xanax detox

[maphraw]

Could anyone recommend a reasonably priced detox clinic, hospital, place to help someone get off a daily xanax habit, preferably in the Chonburi, Pattaya, Rayong area. Live in might be good but not necessary. Takes about 2-3 milligrams a day. Wants to get off the habit but has very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when stops taking it. Thanks.

[JSixpack]

I doubt there's any such institution. Friend of mine was hooked on Stilnox and doc at hsp told him gradually to cut his dosage but take a non-addictive anti-depressant, in his case Remeron. Worked well for him.

[Sheryl]

There are a number of private rehab/detox places; seelist in the pinned thread in the Drink too Much subforum. These are residential programs and most are pretty expensive, and not in the locations you mention.

You can however get through the physical withdrawal as an outpatient if you have the willpower. A psychiatrist specializing in addiction disorders can oversee this. Basically the process is tp first switch to an equivalent dose of diazepam (valium) and then to very very gradually reduce the dosage over a period of weeks or months, depenfing on how high the starting dose was. Usually thid alone will keep withdrawal symptoms at bay; if not other medications can be used to address symptoms.

However the physical detox is the least of the problem and relapse rate is high even after people have successfully overcome physical dependency. There are usually underlying reasons for a benzo dependency e.g. anxiety, insomnis etc. Getting off and staying off these meds requires that you learn new ways of handling those unpleasant states for which short term therapy is often required. See the pinned threaf on menyal health resources in this forum. There are some good Western therapists here inc. at least one in Pattaya. Narcotics Anonymous meetings may also be useful.

[Lumbini]

Your dosage is not low but not too high and you are catching this just in time . Download this manual and don't rush . This is the gold standard / bible anyone who pushes you to taper faster may not have experience this lady does . Keep us posted on your progress and congratulations on waking up to the most dangerous drug ever created !

benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw, Prof C H Ashton DM, FRCP, 2002

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

Edited August 22, 2014 by Lumbini

[inbangkok]

Your dosage is not low but not too high and you are catching this just in time . Download this manual and don't rush . This is the gold standard / bible anyone who pushes you to taper faster may not have experience this lady does . Keep us posted on your progress and congratulations on waking up to the most dangerous drug ever created !

benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw, Prof C H Ashton DM, FRCP, 2002

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

While I in no way believe benodiazepines are the most dangerous drugs ever created, I agree with the fact that this dose is not super high and he is catching it before it gets out of hand.

Benzodiazapines, like anything can have troubling effects for some people. This class of drugs has also helped numerous people as well.

OP, have you considered having a Dr. assist you and trying to wean yourself off over the course of several months? Seems like that would be a viable option given the fact that 2-3mg is pretty low still. Might be better than quitting all at once.

Edited August 22, 2014 by inbangkok

[Lumbini]

"While I in no way believe benodiazepines are the most dangerous drugs ever created"

You may change your mind when you have tapered off and stayed off a few years because that's how long the almost debilitating taper can take while brain heals . Benzo's the only drug that can kill you if you go cold turkey as it can cause a grand mal seizure ... Not even heroin detox can do that . You are looking at a one year taper and follow the Ashton manual timetable as anything quicker can cause real brain fog and possibly long term damage and higher risk of reinstating and not staying off . You may want to switch to a benzo with longer half life when you get lower in dosage so the cuts can be more gradual and you don't experience the swings Xanax is responsible for with its short half life .

Benzodiazepines - Drugs Forum

https://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Drugs.com also has good support forum . Just not like to see others being told Xanax is not most dangerous drug ( what is ? ) prescribed by Dr.'s if used over long period it's defiantly the most challenging to get off and stay off with the changes in brain it creates and living hell that the tolerance withdrawals it creates over time at ANY DOSE bring on . I know little but learned the hard way long ago when I was tricked into believing this was a helpful medicine . Maybe in extreme cases used for short period ( max a few weeks ) possibly but that's a whole different path that few really keep to . Thanks for letting me share , taper with the Ashton method it's the real deal and pardon me for being so forward but wish I had read what I write many years ago when I was told it was safe to use overlong term .... No way a living hell challenging to convey and no one should ever have to face . Dr's need to help people get to the root of things if there is long term need for this drug because taking it long term brings side effects that get treated with more drugs then the web gets tangled and many never get mental health back and become quite handicapped .

Ashton Manual Download Page

http://lonelylinks.com/ashton.htm

Again I know little and am no Dr. So download / print out this ( link above ) and take to your Dr. for help and you may also help and empower Dr. with this Ashton Manual that can be a helpful tool for his other patients and bring awareness to him on what others face if he prescribes these drugs long term .

Edited August 22, 2014 by Lumbini

[inbangkok]

"While I in no way believe benodiazepines are the most dangerous drugs ever created"

You may change your mind when you have tapered off and stayed off a few years because that's how long the almost debilitating taper can take while brain heals . Benzo's the only drug that can kill you if you go cold turkey as it can cause a grand mal seizure ... Not even heroin detox can do that . You are looking at a one year taper and follow the Ashton manual timetable as anything quicker can cause real brain fog and possibly long term damage and higher risk of reinstating and not staying off . You may want to switch to a benzo with longer half life when you get lower in dosage so the cuts can be more gradual and you don't experience the swings Xanax is responsible for with its short half life .

Benzodiazepines - Drugs Forum

https://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Drugs.com also has good support forum . Just not like to see others being told Xanax is not most dangerous drug ( what is ? ) prescribed by Dr.'s if used over long period it's defiantly the most challenging to get off and stay off with the changes in brain it creates and living hell that the tolerance withdrawals it creates over time at ANY DOSE bring on . I know little but learned the hard way long ago when I was tricked into believing this was a helpful medicine . Maybe in extreme cases used for short period ( max a few weeks ) possibly but that's a whole different path that few really keep to . Thanks for letting me share , taper with the Ashton method it's the real deal and pardon me for being so forward but wish I had read what I write many years ago when I was told it was safe to use overlong term .... No way a living hell challenging to convey and no one should ever have to face . Dr's need to help people get to the root of things if there is long term need for this drug because taking it long term brings side effects that get treated with more drugs then the web gets tangled and many never get mental health back and become quite handicapped .

Ashton Manual Download Page

http://lonelylinks.com/ashton.htm

Again I know little and am no Dr. So download / print out this ( link above ) and take to your Dr. for help and you may also help and empower Dr. with this Ashton Manual that can be a helpful tool for his other patients and bring awareness to him on what others face if he prescribes these drugs long term .

First, it is a bad idea to make assumptions about the person you are talking to. You have no idea if I have or have not every taken these types of medications. Second, what you are doing is extrapolating your personal experience with these drugs and making sweeping claims about the efficiency of them for the population as a whole who uses them. Far too many people so this. If I was too do this, I would have to tell everyone never to use Penicillin because I am personally allergic to it.

That is unfortunate that you had such problems with these drugs, but it does not change the fact that they have indeed helped people and many people use them and are able to cease using them as well. Helping people get to the root of the problem is a great idea, but some people do need medication.

[cheeryble]

I will limit myself to making a few points I found useful in my own withdrawal from Ativan.

It all depends of course how deep the addiction is which is dependent on dose and duration…..in my case 14 years for diazepam.

1. Agree with Sheryl change to equivalent Diazepam it has a longer half life so will be a less bumpy ride.

2. Each reduction in dose prepare to hang on to the chair legs for a day or so with stiff upper lip then allow perhaps ten days to mellow down and adjust.

3. When reducing try to find a simple task to do which takes your time, uses physical energy, but is not challenging mentally. Gardening? Cleaning?

4. When reducing try to be with other people. Basically don't sit around thinking more than you can.

5. Heavy exercise.

6. In my case my (pretty aware) physician recommended (as well as change to diazepam) going on to the tricyclic Anafranil (Clomipramine) which takes some time to build up the dose. This was very helpful as it really aids sleep (it is used as a sleeping drug sometimes) and a good kip is half the battle. Anafranil is more or less non-addictive and can be withdrawn after I think it was some months after final withdrawal.

Edited August 22, 2014 by cheeryble

[maphraw]

Rapid Benzodiazepine Detoxification FAQ

http://www.thecolemaninstitute.com/rapid-benzodiazepine-detoxification-faq

I just got this off the above website after I googled 'xanax detox flumazenil'. Does anyone know anything about flumazenil or know anyone who has tried this drug to help with xanax detox? Is it used in Thailand I wonder? It looks promising.

"WHAT IS THE RAPID BENZODIAZEPINE DETOXIFICATION (RBD) PROGRAM?

This program uses an accelerated detoxification method that can complete the withdrawal process in about 7 days. The patient stops their benzodiazepines, and is started on an infusion of Flumazenil. The Flumazenil provides very good relief for the withdrawal symptoms and at the same time actually removes the benzodiazepines from the patient’s body. The patient may stay in a hospital for part or all of the treatment, but most patients feel more comfortable and can safely complete the detox at home. All patients must have a support person who will be with them throughout the detox. During the whole period they usually remain comfortable and at the end of 7 days they are free of the benzodiazepines.

WHAT IS FLUMAZENIL THERAPY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Flumazenil attaches tightly to the benzodiazepine receptors. It is called a “partial agonist†and a “partial antagonistâ€. This means that the Flumazenil goes to the GABA receptors and binds so tightly to them that it actually displaces or pushes away any other benzodiazepines that the patient was taking. It then also turns on the switch very lightly and so it provides some relief of withdrawal symptoms. It seems to stabilize the receptors so that patients feel comfortable and have minimal withdrawal symptoms. Interestingly, some clinicians believe that the Flumazenil actually re-sets the GABA receptors, back to a normal state, so that after the therapy is completed most patients seem to lose their desire for any benzodiazepines. They also seem to lose a lot of their their anxiety and panic symptoms. It is fairly easy for most patients to stay off the benzodiazepines. In this way it seems to greatly reduce the PAWS that patients usually experience."

[Sheryl]

The drug is available in Thailand (hospitals only) but I have no idea if being used for this purpose. Would have to consult a doctor specializing in addiction disorders.

Unless someone is starting from a very high dosage I don't really see the advantage. As mentioned the biggest problem is not getting off the drug but staying off it, which in turn requires learning new ways of handling insomnia and anxiety...and un-learning the habit of seeking quick relief bia meds.

The gradual taper approach combined with short-term therapy is IMO the best way of doing this

[WitawatWatawit]

OP, I have been thru withdrawal and am now safely out the other side. Hell doesn't even begin to describe what I went through for more than a year. I was totally on my own, with no medications and no health carers to help. I have had the bitter experience, so if you need a shoulder to cry on, please feel free to msg me. I can offer no advice on medication - I went cold turkey - but I do know how to handle the more practcal effects. Seriously, the person recovering is going to need a lot of help and I would hate to see them go thru what I went thru without a support group. Below is my story - it's intended merely to add to the sum total of knowledge about xanax w/d.i

In respect of inbangkok's comments above, I must insist that my input here is purely personal and cannot relate to every xanax user. However, my research indicates that my experience in xanax withdrawal (w/d) is not at all unusual.

First, I was taking only 1mg a day (for about 3 years). W/D has taken about 18 months with only very slight little tinges of problems now remaining (mainly slight anxiety, which I never suffered from in my life before taking xanax - I was a recreational user of xanax, I enjoyed the relaxed feeling it gave me before I went to the work madhouse in the afternoon). So that should indicate that the amount you take is not always going to suggest better or worse detox effects. 1mg - still just as bad as 5mg. (My opinion only, feel free to debunk it.)

W/D - I went cold turkey (ct). By accident. I suffered two brain seizures 4 days after my last pill. Luckily I was in just about the best place you could be in for a problem like this. I returned home two weeks later and decided not to resume taking the xanax. My social security doctor dismissed any problems arising from w/d as insignificant (he all but destroyed my faith in the medical profession), so I had no other chemical help to ease the pain. I was on my own at home and therefore totally without any kind of support (other than anonymous people on the internet). The next year or so was not pleasant - I'll save the details for another time other than to say that if I was told I had to go thru it all again, I would seriously consider ... well, I wouldn't, but I'd consider it. (OK, one point - be aware of the faux heart attacks and strokes - DO NOT dismiss them as mere symptoms of w/d because they might not be.)

Benzodiazepine (my pill was called Xiemed) basically deadens the nerves. It is a drug of dependency, not addiction. There are many variations and derivatives - I have experience only of Xiemed. When regular daily users come off benzo, the brain starts to reawaken the central nervous system, and essentially that is when the problems begin. In a rough sense, the central nervous system does a diagnostics test of your whole body, checking each nerve end and reactivating it by creating a fake problem - hence my reference above to faux heart attacks and strokes - wow that was scary. You experience some terrifying problems, so it is essential that you have a strong support group with you and an understanding doctor.

Once again, OP, I am happy to help with the practical side of things should you need any. In all sincerity, I do not want to see anyone go thru what I went thru.

Wit

[Sheryl]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Lest the Op (or anyone else) be put off by the description of your suffering it should be stressed that this was the result of going cold turkey which need not be done in Thailand...there are doctors specializing in addiction who will oversee a gradual withdrawal uding tapering doses of diazepam (starting from a dose equivalent to the benzo currently used). They can also prescribe other meds to cope with specific symptoms if necessary. And a counselor can provide emotional support throughout as well as help you understand and change some of your coping mechanisms.

Done like that, withdrawal is nowhere near the ordeal described above. After each dmall refuction in dosage there may be some discomfort (anxiety, insomnia) for a day or two, maybe 3 but then you adjust and feel OK and can take as long as you need before the next dose reduction. The few days of discomfort after each dose reduction are possible to bear and continue normal activities through and also provide an opportunity to practice the new techniques the counsellor will teach and coach you through.

[WitawatWatawit]

You are of course correct, Cheryl - I was not intending to alarm, merely inform. No one can tell how each individual is going to react to the w/d or the medication. But some symptoms can be alleviated somewhat through exercise, meditation and mindfulness. Having had no experience of meditation or mindfulness before, I was quite impressed by how much they helped, especially with the anxiety attacks. It's this kind of help that I would like to share. I had no idea there were local doctors who specialise in benzo w/d, because as I said I was scoffed at by my doctor and left to battle thru on my own. I hope the OP can take full advantage of these doctors and minimise the w/d effects.

[xenophon]

This has been shockingly informative. I had no idea the stuff was so dangerous!! I have been taking 0.5 mg xanax each night for sleeping for years with no apparent ill effects. I never use it at any other time and never more than 0.5.

Is my current level and use dangerous?

However, after reading this stuff and Sheryl's sensible advice, I am wondering what I should do. The idea of faux heart attacks and strokes does not appeal. Would I be best advised to taper off over a year?

Any sensible suggestions?

[Lumbini]

" Any sensible suggestions '

Taper ASAP and when your off in time you will notice feeling much better . Look at what I post below that most Dr's not tell you and many not know . Your dosage may seem low but only low compared to what many take when taking Xanax . In the benzo world as whole it's not so low, as Xanax has fast half life and another reason hard to taper from without crossing over to long halflife benzo so you not notice the cuts . Take the taper long and slow and you will be better off in long run . Good job posting and learning what so many of us had to . Possibly getting to root of sleeping issues will help you not need this nasty drug that only addresses symptoms and only for limited time .

10mg Valium = 0.5mg Xanax, therefore

(2mg Valium = 0.1mg Xanax) x (10) = 20mg Valium = 1mg Xanax

http://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm

Edited August 25, 2014 by Lumbini

[xenophon]

Thank you Lumbini. Much appreciated

[atyclb]

alcohol (ethanol) is another popular drug whose withdrawal cam also kill.

xanax is not for long term use.

both are highly physiologically addicting

[joshstiles]

You can forget the detox clinic or any hospital.....immediately begin taking GABA (I am not sure where to find it in Thailand). You can order it online. GABA is an amino acid found in the body. GNC carries it in their store or an get it from them I believe. You will be impressed with the same affect it has as Xanax....but it is a natural remedy for what you suffer from.

[WitawatWatawit]

When w/drawing from benzo, stay away from alcohol. Very important. I made the mistake of not doing so, and regretted it.

Tapering is how many do it, but only a tiny bit at a time - people I have spoken to say they reduce slowly over a year or so, shaving the tiniest bit off their pills. Some buy highly sensitive scales.

Please note what I mentioned above about exercise, meditation and mindfulness. Sheryl says there are specialists in treating this dependency, so if you hook up with one, mention these three and get their advice. All I can say is that they worked extremely well for me and many other people I have spoken to. The main advantage is easing the symptoms of w/d, especially anxiety.

My experience in quitting benzo was dramatic, but as I went further into the w/d, I believe I was not any different from those who were tapering off, except ... I had no other medication to help me. Please don't go this route - find a sympathetic doctor who truly understands and will prescribe the right medication to help. Visit 20-30 doctors if you have to. I wish you good health.

[tifino]

gee, sure glad my old doc' 20 years ago didn't put me down THAT path, with the benzo...

instead it was just to stuff me full of prothiaden, at first...

neuropathic pain was the new catch-phrase to describe what was keeping me awake, and stuffed.

Eventually I was put on the Oxy-Contin - weeeeeeeeeee! that sorta worked for about a year.

Next Dr was a bit chilly on the idea of keeping on that stuff for too long, so had to programme a way out:

Firstly, I never got to take another oxyC since leaving his surgery.

Within 3 days I was put in a Ward, belly full of constant drips, changing to a different spot every 6 hours, for about 10 days.

Bluddy sick as a dog, even though the stuff being infused is used, they asy, for horses - ketamine

...worked though, and then ended up on Ketaprofen, for the next 9 years.

Next Dr got me off that stuff, as he reckoned it would eventually destroy ones' kidneys..

... it never ends...

[connda]

Your dosage is not low but not too high and you are catching this just in time . Download this manual and don't rush . This is the gold standard / bible anyone who pushes you to taper faster may not have experience this lady does . Keep us posted on your progress and congratulations on waking up to the most dangerous drug ever created !

benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw, Prof C H Ashton DM, FRCP, 2002

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/

While I in no way believe benodiazepines are the most dangerous drugs ever created, I agree with the fact that this dose is not super high and he is catching it before it gets out of hand.

Benzodiazapines, like anything can have troubling effects for some people. This class of drugs has also helped numerous people as well.

OP, have you considered having a Dr. assist you and trying to wean yourself off over the course of several months? Seems like that would be a viable option given the fact that 2-3mg is pretty low still. Might be better than quitting all at once.

Good luck on finding a Thai doctor that can help. Thai doctors are good a getting you hooked on benzos, but seem to be relatively clueless on how to deal with withdrawal.

A family member of mine is in the process of tapering off of lorazapam. We consulted with a number of psychiatrists regarding assistance with withdrawing, but the standard action plan was to load this family member up with other drugs plus continuing the benzos at the same dosage level. I ended up drawing up a schedule from the Heather Ashton book mentioned above, and we ran our plan by our local primary care doctor so we have access to legally prescribed lorazapam and diazapam at the dosages needed to perform a successful taper. We're about two months into the taper. Very slow process in my family member's case. We're still trying to substitute diazapam for lorazapam. Success comes in baby steps. But it does come.

Personally, I use lorazapam for sleep, due to the fact the Ambian (Zolpidem) is extremely expensive even in generic form and requires a visit to a hospital. Over time you build up a resistance to benzos. Lorazapam will work from me over about a 6 month period. Once I work up to 2 mg and it stops working, I taper off completely and stay off for a few weeks or longer. A 'taper' for me takes about 1 month to switch from lorazapam to diazapam and then to taper until I can quit. I personally have no craving for the drug, but stopping too fast will induce anxiety if not outright panic, and exacerbates insomnia. If done over a 4 week period, it's not difficult for me to stop. Everybody is different.

[McQwaid]

There is a free detox place in Saraburi ( just south of Lopburi ) called Thamkrabok.

It is a Buddhist monastery. They have a foreigner situation. You can stay for a month.

It works!

Google it for more details.

Chokdee na

[ammagic]

For those of us with panic disorder Xanax is a life saver. If course it should not be abused but if used judiciously & in small amounts it can make a huge difference. I for one will not be giving up my small amount of Xanax when panic strikes.

[Ronn68]

Xenophon, .5 mg is really not that much, IMO, and if that's all you take per day then I think you'll be just fine. As for Xanax, my doctor told me 8 months ago she couldn't prescribe Xanax to me anymore because it could no longer be sold in Thailand because it was being abused as a recreational drug in Southern Thailand as well as other places. I would therefore be interested to know where some of the posters on this thread are getting it from when I can know longer use it. After that, my doctor switched me to Ativan. By the way, I was prescribed these benzos because of anxiety disorder and because I have had a few anxiety attacks. I really don't know why because I never had them before but my anxiety has been high for the last 3 years or so (I'm 46, btw). You say you take Xanax to help you sleep? Why Xanax? Did your doctor recommend that? Usually doctors DON'T recommend Xanax for sleeping problems and they will give you Klonopin instead. Klonopin is also a benzo but it is a "milder" benzo and has a longer half life than Xanax (.5mg stays in your system for 12 hours while Xanax works for 4-6 hours). While I'm sure that some people posting here are legitimate and really did have a problem getting off Xanax and other benzos, don't let their horror stories scare you. If taken as prescribed by your doctor, you will be just fine, and contrary to what at least one poster has said about dosage, taking .5mg per day as compared to taking 2mg or more per day is a big difference. I take benzos (Ativan now, as I mentioned) on an "as needed" basis", so when I go out in public into the loud malls and other crowded, noisy areas and start feeling tense and anxious I take .5mg shortly before I go and I'm fine. Sometimes just having a few pills in your pocket makes you feel confident enough to not have to take any at all, but when I do take benzos I never take more than 1mg per day- that's the max for me. Again, I do believe that benzos are addictive if they are abused, so don't take more than the doctor recommends, and for me 1 mg is the max. Don't worry, you'll be just fine but don't forget to ask your doctor about klonopin because that's what people usually take when they can't sleep at night.

[connda]

Xenophon, .5 mg is really not that much, IMO, and if that's all you take per day then I think you'll be just fine. As for Xanax, my doctor told me 8 months ago she couldn't prescribe Xanax to me anymore because it could no longer be sold in Thailand because it was being abused as a recreational drug in Southern Thailand as well as other places. I would therefore be interested to know where some of the posters on this thread are getting it from when I can know longer use it. After that, my doctor switched me to Ativan. By the way, I was prescribed these benzos because of anxiety disorder and because I have had a few anxiety attacks. I really don't know why because I never had them before but my anxiety has been high for the last 3 years or so (I'm 46, btw). You say you take Xanax to help you sleep? Why Xanax? Did your doctor recommend that? Usually doctors DON'T recommend Xanax for sleeping problems and they will give you Klonopin instead. Klonopin is also a benzo but it is a "milder" benzo and has a longer half life than Xanax (.5mg stays in your system for 12 hours while Xanax works for 4-6 hours). While I'm sure that some people posting here are legitimate and really did have a problem getting off Xanax and other benzos, don't let their horror stories scare you. If taken as prescribed by your doctor, you will be just fine, and contrary to what at least one poster has said about dosage, taking .5mg per day as compared to taking 2mg or more per day is a big difference. I take benzos (Ativan now, as I mentioned) on an "as needed" basis", so when I go out in public into the loud malls and other crowded, noisy areas and start feeling tense and anxious I take .5mg shortly before I go and I'm fine. Sometimes just having a few pills in your pocket makes you feel confident enough to not have to take any at all, but when I do take benzos I never take more than 1mg per day- that's the max for me. Again, I do believe that benzos are addictive if they are abused, so don't take more than the doctor recommends, and for me 1 mg is the max. Don't worry, you'll be just fine but don't forget to ask your doctor about klonopin because that's what people usually take when they can't sleep at night.

We got a Xanax (Aprazolam) prescription from a psychiatric clinic by a doctor who works at a nearby government hospital quite recently. If it's illegal, but still being prescribed by licensed doctors, well, then I'm confused. It might be a good question to ask Sheryl.

[ammagic]

I still get Xanax from my psychiatrist - the only difference is that it's now the Thai version no longer imported. But have to get it from the hospital

[Neeranam]

I had been taking benzos for over 10 years, up to 200+mg a day.

My taper started when I quit booze, stabilising on 40mg of Diazepam. It took a long time, but 5 years was the time I gave myself.

After 1 year I was on 20mg, then 2 years 10mg. After 3 years I was on 7 mg, and after 4 years, 3mg.

It was very hard at times and I guess that I've been in a constant state of withdrawal every month or two for all this time. The reason I went so slowly was as I got married in this time and had a child, so I had to keep working. There is no rush.

The only way out is through

Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later win a little more. - Louis L'Amour

[Neeranam]

Xenophon, .5 mg is really not that much, IMO, and if that's all you take per day then I think you'll be just fine. As for Xanax, my doctor told me 8 months ago she couldn't prescribe Xanax to me anymore because it could no longer be sold in Thailand because it was being abused as a recreational drug in Southern Thailand as well as other places. I would therefore be interested to know where some of the posters on this thread are getting it from when I can know longer use it. After that, my doctor switched me to Ativan. By the way, I was prescribed these benzos because of anxiety disorder and because I have had a few anxiety attacks. I really don't know why because I never had them before but my anxiety has been high for the last 3 years or so (I'm 46, btw). You say you take Xanax to help you sleep? Why Xanax? Did your doctor recommend that? Usually doctors DON'T recommend Xanax for sleeping problems and they will give you Klonopin instead. Klonopin is also a benzo but it is a "milder" benzo and has a longer half life than Xanax (.5mg stays in your system for 12 hours while Xanax works for 4-6 hours). While I'm sure that some people posting here are legitimate and really did have a problem getting off Xanax and other benzos, don't let their horror stories scare you. If taken as prescribed by your doctor, you will be just fine, and contrary to what at least one poster has said about dosage, taking .5mg per day as compared to taking 2mg or more per day is a big difference. I take benzos (Ativan now, as I mentioned) on an "as needed" basis", so when I go out in public into the loud malls and other crowded, noisy areas and start feeling tense and anxious I take .5mg shortly before I go and I'm fine. Sometimes just having a few pills in your pocket makes you feel confident enough to not have to take any at all, but when I do take benzos I never take more than 1mg per day- that's the max for me. Again, I do believe that benzos are addictive if they are abused, so don't take more than the doctor recommends, and for me 1 mg is the max. Don't worry, you'll be just fine but don't forget to ask your doctor about klonopin because that's what people usually take when they can't sleep at night.

Try telling my mother and father that if it's prescribed by a doctor it's ok!! it took them years to come off 15 mg of diazepam.

Google accidental addicts.

Trust me, these drugs are worse than heroin, alcohol, cocaine or ecstasy. The withdrawals are a lot worse with the only one worse being methadone.

Klonopin is a dangerous drug. There are so many people taking these drugs and basically being zombified. My father says he can't remember large parts of his life.

There are MUCH better options like CBT, meditation, etc.

I feel for you as I've been there - scared to go out the house etc but the only way out is through and I'm so glad I have freedom today.

[Neeranam]

One thing to help with "anxiety" is to stop calling it that.

It is FEAR.

Get to the root of the fear and then it can be overcome.

[Twice shy]

I was seriously addicted to Xanax when I lived in Thailand

And I was taking a lot more than the original poster was taking daily

Total hell in the end and It was the main reason for returning to the uk

My advice is Exercise,exercise and just biting the bullet ...

And hang in there when you feel depressed and alone....because you will !

I bought a dog and walking him took the edge right off most days

There is a detox unit on ko Chang

I once looked at there web site for a relative about three years ago

I wish you all the best