Anyone find help with Addiction Specialist?

[[Ni...]]

For the first time in a couple years, I saw my PCP last week. He has been good about giving me valium refills and encouraging me to go slow. Apparently I’m going slower than he thinks is necessary. I’m having lots of physical symptoms which impact my already messed up spine post several surgeries.  So I have had to take breaks, especially at more stressful times. He said nothing helpful, explained away all my symptoms which seem very withdrawal related from my perspective, and blamed my age and probably “arthritis.”

 

I also restarted seeing a therapist to hopefully work through some things, who, hearing about the unhelpful doctor visit, is recommending I see an addiction specialist. Mind you, this person knows at least most of what she does about Benzo addiction and withdrawal because of information I have printed out to give her. 

She did mention that I might need someone to push me a little bit.

 

Please, I’d love to know, has anyone been helped by an Addiction Specialist ?  I’m a skeptic in general, but am willing to go and ask some questions.

[[he...]]

I was considering going to see somebody who does that, but both of them who were recommended were all about detox centers and rapid cessation for benzos. So just exercise a lot of caution. Addiction specialists can be just as clueless about benzos as the rest of the professionals.

[[Ni...]]

I was considering going to see somebody who does that, but both of them who were recommended were all about detox centers and rapid cessation for benzos. So just exercise a lot of caution. Addiction specialists can be just as clueless about benzos as the rest of the professionals.

Thanks for the response. Did you have to have an appointment or were you able to learn about their approach another way?

[[Pa...]]

 

She did mention that I might need someone to push me a little bit.

 

 

A patient led symptom based taper is what is recommended and I find this statement insulting.  You're doing it right, you're going at your own pace and you're holding when other issues crop up, why does everyone think you need to do something that goes against your better judgement?  I'm sorry but both your doctor and your therapist are not thinking about what's best for you and it makes me mad.

 

Can you print this out for both of them, you'll probably need to show it to an addiction specialist too since very few of them understand doctor prescribed benzodiazepine dependence.    Colorado Consortium Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidelines

[[Ni...]]

Thank you for your response, Pamster, this is what I was thinking and feeling about after posting here and doing some reading on the Benzo Coalition’s website. I especially appreciated an article I read about the difference between physical dependence as a result of taking medicine as prescribed and Addiction.

I will definitely be giving her the information you reference.  It’s difficult when those who should get it don’t. I’m not going to subject myself if that’s the type of coaching she thinks I need. 

[[he...]]

I agree with Pam. I also didn't like that statement. Nobody knows but you how fast you can go.

 

I was able to enquire about them through a therapist I was seeing at the time, who was also saying I should just go through detox... Sigh.