Hope For Benzo's User

[makinit]

I have been detoxing from xanax for 9 days now and I actually can say that I never have experienced a withdrawal so darn presistent. I would have about 23 hours of hell each day and 1 hour of hope. I did do a 2 week taper before I started, along with making a commitment to go all the way, without a relapse.
I did use some advice from the ashtons manual, which help me out tremendously. This board has led me to this information and to share it with you. Its day 9 and last night I finally slept, for the first time and I feel 30 foot tall and bulletproof. I can't express how hard it was to get this far, but I can tell you that once you get there you will be so happy.( and this is only day 9). I will not loose site, nor will I let it fool me, for I have had to definitely take this one -day -at- a- time.
THINGS THAT HAVE HELPED ME:
1. Acupuncture
2. Hot Baths
3. Health board
4. Walking with music
5. vitamins- B Complex, C, Melatonin and eating balanced meals.
6. And a whole lotta willpower

So, if your a benzo user and need hope, this may help you see that it is possible and quit being so afraid, just do it! Use the techniques in the ashtons and what I told you here and you can do it! And dont forget to keep us posted. There are a lot of people here that care and want to see you succeed.

I AM THANKFUL for all the people that helped me get this far. Yall kept me going. Keep posting..............David

[cberg]

Thanks for sharing - I need to hear everything good that I can!!! I guess it is good to hear of the struggles too - so that I am reminded why I don't want to use pain killers!!! Good luck & take care!!!

[JEDDD5]

WAY TO GO!!!!
I too am going through the banzo w/d's. I tapered for a month from 6mg Lorazepam all the way down to .5mg every other day. I've been completly Lorazepam free for 4 days. I have no doubt the tapering did help but it is mainly will power not to just "pop a pill to feel better". It's pure hell but I know in the end it will pay off. It also helps to know that I am not alone and there are other people in the world going through the exact same thing at the exact same time. Thank you for posting.
Emily

[slipperyslope]

I have never taken a xanax, I know Xanax is for anxiety but how do people get addicted to it, I don't get the attraction, Just curious. I did take Ativan for a few weeks for stress is this the same type of medication?

Thanks and you are doing so good I am glad your finally feeling better...

[JEDDD5]

Avitan is the brand name for Lorazepam. I have anxiety and panic disorder and Benzos basically "Calm you down". It's very easy to become addicted because when you feel anxious or panicky all you have to do is pop a pill and 15min later you feel normal again-no anxiety no panick. After a while your brain and body get used to it and depend on it to calm you down. It's an easy trap that I fell into. W/ds are horrible. They mimick the worst panick attack that you could ever imagine and all your worst fears seem to become a reality. It makes you a real physical and emotional mess.
Emily