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BenzoHelpNeeded

Greenlighter
Joined
Jun 5, 2015
Messages
5
Well, I found you guys after after doing some research on benzo addiction and withdrawal.The reason I am doing the research is that my regular physicial flipped out when, after already making a couple of comments about my pdoc having had me on Ativan and Restoril for 7 years, she found out that I was moving out of the area.

In fact, she flipped out to the point that she told me that if my pdoc wouldn't write 6 months worth of refills on my Ativan and Restoril, SHE would despite being a GP.

My search for info led me to the site. Reading this site for the past 2 weeks did nothing to ease my fears. In fact it terrified me.

As it turns out, my pdoc wrote for the 6 refills, and told me to call him or email him if I was unable to get in with a pdoc and needed more meds after the 6 month are up.

That said, I have decided I want off these meds, but what I am reading here scares the shit out of me. My shrink told me that if I am unable to reach him and run out of meds. to NOT try to "ride it out", but rather to immediately go to the ER and tell them what I am taking, and for how long I have been taking it, as benzo withdrawal is a medical emergency.

Just goes to show you can windup screwed even if you are not abusing your RX meds, I guess. So, now what.

Do I try to find a medically controlled detox? Or, do I continue, fat,dumb, and happy with my 1 mg of Ativan 2x daily, and my 30 mg of Restoril at bedtime for the rest of my life?

I have no desire to use the more of the meds. They still do what they have to do though I have noticed a drop off of efficacy in the last year or two.
 
Hi,

Welcome to BL! You are in the right place for support, even if it looks impossible from what you have read.
Everyone responds differently tapering off medications. Yes, benzo withdrawal is not a walk in the park, I've been there, but it is possible if you receive the appropriate meds and taper slowly. A medical detox would be better than a social; yes, although one can (depending on circumstances at home and physical health), do a home taper.
I was able to meet once with an emergency psychiatrist and receive the appropriate withdrawal medications to take home. This depends on your provider of course. Lyrica or Gabapentin can be helpful as well as a few OTCS. Biotin for one is a must imo as it can be depleted in the body. It is OTC.
I would check out Other Drugs and Sober Living. Also, if you haven't seen it yet here it the The Benzodiazepine MEGA THREAD - Direct Benzo Questions Here.
Hang in there! :)
 
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