need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. Exercise, in any form is critical — even if you can only walk around the house or to the end of the block. Eating well and avoiding all stimulants is crucial. Regular high-protein snacks can help with the shakes and the feelings of weakness we have during withdrawal and recovery.

 

11. Recovery is all about acceptance, but this does not mean passive acceptance. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable. Try to keep exercise happening. Work at your recovery even if that means accepting you are sick — for now. You wouldn't be hard on yourself if you were in a traffic accident and had injuries; you would work at rehab. Try to take the same attitude and approach to benzodiazepine withdrawal.

 

Thank you i needed this

[[Ni...]]

I thought I would post these benzo recovery "tips" for everyone's benefit.  I got these from another site and maybe some of you have seen it but I thought I'd post it here.  I find it reassuring and positive as it addresses many issues many of us have and that we are all healing at our own rates.

 

 

 

Benzodiazepine Recovery Tips

By Janet Currie

 

1. Recovery from being an accidental addict to benzodiazepines is serious business. It takes time for the central nervous system to heal and for neurotransmitters to stop being sensitive. None of us had the faintest idea that this kind of situation lay in front of us. So we are dealing with shock at what has happened as well as the real physical and mental/emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Recovery is not linear, as it is with other illnesses or injuries. If we cut our hands, we can actually see the cut heal and the pain diminish over time. In benzo withdrawal we can be well one day and very sick the next. This is normal and we have to look at our healing differently.

3. Recovery is an individual thing and it is difficult to predict how quickly symptoms will stop for good. People expect to be completely better after a certain period of time, and often get discouraged and depressed when they feel this time has passed and they are not completely better. Most patient support programs tell clients to anticipate 6 months to a year for recovery after a taper has ended. But some people feel better a few months after they stop taking benzos; for others it takes more than a year to feel completely better. Try not to be obsessed with how long it will take, because every day you stay off benzos, your body is healing at its own rate. If you do not follow this particular schedule, it does not mean there is something wrong or you are not healing. Even if you are feeling ill in some respects, other symptoms may disappear. Even people in difficult tapers see improvements in symptoms very early on. So don't let these time-frames scare you. The way you feel at one month will not be how you will be feeling at three months or at six months.

4. It is very typical to have setbacks at different points of time (these times can vary). These setbacks can be so intense that people feel their healing hasn't happened at all; they feel they have been taken right back to beginning. Setbacks, if they occur, are a normal part of recovery.

5. When people are in recovery, they have a lot of fears. One is that they will never get better. Another is that their symptoms are really what they are like — perhaps what they have always been like. Both of these fears are stimulated by benzo withdrawal. In other words they are the thought components of benzo withdrawal, just as insomnia is a physical component.

6. There is no way around benzo withdrawal and recovery — you have to go through it. People try all sorts of measures to try to make the pain stop, but nothing can shortcut the process. Our body and brain have their own agenda for healing, and it will take place if you simply accept it.

7. When you are having a bad spell, healing is still going on. People typically find that after a bad spell, symptoms improve and often go away forever. Try to remember this when times are hard.

8. There is no magic cure to recovery, but you can help yourself by comforting and reassuring yourself as much as possible. Read reassuring information, stay away from stress, ask your partner, family and others for reassurance, and go back to the things you did at the beginning if you are experiencing really tough symptoms.

 

9. When we start to feel better, it is very typical to try to do too much. We are grateful to be alive and we have energy for the first time in weeks or months. But this can be a dangerous time. When we do to much and take on too much too early, it re-sensitizes the nervous system. It doesn't prevent healing in the long term, but it can make us feel discouraged. So try to pace yourself, even if you are feeling good.

 

10. You do need to respect your body during recovery, although you don't need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. Exercise, in any form is critical — even if you can only walk around the house or to the end of the block. Eating well and avoiding all stimulants is crucial. Regular high-protein snacks can help with the shakes and the feelings of weakness we have during withdrawal and recovery.

 

11. Recovery is all about acceptance, but this does not mean passive acceptance. Set small goals for yourself that are achievable. Try to keep exercise happening. Work at your recovery even if that means accepting you are sick — for now. You wouldn't be hard on yourself if you were in a traffic accident and had injuries; you would work at rehab. Try to take the same attitude and approach to benzodiazepine withdrawal.

 

i needed this Thank you