Long term use & just what to expect during WD

[[Lo...]]

Hi folks, I've been on benzos for over 20+yrs & Its time for them to stop! As im running a 50% risk of Altzimers. Im very panicked about how I'm going to live without them. Im terrifred of WD & really need abit of support.

Thank you

[[me...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We are glad you decided to join us.  You'll find a lot of support and information on this forum, which is the only one of its kind online.  It's true, getting off benzos may not be easy - though if you have never withdrawn before it may not be as hard as you think, if you taper slowly.  I'm 69, off benzos for 7 years, and my mind is clearer than it was 10 years ago on benzos.

 

For those starting a taper, we generally recommend starting out at a rate of 5 to 10% every 10-14 days, then adjusting the taper to suit your own needs.  Note: very short term users may be able to taper faster.

 

Withdrawal symptoms, which vary widely but commonly include anxiety and insomnia, often occur during a taper, but these are temporary and will get better in time.  In general, first tapers are easier, but cold turkeys or multiple withdrawals may be more severe and longer lasting.  Here are a few links to get you started:

 

The Ashton Manual, a concise reference for tapering and symptom issues.  Chapter III contains excellent descriptions of common symptoms such as muscle issues, anxiety, and hyper-awareness

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

Once again, welcome!

[[Ge...]]

Hello and welcome. You will find lots of support here at benzo  buddies. During and after my wd, I found a few things to be very helpful:

1. Come to benzo  buddies every day and read what others are going through and what they have found helpful.

2. Go with the flow. Accept your symptoms as withdrawal symptoms and let it be.

3. Accept that you will have waves of feeling good, and windows of feeling bad.

4. Eat good, rest, meditate with a free app, like Insight Timer.

5. If any of your withdrawal symptoms seems really odd to you, check with a sympathetic doctor to be reassured.

6. Do your wd really slowly.

 

I am sure there are more ideas out there. Good luck, and hang in there. It gets better.

[[Lo...]]

Thanx for the welcome,

I'll have a look at the manual this evening. I'm on a mobile phone so it's harder than it should be to do this sorta thing.

My next Drs visit we'll be deciding on how & when to taper, living with constant panic attacks & fast heart rate ATM. As I received a letter saying bcuz of a new study I have to sign a non dislosur agreement to continue on benzos as anyone who has taken them for over 5yrs runs the 50% risk of Altzimers. My memory is already getting quite bad & I'm in my 40s now, so 20yrs on & I could be a cabbage of a human.

I'm scared the damage has already been done.

Still working out how to use this site, which N.A. directed me to.

Thank you for putting the time in to Help others like myself.

[[Ro...]]

Oh wow, what a trooper. You have been through so much. I’m new to withdrawals so not sure how it goes. Wishing you the best - you can do it 

[[Lo...]]

Thanx Rose, it has defo been a long hard road, gratefully all things change. So seeing it as a New start to life & new doors opening is the best policy I think. Despite how scary it all feels atm.

From my experience if you want to get clean or sober, you have to want it more than anything else in this world! As it tests your Everything & everyone to the max, it may take many attempts but you just get straight back up again on that horse. No self doubt, instead renewed vigour to stand your ground once again. You will get through this & be the much stronger person for it.

Never give up on yourself!

We All deserve to be Happy

Good luck

You got this

 

[[Sa...]]

L4F,

 

Welcome!

 

A study that says 5 year plus users have a 50% increase in Alzheimer’s?  I’ve onky read that for elderly.  I’ve been in withdrawal 5 months ...

 

SaraSue 

[[Lo...]]

Hi Sarasue, well done on your 5mths! That's Amazing

Yes that is what the letter said. It's from the NHS in England, my drug counsellor has said he didn't know they'd been sent out. So will find out more next wk. I'm 46 now & have been taking them for well over 25yrs in variable amounts.

So old age is only 20yrs away for me technically. So yes im concerned about the damage that they may have done.

So deep breaths & I've gotta learn to live without them.

How I don't know....

 

LookingforFreedom 

 

[[Lo...]]

Thanx Gezint, loving the insight timer 👍

Top tip!

Feeling alot less panicked about my situation. Also the breathing techniques have helped with the constant palpitations & general nervousness.

I live on a narrowboat which has no home mooring, so I'm basicly a water gypsy (Barge dweller or Bargee) also single handed. So its vitally important for me that im not distracted by my worries, as things can go very wrong when your not paying attention.

Today is a new day, im in a beautiful spot & gonna crusie for a few miles later today

Thank you for taking the time to help

Finding the posts helpful & insightful.

Very grateful to have found BB