Benzos avoiding benzo dependence

[unrealeyes]

i've read some terrible stories about benzo addiction on this site and it sounds like the withdrawal that never quits. is there a way to use them long-term without becoming hopelessly addicted? once, twice a week, therapeutic doses as in 1 mg klonopin or xanax? anyone have not a terrible experience with them? thanks.

 

[BloodTranceFusion]

Really interested in this too. Have been taking 0,5-1mg of alprazolam 2-3 times a week for the last month, coming down from dextroamphetamine.

When I do hear about benzo-dependance I hear figures being thrown about like 10mg daily but I haven't had the need for upping doses so, unrealeyes, perhaps our pattern is sustainable. :D

 

[rocksonboxone]

Yes, I prefer to use small doses as well, usually for night time or as you do, to come off of amphetamines.

I keep it from .5 - 1.75 mg of xanax or 1.5 of klonipin( not together of course) and have not had any problems from doseing a few times a week, but when used every night, even at such a low dose, the withdrawals can still come, just not very sever. If I have been taking 1mg every night for more than 8 days straight, then do to short of a taper, I will feel like shit for about 3 days, maybe 4 depending, but its usually better by then.

Keep the xanax dose below 2mg max, and dont do it every night and you will be fine so far as withdrawals go, however benzos are very psychologicaly addictive, meaning your body is not yet physically dependent on them, your mind may be, like you feel you have to have it just to get to sleep or to get through the day, or daily anxiety, ect.... which will lead to withdrawal symptoms if continued.

 

[jamesBrown]

If you stay at reasonable doses, the threat of horrible withdrawal becomes a much less severe one.

For example, if your taking only a couple(give or take) mg's a day of a given benzo(xanax, klonopin, etc....or around like 20 - 40mg's of diazepam) your not really putting yourself in that much danger concerning withdrawal, even if used for long periods of time. Of course you still need to taper off correctly whenever you do decide its time to get off of benzos but it will be a much easier process at those doage levels than it would be if you were taking like 6 mg's of xanax and 3 mg's of klonpin a day.

Besides, the only people who are prescribed dosages much bigger than this are people who have severe issues with seizures and related health problems...only an idiotic doctor would prescribe a patient 6 mg's of xanax a day for anxiety....its flat out rediculous.

Long story short, if your taking reasonable doses of a benzo...i.e...1-3 mg's of xanax or klonopin a day, or like 30 mg's of valium a day...you shouldnt be too concerned about addiciton or deadly withdrawal effects, especially if you taper off correctly when you do quit using these meds.

If your doctor has you on much higher doses for anxiety, I would recommend changing doctors...or atleast sitting down wth your doc and explaing to him your worry, and see if he has a valid explanation for the high dosage levels....but be careful, because even doctors make poor decisions sometimes, and he/she could easily persuade you into thinking your at less risk than you really are. And if your doc comes up with a seemingly plausible explanation, I would then ask what his plan is for when you eventually are taken off the benzos.....as in, see if he even has any plans on how to taper you off or if he plans on that at all.

Just be aware of what risks you are getting yourself into when taking these meds and make sure atleast YOU know the proper way to take them(as well as taper off of them).

 

[lostsoul.On.E]

ive taken benzos for about a year now only on the weekends. keeping it around 4mg's. maybe 2mg on friday and 2mg on sat. i have never experienced withdrawls and maybe once in a while i will take a little during the week.

 

[rocksonboxone]

^^^^^That used to be me exactly. I have been using benzos fairly regularly for over two years now, I would take them fri and sat night to help with anxiety from not having work those two nights(couldnt work off the anxiety), then started to do them once during the week if I felt to jittery, then it became every other day, now I am taking xanax almost every night to help calm down after work and get to sleep quick.
Luckily though, I do keep my dose below 2mg, I will never go over 2mg, so even when I do have to taper off, it is usually pain free if done slow enough.