Would love to hear some positive stories from people whom have tapered off benzos. Positive only please. Give me some hope. No horror stories! I need some encouragement!
@cim37343 that is not necessarily true. I have a genetic defect that causes my chemicals that deal with anxiety to get wrong. I could be fine and a minute later thinking nothing anxious and having nothing happening to me, I would be very anxious. I am not a mental health practitioner, so this is my layman thinking, but it seems to me that indicates a chemical problem. I have gone through therapy many times over a long period of time with many practitioners and no one could find anything significant. The final proof I believe is that I do fine on antidepressants that regulate my chemicals, and do bad without them.
I think those withdrawal sites are terrible. I would not suggest anyone look at those. If you’re not doing well now with your taper you’ll be scared to death looking at one of these sites. STAY AWAY.
Nope! Those sites are horrible. If you’re not crazy and distraught before you will be when you start reading the horror stories on those benzo sites. One horror story after the other.
I noticed your post about being "scared to death as to what the future holds in terms of my horrible anxiety." I can understand that going off of helpful meds for anxiety is, in itself, a stressful thought to consider. With regards to tapering off of your current meds consult with your pharmacist of doctor for the correct way to do this. An alternative anti-depressant (that is known for its anti-anxiety properties) might be quite helpful to you.
We have had many members who have posted about this topic. One discussion is titled, Depression and alternative treatments. Here is the link. Just click on it and you will get some new ideas. While I realize you say that your main problem is anxiety and not depression some of these thoughts might be helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-alternative-treatments/?pg=3
Many Connect members have also been helped in finding just the right mental health med by doing some genetic testing to find out which med works best (and which will not work at all). Here is a link to that post. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-genetic-testing-for-mental-health-meds-is-important/
What other non-medicine treatments have you used to deal with anxiety? Do you use some form of exercise like walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc? Many people find these quite helpful.
David Burns has written many very helpful books about using CBT. You might check them out on Amazon or in your local library or book store.
In general, most of us with anxiety/depression issues have to use a number of therapies such as medications, exercise, talk therapy, etc. You will need to find what combination will work best for you.
Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?
I noticed your post about being "scared to death as to what the future holds in terms of my horrible anxiety." I can understand that going off of helpful meds for anxiety is, in itself, a stressful thought to consider. With regards to tapering off of your current meds consult with your pharmacist of doctor for the correct way to do this. An alternative anti-depressant (that is known for its anti-anxiety properties) might be quite helpful to you.
We have had many members who have posted about this topic. One discussion is titled, Depression and alternative treatments. Here is the link. Just click on it and you will get some new ideas. While I realize you say that your main problem is anxiety and not depression some of these thoughts might be helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-alternative-treatments/?pg=3
Many Connect members have also been helped in finding just the right mental health med by doing some genetic testing to find out which med works best (and which will not work at all). Here is a link to that post. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-genetic-testing-for-mental-health-meds-is-important/
What other non-medicine treatments have you used to deal with anxiety? Do you use some form of exercise like walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc? Many people find these quite helpful.
David Burns has written many very helpful books about using CBT. You might check them out on Amazon or in your local library or book store.
In general, most of us with anxiety/depression issues have to use a number of therapies such as medications, exercise, talk therapy, etc. You will need to find what combination will work best for you.
Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?
I am using the Aston Method with my physchiatrist. We’re early on into the tapering. Thank you so much for the suggestions. I’ll be looking into all of these.
I feel the docs think antidepressants alone will take care of all the anxiety. They’re dangerous also. I don’t know what we’re going to do. Therapy has never worked for me in resolving my terrible anxiety issues. I really don’t know what quality of life I’ll have after tapering. It’s all so scary.
I have given my opinion before about Opiods before. I'm so tired of people condeming those of us who may take them for dipilitating pain!
Mine came out of no where, I was living a normal wonderful life when it hit. For seveal months my life was in ruin! Then by accident my doctor and I found out that a dose taken twice a day at the same time lets me lead a somewhat active life again. I still have periods where the disease will raise it's head. But not like it had before.
Addiction runs in everyone, whether it be aclcohol, gambling, sex, the internet it is something that affects us all!
Sundance(RB)
I am using the Aston Method with my physchiatrist. We’re early on into the tapering. Thank you so much for the suggestions. I’ll be looking into all of these.
The Ashton method is very popular in the UK where it was developed. For anyone interested in the original (lengthy) guide by Dr Ashton a link is: https://benzo.org.uk/manual/
For me, slow tappering was the solution but …. "Different strokes for different folks". It requires patience and determination to leave Benzo land BUT it can be done!
I have given my opinion before about Opiods before. I'm so tired of people condeming those of us who may take them for dipilitating pain!
Mine came out of no where, I was living a normal wonderful life when it hit. For seveal months my life was in ruin! Then by accident my doctor and I found out that a dose taken twice a day at the same time lets me lead a somewhat active life again. I still have periods where the disease will raise it's head. But not like it had before.
Addiction runs in everyone, whether it be aclcohol, gambling, sex, the internet it is something that affects us all!
Sundance(RB)
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There is a reason for the anxiety. The therapists help Patients deal with that reason.
Sure but nobody I know has used CBT for withdrawal induced aniexty. Try joining "BenzoBuddies" for ton's of info
The reason is Benzo Brain injury.
@cim37343 that is not necessarily true. I have a genetic defect that causes my chemicals that deal with anxiety to get wrong. I could be fine and a minute later thinking nothing anxious and having nothing happening to me, I would be very anxious. I am not a mental health practitioner, so this is my layman thinking, but it seems to me that indicates a chemical problem. I have gone through therapy many times over a long period of time with many practitioners and no one could find anything significant. The final proof I believe is that I do fine on antidepressants that regulate my chemicals, and do bad without them.
I think those withdrawal sites are terrible. I would not suggest anyone look at those. If you’re not doing well now with your taper you’ll be scared to death looking at one of these sites. STAY AWAY.
Knowledge is power!
Nope! Those sites are horrible. If you’re not crazy and distraught before you will be when you start reading the horror stories on those benzo sites. One horror story after the other.
Hello @sears,
I noticed your post about being "scared to death as to what the future holds in terms of my horrible anxiety." I can understand that going off of helpful meds for anxiety is, in itself, a stressful thought to consider. With regards to tapering off of your current meds consult with your pharmacist of doctor for the correct way to do this. An alternative anti-depressant (that is known for its anti-anxiety properties) might be quite helpful to you.
We have had many members who have posted about this topic. One discussion is titled, Depression and alternative treatments. Here is the link. Just click on it and you will get some new ideas. While I realize you say that your main problem is anxiety and not depression some of these thoughts might be helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/depression-and-alternative-treatments/?pg=3
Many Connect members have also been helped in finding just the right mental health med by doing some genetic testing to find out which med works best (and which will not work at all). Here is a link to that post.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-genetic-testing-for-mental-health-meds-is-important/
What other non-medicine treatments have you used to deal with anxiety? Do you use some form of exercise like walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc? Many people find these quite helpful.
Also, CBT, cognitive behavior therapy, has been used by many people. Here is a link that discusses this method. It is an article from Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/cognitive-behavioral-therapy.
David Burns has written many very helpful books about using CBT. You might check them out on Amazon or in your local library or book store.
In general, most of us with anxiety/depression issues have to use a number of therapies such as medications, exercise, talk therapy, etc. You will need to find what combination will work best for you.
Will you post again and let me know how you are doing?
I am using the Aston Method with my physchiatrist. We’re early on into the tapering. Thank you so much for the suggestions. I’ll be looking into all of these.
I have given my opinion before about Opiods before. I'm so tired of people condeming those of us who may take them for dipilitating pain!
Mine came out of no where, I was living a normal wonderful life when it hit. For seveal months my life was in ruin! Then by accident my doctor and I found out that a dose taken twice a day at the same time lets me lead a somewhat active life again. I still have periods where the disease will raise it's head. But not like it had before.
Addiction runs in everyone, whether it be aclcohol, gambling, sex, the internet it is something that affects us all!
Sundance(RB)
The Ashton method is very popular in the UK where it was developed. For anyone interested in the original (lengthy) guide by Dr Ashton a link is:
https://benzo.org.uk/manual/
For me, slow tappering was the solution but …. "Different strokes for different folks". It requires patience and determination to leave Benzo land BUT it can be done!
I agree Sundance, no one should have to live with debilitating pain. It’s inhumane.