Posted by jo on July 26, 2000 at 01:11:40:

In Reply to: zanax used for anxiety posted by jessimimo on February 16, 2000 at 08:44:03:

I have a success story regarding xanax. I was highly addicted to it--my maximum dosage peaked at 11 mg per day. There were times that i honestly didn't think i was going to make it. I considered everything, including suicide. My doctor gave me Xanax to get through work, because i felt i couldn't work without a crutch, which was xanax. Through all this I quit my job and was unemployed for six months. It was actually a visit to a shrink and then a health food store and talking with some knowledgeable people that got me completely off of xanax and onto a diet and exercise regime. Through my darkest time i absolutely hated life, and i was told that quite possibly i would never be the same mentally because of all the xanax i took, but here i am, back and better than ever.
What i found is that by staying on xanax my tolerance increased, as did my need for more xanax. I didn't sleep properly, which increased my need. Since i've been off it and made some changes in my life (diet, exercise etc, which is very hard to do when one is not motivated), i sleep like a baby. i hope you are able to get off of this drug and lead a good life again :)
much luck.