10-20-15 Diazepams/FNG

[McNally]

Hello,

Since 1999, today is Day14 without Benzos. I'm not even sure why I'm writing this, except to say something to someone? The benzodiazepams were prescribed on top of an opioid habit. I'm still using opioids. I've quit opioids before, and quitting benzos is pretty different. 14-days without the opioids is like a sweet spot -- you're not sick, you feel stronger, clearer & the future looks bright. Conversely, the 14th day with benzos seems mentally/emotionally worse than day 2.

To taper, I moved from Lorazepam (prescribed @ 3-4mg daily) to Diazepam (prescribed @ 15-20mg daily). Over several months, I tapered the Diazepam to .25mg every other day, then down to every third day -- then quit.

It's hard enough to keep an opioid habit -- it ties you to a spot. The benzos were worse, they tied me to a system.

I feel much better, though emotions are a bit raw. Maybe even feel my opioids better?

Thanks.M

 

[stillkickin]

Wow McNally, 14 days, that's a helluva good start.

Benzos are SOO different from opiods as far as the withdrawal goes. I came off about a 7 year daily intake of appox 1-2mg xanax last November. I knew I should taper and switch to a longer half-life benzo like you did (switching from Ativan to Valium) but I ignored warning as stubborn as I am and just did a rapid taper over 2 weeks and jumped on a Friday night (not recommended ever for benzo detox due to risk of seizures). The next 2 months were what I call "mental terrorism". From the "brain zaps" to having limbs going numb, constant anxiety and persistent derealization/personalization. It was so hard.

I've completely withdrawn from opiates last year for a good 5 month stint and the detox of opiate while very painful and agonizing, I'd still take that over the DRAWN OUT process of coming off a long benzo habit.

I hope I'm not infringing on any rules but there's a forum dedicated to benzo withdrawals www.benzobuddies.org. Tons of good information in there and good support dedicated to getting off benzos. I leaned on that site quite a bit during my process.

It sounds like you're doing pretty good all things considered. It was about the 3 month mark where I noticed a lot of my symptoms had faded. It was about 5 months after where I could have a few drinks and not throw myself completely back into withdrawal hell.

Feel free to ask any questions since the process is still rather fresh for me being in the last 12 months. (I'm an opiate person as well although I'm working on kicking that now)