Benzodiazepines - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Barto · 04-30-2008, 10:39 AM

Anybody sober through AA ever have to take benzodiazepines in sobriety for any reason? If so, would you care to share your experience with me, either here or via PM? All experience will be very much appreciated. Advanced thanks.

**nandm** · 04-30-2008, 11:36 AM

I realize that there are those that believe a person is not sober if they use medications that have any affect on the mind including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. I am not here to debate the vailidity of their beliefs. That said here is my experience.

I have fought with depression since before I reached my teens. I did not seek medical treatment for it until I was nearly 30 years old and had made several suicide attempts and was well into my alcoholism. Successful treatment of depression and other mental health disorders is difficult when the person continues to use alcohol. So needless to say I did not stay in treatment for the depression for more than a few months that time. It was only after getting and being sober for a while that I was able to address the mental health issues. I currently have a prescription for Klonopin which is a benzodiazepine. The prescription is for the anxiety related to PTSD. I am very careful with this prescription and only take it when absolutely necessary; such as when I know I am going to be in a crowded place for any length of time; or when I am getting anxiety that would keep me from leaving the house. It takes about 30 minutes to take effect so if I take it in an acute anxiety situation I have to make sure that I take it at the onset of the anxiety otherwise it will get out of hand. I also see a therapist to deal with the PTSD and try and get it resolved. I do yoga and breathing exercises as well as meditation. All of these things have helped with the problem. There are still times when I may take up to two Klonopin every day for a week or so but there are also more weeks where I take at the most one. I do not use it to escape from reality, I utilize it so I can be in reality and work through the coping mechanisms (avoidance) that my mind has set up to deal with the PTSD.

I realize that some people will judge me and I am willing to take that chance by responding to your post. I used to judge people that were on such medications. During my years working as a nurse and paramedic I always viewed anxiety as a drama, attention getting thing rather than the real and devastating thing that it is. It took my winding up the acute anxiety related to the PTSD before I could fully comprehend the disabling effects of anxiety. I have worked the steps and apply them in my life daily. In fact if I did not have the steps in my life I probably would have given up on this PTSD stuff a long time ago and not been here to face it all. So I guess what I am trying to say to those that are reading this saying "she is not sober, she should change her sobriety date, she just needs to work the program, etc..." until you have walked a mile in someone elses shoes you never can truly understand the blisters on their feet and the pain in their back. The Big Book does say to seek outside help when needed. AA is not a mental health program it is a program for living life without drinking.

Barto, feel free to pm me with any questions or post them here if you would like.

justanothrdrunk · 04-30-2008, 11:54 AM

I've abused benzos while "sober." Is that what you mean? Or are you talking about prescribed benzos taken as directed while in recovery?

Edit: After some thought, my questions may be moot.

I would seriously question any doctor that prescribed benzos to someone whom they knew was an alcoholic. IMO there just isn't a legitimate reason to do so, but I'm not a doctor.

**nandm** · 04-30-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justanothrdrunk

I would seriously question any doctor that prescribed benzos to someone whom they knew was an alcoholic. IMO there just isn't a legitimate reason to do so, but I'm not a doctor.

While I appreciate your opinion, you are correct, you are not a doctor. My doctor fully understand that I am a recovering alcoholic and are also aware that there are legitimate reasons for the prescription. As I said in my earlier post unless one has walked a mile in someone elses shoes they can not fully understand the blisters and the pain in the back.

Barto · 04-30-2008, 05:14 PM

I guess I thought that “taken in sobriety” indicated “taken as prescribed,” but I see that it really doesn’t.

I am really interested in hearing the “personal experience” of those who have taken benzodiazepines as prescribed while sober.

The reason that I ask is that I too have been prescribed Klonopin and I am thinking about stopping the medication. I say that I am thinking about it because my doctors have given me the go ahead to "try" to taper off because I badger them about getting off of it. So I may try, even though I have been told it may not be a good idea. In fact, it has been indicated to me that I may need to take this medication the rest of my life.

BTW, the first prescription I was given was for Xanax. It was written by an Urgent Care doctor who told me that I had to take the medication to prevent more serious illness such as heart attack or stroke, despite my alcoholism – I could die of that later if I wanted.

Since then, I have seen no less than four specialists about this issue, and all of them know that I am a recovered alcoholic; and all of them concur in that I should be on this mediation (Klonopin) at this time.

Although I do take mine exactly as directed, and exactly as AA’s guidelines provide, I’d like to hear the personal experience of anyone who has taken them in sobriety, even if you abused them. What happened? If you want to share, but don’t want to post here, please PM me. I will keep your PM’s confidential. Thanks.

Alcoholics Anonymous :

Thank you for your very courageous reply nandm!

**CarolD** · 04-30-2008, 05:28 PM

What med's I take...for what conditions
are between my doctors and me.

Gosh! who am I to judge who needs what medication?

AA is for my recovery from alcoholism.
The only sober time I count is my own.

Tazman53 · 05-01-2008, 04:55 AM

Although I do not need any meds (at this time) the attitude in AA in my area is this:

If a doctor prescibes it, you are taking it as prescribed, and you know you need it, take it!

I have heard a couple of old timers speak about this, when they first got sober the old timers then were very much against any meds, well they had a guy who was an epaleptic who quit taking his meds die from a grand mal siezure and then another guy who was a schitzophrenic who quit taking his meds and really went bezerk for a good while and wound up killing himself!!! Well after that the old timers back then decided maybe they had thier heads up thier butts a bit and they actually encouraged folks who NEEDED meds to take them as the doctor prescribed as long as they NEEDED them.

Barto · 05-01-2008, 05:37 AM

I’ve heard some of the same opinions from some of our members (old timers and new comers alike) who have not read our literature or simply choose to ignore it because of some often baseless idea that they have conceived in their head. That’s why I posted the link to the relevant literature in the above post, and why I try to post links when this issue, and other controversial issues, arise.

I’ve heard of a few people discontinuing their meds because of something a non-professional (or proclaimed professional) spouted without really thinking about it. It’s dangerous. “I’ll never stop my medication again because of it.” If I stop, it will because I believe doing so is the healthier choice, not because of an errant remark made by another AA member – no matter how well meaning. That’s why I am looking for experience, which is what you posted. Albeit not personal experience, but experience just the same.

I know that these pills are not so-called “solid alcohol” to me and that they have not led me any closer to a drink.

Tazman53 · 05-01-2008, 05:53 AM

Barto we a few in the rooms in our area, luckily the vast majority are not of thier ilk.

ananda · 05-01-2008, 06:34 AM

Yeah - mostly people here seem to get the we are not drs.....but some don't get it and the newcomers pay the consequences. I've seen and even sponsored a number of bipolars who ended up off their meds and never did get the program once they screwed up their meds.

I have to take 5 pills in the morning and 3 at night. All are prescribed. the difference? the first time I came to AA I was miserable sober. This time I have actually been quite happy most of the time. And NO...I'm not stoned. To not take proper meds (esp. blood preasure, thyroid) is to jepordize your body!

Tazman53 · 05-01-2008, 08:19 AM

Ananda my sponsee is on several anti anxiety and depressant meds, he asked me about those when he first asked me to be his sponsor, he was a mess and was willing to do what ever it took to stay sober, I said "Follow me." and we walked over to the literature rack and I handed him the very pamphlet that Barto provided the link to, I told him "Sit down and read it" he did and a look of releif came over his face.

We talked for a bit, I told him just to keep his doctor informed on how things were going for him as he went through the steps and to be honest with the doc and take them as prescribed. He is still taking the same meds, but the dosage on 2 of them have been lowered.

justanothrdrunk · 05-01-2008, 08:22 AM

Long story short, I've had experience with bad (read - ignorant) practitioners.

Several years ago, before I entered treatment for the first time, I saw a doctor and told him I was having 20 drinks per day.

He said that as long as I wasn't having trouble keeping a job, that I had never been arrested, and my wife wasn't divorcing me it seemed fine to him. "Some people can handle that much alcohol. We'll check your liver and if it's fine, I don't see a problem."

I've learned since then how little training most health care professionals have with regard to substance abuse.

That's why I tend to question any prescription with abuse potential for someone with a history of abusing drugs and alcohol.

Barto · 05-01-2008, 08:41 AM

Well, I think these thoughts are valid. That’s why I saw four additional specialists. I questioned the first four. So, I don’t argue with the questioning aspect. I just think it is dangerous to indicate that an alcoholic can’t take certain medications as prescribed.

No offense, but, being that you’re not a doctor (and, more importantly, not my doctor) means that your opinion with regard to whether there is a legitimate reason for my taking prescribed medication is of little value. If I misread what you meant, please restate it. No hard feelings, but I have to keep this one real. My life depends on it.

Maybe your doctor was an alcoholic in denial. We have those in AA too you know? It’s too bad, really.

BTW, I firmly believe that generalized “substance abuse” and “alcoholism” are two totally different animals – despite that practicing alcoholism is technically a form of substance abuse.

justanothrdrunk · 05-01-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barto

No offense, but, being that you’re not a doctor (and, more importantly, not my doctor) means that your opinion with regard to whether there is a legitimate reason for my taking prescribed medication is of little value. If I misread what you meant, please restate it. No hard feelings, but I have to keep this one real. My life depends on it.

No worries. I've no experience to share on what you're looking for. Hope you get the info you need.

JustOneMan · 05-03-2008, 04:39 AM

My experience is that I have suffered most of my life from un-treated depression. I attempted to deal with it by using alcohol for most of my life. Since I am an alcoholic I can't drink in safety.
I am now being treated for my depression by two doctors. Both are fully aware of my history, and yes, I take medication.
I have come to believe that in my case, the medication is making it possible for me to do the steps, and the work in AA. For many years, I would slide down into depression and return to the bottle.
This issue is not something I take lightly and I do believe that as long as you are honest with the doctors, yourself, and your higher power, you are doing the best that you can.
JOM

Barto · 05-05-2008, 11:27 AM

Thank you all for sharing your experiences both here and via PM. I still haven’t decided what I will do, but it is really good to know that I am not alone!

RufusACanal · 05-05-2008, 12:41 PM

Hans Solo can do whatever he wants to - he helped save the universe~!

Barto · 05-05-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RufusACanal

Hans Solo can do whatever he wants to - he helped save the universe~!

Oh, don’t say that. You have no idea how easily I let things get to my big head! LOL.

RufusACanal · 05-05-2008, 12:54 PM

...in a humble way...Hans Solo helped save the universe~!

Barto · 05-05-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RufusACanal

...in a humble way...Hans Solo helped save the universe~!

LOL. I meant the part about me being able to do whatever I want. You know, as in, “yeah, maybe I am really different!”

RufusACanal · 05-05-2008, 01:39 PM

Hans Solo can do anything through his Higher Power - and can humbly save the universe~!

Barto · 05-05-2008, 02:09 PM

Most things maybe, except drink with any degree of safety, or maybe fly (and land safely) without some sort of apparatus.

PaperDolls · 05-05-2008, 02:30 PM

Barto, I've been taking klonopin for some time now in my sobriety. I've never abused them and I take them as prescribed. Mine are prescribed "as needed" so I don't necessarily take them every day.

I've read and heard some horror stories about tapering off of benzo so I know there is a real, possible danger when doing the taper. I've been one of the lucky one's I suppose who can go months without taking it.

It sounds to me like you're doing everything right. You've seen plenty of doctors. If I read what you said correctly, they all have the opinion that you should be on the klonopin. I'm just curious ...... are you concerned with being on it because of the possible tolerance/dependency issues? or think you don't think you need them? I only ask, because it sounds like 3 or 4 doctors agree that you should be on them. May be you should go with what they say? That's what I usually do.

Either way, I think you're in the right spot. You understand addiction and you are very aware of the possibility of problems with benzo's. You're well read and intelligent. You've been 110% honest with your doctors. I think just being aware can save you from potential problems. You just have to do what you feel is right for you.

04-30-2008, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	Benzodiazepines Anybody sober through AA ever have to take benzodiazepines in sobriety for any reason? If so, would you care to share your experience with me, either here or via PM? All experience will be very much appreciated. Advanced thanks.

04-30-2008, 11:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
nandm Life the gift of recovery! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home is where the heart is Posts: 4,899	I realize that there are those that believe a person is not sober if they use medications that have any affect on the mind including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. I am not here to debate the vailidity of their beliefs. That said here is my experience. I have fought with depression since before I reached my teens. I did not seek medical treatment for it until I was nearly 30 years old and had made several suicide attempts and was well into my alcoholism. Successful treatment of depression and other mental health disorders is difficult when the person continues to use alcohol. So needless to say I did not stay in treatment for the depression for more than a few months that time. It was only after getting and being sober for a while that I was able to address the mental health issues. I currently have a prescription for Klonopin which is a benzodiazepine. The prescription is for the anxiety related to PTSD. I am very careful with this prescription and only take it when absolutely necessary; such as when I know I am going to be in a crowded place for any length of time; or when I am getting anxiety that would keep me from leaving the house. It takes about 30 minutes to take effect so if I take it in an acute anxiety situation I have to make sure that I take it at the onset of the anxiety otherwise it will get out of hand. I also see a therapist to deal with the PTSD and try and get it resolved. I do yoga and breathing exercises as well as meditation. All of these things have helped with the problem. There are still times when I may take up to two Klonopin every day for a week or so but there are also more weeks where I take at the most one. I do not use it to escape from reality, I utilize it so I can be in reality and work through the coping mechanisms (avoidance) that my mind has set up to deal with the PTSD. I realize that some people will judge me and I am willing to take that chance by responding to your post. I used to judge people that were on such medications. During my years working as a nurse and paramedic I always viewed anxiety as a drama, attention getting thing rather than the real and devastating thing that it is. It took my winding up the acute anxiety related to the PTSD before I could fully comprehend the disabling effects of anxiety. I have worked the steps and apply them in my life daily. In fact if I did not have the steps in my life I probably would have given up on this PTSD stuff a long time ago and not been here to face it all. So I guess what I am trying to say to those that are reading this saying "she is not sober, she should change her sobriety date, she just needs to work the program, etc..." until you have walked a mile in someone elses shoes you never can truly understand the blisters on their feet and the pain in their back. The Big Book does say to seek outside help when needed. AA is not a mental health program it is a program for living life without drinking. Barto, feel free to pm me with any questions or post them here if you would like. __________________ NOTE: All Big Book quotes are from the First Edition of the Big Book History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again. - Maya Angelou

04-30-2008, 11:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
justanothrdrunk Retired Pro Drunk Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 484	I've abused benzos while "sober." Is that what you mean? Or are you talking about prescribed benzos taken as directed while in recovery? Edit: After some thought, my questions may be moot. I would seriously question any doctor that prescribed benzos to someone whom they knew was an alcoholic. IMO there just isn't a legitimate reason to do so, but I'm not a doctor. Last edited by justanothrdrunk; 04-30-2008 at 11:56 AM. Reason: A revelation!

04-30-2008, 05:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I guess I thought that “taken in sobriety” indicated “taken as prescribed,” but I see that it really doesn’t. I am really interested in hearing the “personal experience” of those who have taken benzodiazepines as prescribed while sober. The reason that I ask is that I too have been prescribed Klonopin and I am thinking about stopping the medication. I say that I am thinking about it because my doctors have given me the go ahead to "try" to taper off because I badger them about getting off of it. So I may try, even though I have been told it may not be a good idea. In fact, it has been indicated to me that I may need to take this medication the rest of my life. BTW, the first prescription I was given was for Xanax. It was written by an Urgent Care doctor who told me that I had to take the medication to prevent more serious illness such as heart attack or stroke, despite my alcoholism – I could die of that later if I wanted. Since then, I have seen no less than four specialists about this issue, and all of them know that I am a recovered alcoholic; and all of them concur in that I should be on this mediation (Klonopin) at this time. Although I do take mine exactly as directed, and exactly as AA’s guidelines provide, I’d like to hear the personal experience of anyone who has taken them in sobriety, even if you abused them. What happened? If you want to share, but don’t want to post here, please PM me. I will keep your PM’s confidential. Thanks. Alcoholics Anonymous : Thank you for your very courageous reply nandm!

04-30-2008, 05:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
CarolD Forum Leader Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, Ga. USA Posts: 15,398	What med's I take...for what conditions are between my doctors and me. Gosh! who am I to judge who needs what medication? AA is for my recovery from alcoholism. The only sober time I count is my own. __________________ Each Day Sober Is A Victory!! Joy In AA Recovery!

05-01-2008, 04:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tazman53 Follow Directions! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Va. Posts: 7,176	Although I do not need any meds (at this time) the attitude in AA in my area is this: If a doctor prescibes it, you are taking it as prescribed, and you know you need it, take it! I have heard a couple of old timers speak about this, when they first got sober the old timers then were very much against any meds, well they had a guy who was an epaleptic who quit taking his meds die from a grand mal siezure and then another guy who was a schitzophrenic who quit taking his meds and really went bezerk for a good while and wound up killing himself!!! Well after that the old timers back then decided maybe they had thier heads up thier butts a bit and they actually encouraged folks who NEEDED meds to take them as the doctor prescribed as long as they NEEDED them. __________________ All BB quotes are from the First Edition of the BB Follow directions! Sobriety date 18 Sept. 2006 Sober today thanks to AA

05-01-2008, 05:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	There was and still is a lot of ignorance in AA, Taz. I’ve heard some of the same opinions from some of our members (old timers and new comers alike) who have not read our literature or simply choose to ignore it because of some often baseless idea that they have conceived in their head. That’s why I posted the link to the relevant literature in the above post, and why I try to post links when this issue, and other controversial issues, arise. I’ve heard of a few people discontinuing their meds because of something a non-professional (or proclaimed professional) spouted without really thinking about it. It’s dangerous. “I’ll never stop my medication again because of it.” If I stop, it will because I believe doing so is the healthier choice, not because of an errant remark made by another AA member – no matter how well meaning. That’s why I am looking for experience, which is what you posted. Albeit not personal experience, but experience just the same. I know that these pills are not so-called “solid alcohol” to me and that they have not led me any closer to a drink.

05-01-2008, 05:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
Tazman53 Follow Directions! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Va. Posts: 7,176	Barto we a few in the rooms in our area, luckily the vast majority are not of thier ilk. __________________ All BB quotes are from the First Edition of the BB Follow directions! Sobriety date 18 Sept. 2006 Sober today thanks to AA

05-01-2008, 06:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
ananda Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 6,303	Yeah - mostly people here seem to get the we are not drs.....but some don't get it and the newcomers pay the consequences. I've seen and even sponsored a number of bipolars who ended up off their meds and never did get the program once they screwed up their meds. I have to take 5 pills in the morning and 3 at night. All are prescribed. the difference? the first time I came to AA I was miserable sober. This time I have actually been quite happy most of the time. And NO...I'm not stoned. To not take proper meds (esp. blood preasure, thyroid) is to jepordize your body!

05-01-2008, 08:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tazman53 Follow Directions! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Va. Posts: 7,176	Ananda my sponsee is on several anti anxiety and depressant meds, he asked me about those when he first asked me to be his sponsor, he was a mess and was willing to do what ever it took to stay sober, I said "Follow me." and we walked over to the literature rack and I handed him the very pamphlet that Barto provided the link to, I told him "Sit down and read it" he did and a look of releif came over his face. We talked for a bit, I told him just to keep his doctor informed on how things were going for him as he went through the steps and to be honest with the doc and take them as prescribed. He is still taking the same meds, but the dosage on 2 of them have been lowered. __________________ All BB quotes are from the First Edition of the BB Follow directions! Sobriety date 18 Sept. 2006 Sober today thanks to AA

05-01-2008, 08:22 AM	#12 (permalink)
justanothrdrunk Retired Pro Drunk Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 484	Long story short, I've had experience with bad (read - ignorant) practitioners. Several years ago, before I entered treatment for the first time, I saw a doctor and told him I was having 20 drinks per day. He said that as long as I wasn't having trouble keeping a job, that I had never been arrested, and my wife wasn't divorcing me it seemed fine to him. "Some people can handle that much alcohol. We'll check your liver and if it's fine, I don't see a problem." I've learned since then how little training most health care professionals have with regard to substance abuse. That's why I tend to question any prescription with abuse potential for someone with a history of abusing drugs and alcohol.

05-01-2008, 08:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	Well, I think these thoughts are valid. That’s why I saw four additional specialists. I questioned the first four. So, I don’t argue with the questioning aspect. I just think it is dangerous to indicate that an alcoholic can’t take certain medications as prescribed. No offense, but, being that you’re not a doctor (and, more importantly, not my doctor) means that your opinion with regard to whether there is a legitimate reason for my taking prescribed medication is of little value. If I misread what you meant, please restate it. No hard feelings, but I have to keep this one real. My life depends on it. Maybe your doctor was an alcoholic in denial. We have those in AA too you know? It’s too bad, really. BTW, I firmly believe that generalized “substance abuse” and “alcoholism” are two totally different animals – despite that practicing alcoholism is technically a form of substance abuse.

05-03-2008, 04:39 AM	#15 (permalink)
JustOneMan Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Merry New England Posts: 49	My experience is that I have suffered most of my life from un-treated depression. I attempted to deal with it by using alcohol for most of my life. Since I am an alcoholic I can't drink in safety. I am now being treated for my depression by two doctors. Both are fully aware of my history, and yes, I take medication. I have come to believe that in my case, the medication is making it possible for me to do the steps, and the work in AA. For many years, I would slide down into depression and return to the bottle. This issue is not something I take lightly and I do believe that as long as you are honest with the doctors, yourself, and your higher power, you are doing the best that you can. JOM

05-05-2008, 11:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	Thank you all for sharing your experiences both here and via PM. I still haven’t decided what I will do, but it is really good to know that I am not alone!

05-05-2008, 12:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
RufusACanal Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,467	Hans Solo can do whatever he wants to - he helped save the universe~! __________________ "Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them." Abraham Lincoln Excerpts; First Edition of the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous

05-05-2008, 12:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
RufusACanal Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,467	...in a humble way...Hans Solo helped save the universe~! __________________ "Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them." Abraham Lincoln Excerpts; First Edition of the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous

05-05-2008, 01:39 PM	#21 (permalink)
RufusACanal Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 1,467	Hans Solo can do anything through his Higher Power - and can humbly save the universe~! __________________ "Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them." Abraham Lincoln Excerpts; First Edition of the Big Book of Alcoholic Anonymous

05-05-2008, 02:09 PM	#22 (permalink)
Barto Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Righthere, Rightnow Posts: 1,416	Most things maybe, except drink with any degree of safety, or maybe fly (and land safely) without some sort of apparatus.

05-05-2008, 02:30 PM	#23 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	Barto, I've been taking klonopin for some time now in my sobriety. I've never abused them and I take them as prescribed. Mine are prescribed "as needed" so I don't necessarily take them every day. I've read and heard some horror stories about tapering off of benzo so I know there is a real, possible danger when doing the taper. I've been one of the lucky one's I suppose who can go months without taking it. It sounds to me like you're doing everything right. You've seen plenty of doctors. If I read what you said correctly, they all have the opinion that you should be on the klonopin. I'm just curious ...... are you concerned with being on it because of the possible tolerance/dependency issues? or think you don't think you need them? I only ask, because it sounds like 3 or 4 doctors agree that you should be on them. May be you should go with what they say? That's what I usually do. Either way, I think you're in the right spot. You understand addiction and you are very aware of the possibility of problems with benzo's. You're well read and intelligent. You've been 110% honest with your doctors. I think just being aware can save you from potential problems. You just have to do what you feel is right for you.