Benzo schedule to avoid addiction.

[V82]

Hi everyone,

I have a question about benzos. I am currently taking clonazepam. I've made rules that hopefully will help with avoid withdrawal and tolerance.

The rules are:

Take no more than 0.75 mg - 1 mg.

Do not take clonazepam 2 days in a row.

Take clonazepam maximum twice a week.

Take clonazepam maximum 7 times a month.


I was just wondering if you guys think this will help me avoid withdrawal and tolerance. There is a lot of knowledgable people around here I've seen.

 

[BrokedownPalace]

Yes, that sounds perfectly reasonable. As long as you have the self control to abide by your schedule, tolerance/dependence should not really occur. since you are taking a very small dose only 1-2 times per week, the drug won't be able to build up in your body. Just don't start slipping and taking it an extra day here or there, as doing so will gradually end up to daily dosing and higher doses. This is why when people ask me about 'opiate dosing schedules' to avoid addiction, I tell them if they are at the point where they are already thinking about the maximum amount they can do without getting addicted, they are already psychologically addicted and well on their way to physical dependence.

I don't know you, or how good your self control is, but that is what it boils down to. Self control. Do you find yourself thinking about the next time you can dose according to yoru schedule? Do you get cravings on your off days? These are all bad signs. Benzos are best use 'as needed', such as in times of panic or high stress situations. If you can get by without dosing, dont' dose.

How long have you been taking klonopin?

 

[V82]

I never really crave clonazepam. I take it when: I have a stressful event, I have what I feel to be overwhelming anxiety, or sometimes to help me sleep. I am always concered about taking it too often because I know how harsh withdrawal can be.

I am also going to stop taking it to sleep because it gives me rebound anxiety in the morning.

I've been taking it for about 3 years now. Probably only 3-4 times a month. But I've entered a stressful period over the last few months so I've been taking it more often, but no more than the rules I've described.

Thanks for the the input!

Very reassuring!

 

[Oxide]

It sounds like you certainly have a solid set of rules here.

As long as you stick to them and don't start slipping, you should be fine in avoiding a rapid tolerance buildup or a physical dependence. It's important not to increase your dose unless you absolutely have to. It's also important to watch consecutive days of use, re-dosing etc, but you have all that covered really.

Stick to those rules and you shouldn't have much to worry about. As BrokedownPalace mentioned it can come down to self-control, especially if you begin using it as a crutch more and more often. You'll know you're in trouble when you start breaking some of the rules you've set in place for yourself.

Do not beware, instead be aware. If that makes any sense.

 

[laCster]

^^ good advice from both... emphasize the fact that it's so easy to slipp. you are walking a thin line, bud...

 

[Oxide]

A slippery slope it is indeed.

I feel should stress that benzos are really a poor choice to rely on for anxiety control though, it soon becomes unsustainable if you choose to abuse them. (Which is all too easy if you have anxiety issues.)

However, I think that with knowledge of the risks, self-control and a sense of personal responsibility it is perfectly possible to use benzos for occasional anxiety relief without a high-risk of physical dependence/addiction.

The problem is, they sneak up on you. It blindsides you. It's important to be aware of these things, especially since the OP is trying to specifically avoid an addiction. Whatever you do don't make the mistake of turning to them too often when the going gets tough.

 

[V82]

Thanks for the advice guys. I know I need to be careful. I think my fear of dependence will actually stop me from abusing clonazepam.

I was also wondering what would you suggest for anxiety control besides benzos?

 

[Pilll_head]

Yeah, I agree, you have to be disciplined about it and not overdo it whether its benzos, opiates or whatever. When you start doing it too often it loses its charm ends up like smoking - you just do it feel normal instead it of being a treat. You can ruin any good thing if you don't respect it.