I can’t do anything without benzos

[[bo...]]

Ive always depression and anxiety and some substance abuse, issues as well as epilepsy but now that I have slowly over time become more and more addicted to benzos I feel as though I can barely do anything without being on them. 
Does anyone else feel like they can’t do certain tasks - especially stressful ones without them? My ability to function and complete tasks without benzos is getting worse and worse. small things feel hard like cleaning or concentrating or even replying to stressful emails. 
The memory loss is obviously a huge issue and I’m only 28. 
Just want to know if anyone has experienced this dependence where they rely on them for absolutely everything and my day is always so depressing if I do not have them. 
I know that it’s made me much more reserved, depressed, scared of everything and changed my personality. 
I have an appointment next to start tapering off of them and I hope the specialist understands my situation. 

[[...]]

Hi, @[bo...], and welcome to BenzoBuddies! Yes, i think what you're describing is quite typical when taking benzo, especially long term. At least, for me it'd been about the same before i started tapering. Just couldn't imagine any coping without the pill.  And you're right benzos can imposter additional depression and even anxiety on us. I felt it too. So really sorry for you and yet it's quite possible to go out of the dependency, although not always that easy. 

I think it's a good decision to taper off of the pills and i'm glad there is a doctor willing to help you in the process because, considering your underlying issue, you should do it under a doctor guidance.

Hope other members will soon share their experience and support with you too. Good luck!)

 

[[vo...]]

2 hours ago, [[b...] said:

Ive always depression and anxiety and some substance abuse, issues as well as epilepsy but now that I have slowly over time become more and more addicted to benzos I feel as though I can barely do anything without being on them. 
Does anyone else feel like they can’t do certain tasks - especially stressful ones without them? My ability to function and complete tasks without benzos is getting worse and worse. small things feel hard like cleaning or concentrating or even replying to stressful emails. 
The memory loss is obviously a huge issue and I’m only 28. 
Just want to know if anyone has experienced this dependence where they rely on them for absolutely everything and my day is always so depressing if I do not have them. 
I know that it’s made me much more reserved, depressed, scared of everything and changed my personality. 
I have an appointment next to start tapering off of them and I hope the specialist understands my situation. 

 

@[bo...]

I can completely understand how you're feeling—I've been there myself. It’s tough when it feels like you can’t function without benzos, especially when they start to affect your daily life in such a profound way.

But I want to share something with you from my own experience. As hard as it may seem right now, life can get so much better without relying on these drugs. It’s great that you have an appointment to start tapering off—this is a huge step in the right direction. The process might be challenging, but with the right support and determination, you can regain control over your life. You will get a great deal of support to help you here in the BB forum. It's all about determination - you will get out of it what you put into it.

It’s totally normal to feel like you can’t do certain tasks without them right now, but after you adjust to a life without benzos, you might find that your ability to function without them improves. It’s like retraining your brain and body to handle stress and daily tasks on their own again. Yes, it might feel overwhelming at first, and it may take a while, but the freedom and clarity you’ll gain can be so worth it.  I can attest to that. I was on benzos for many decades and I've never felt better about myself as I do now. 

The memory loss, personality changes, and dependence are signs that your body is telling you it’s time for a change. It’s really brave of you to acknowledge this and take steps to address it. There are other ways to manage anxiety, depression, and even epilepsy that don’t have to involve benzos, and many people have found they feel much better in the long run without them.

You’re definitely not alone in this, and there’s a lot of support here for people who are in the same boat. I truly hope your specialist understands your situation and helps you find a healthier path forward.

 

 

[[Al...]]

Hi @[bo...]

Just make sure that the specialist doesn't try to taper you off too fast. A hyperbolic taper of between 5 to 10% of the previous dose every 2 to 4 weeks is often recommended on this site. However, this is only a ballpark figure and may need to be adjusted depending on your starting dose, duration of use, and symptoms as you taper.

[[...]]

@[bo...], hi again:) I thought it could be helpful if you show the specialist you're going to the Ashton Manual. Very useful information on benzo and its tapering by Dr Ashton. In case you don't have it, here is the link https://www.benzoinfo.com/ashtonmanual/

Please, take care.