I’ve been obsessed with the fact I’m on benzos and that they might be ruining me, doing all sorts of online research reaffirming this theory. It’s like all I can think about. I tried to come off a few times abruptly because I got so scared and of course that didn’t end well. My doctor says I need them to get stable (I’ve had a lot of trauma) and then slowly wean off. But I get so scared like what if I fail again and am too weak.

genericusername

Date posted: 5y

He said not to listen to the horror stories they’ll just make it worse

johnny

Date posted: 5y

What did you fail at? Coming off of those medications takes time. If you did a cold turkey, that could never work, and I don't think that constitutes failure. Taking the medicine and getting the help you need to get better is the way to success oh, not failure. Sounds like you're on the right track.

pureolife

Date posted: 5y

If you decide to get off of them: wean off SLOWLY. Like 1000x more slowly than you think you should. I was on a relatively low dose and took months to come off completely because they are addictive and can be physically difficult to withdrawal from. Not for everyone, but they certainly were for me. Go slow. Don’t judge yourself for how slow you need to go. And don’t ever try to go cold turkey again. That’s not good for you and will make eventually actually getting off of them harder because it can send your brain into a state often referred to as “kindling.” I have been completely off of them for a few years now and I’m fine now. The only way to “fail” here is to take yourself off them abruptly.

genericusername

Date posted: 5y

I’m obsessed with kindling and in my research I’m convinced it happened to me and now I’m terrified, but a slow taper should make up for it right?

pureolife

Date posted: 5y

@genericusername Kindling only happens when you go too fast. I had it happen in the beginning when I quickly realized I was going too quickly for my body. I insisted on a very slow taper and my psychiatrist supported me through the whole thing. Once I slowed my pace, I didn’t have any issues with kindling. It’s a real thing to fear, yes, but it’s also entirely manageable and preventable with a slow taper.

genericusername

Date posted: 5y

@pureolife But I did 3 previous quick tapers!! My next one will be slow

genericusername

Date posted: 5y

I was just so freaked out that I was on it and I wasn’t doing mentally well so I kept trying to jump. Now I realize my mistake and will go slow next time. Like years slow. But I’m worried I’ve made it more hard for myself. And I can’t stop thinking about it.

genericusername

Date posted: 5y

I can’t stop reading websites saying I’m damaged forever or reading horror stories by my counselor says he never sees that when done slowly and appropriately and he has some people go up and down all the time depending on their life

pureolife

Date posted: 5y

There are tons of horror stories out there but the people who don’t have horror stories don’t go around posting about it. It’s possible, obviously, but unlikely.

johnny

Date posted: 5y

Maybe just pay attention to YOUR story. :-)

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