Been down that road before and have no desire to go back.
It lasted for about two and half years. The pills had the same effect for me.
It seemed like it made life easier and less stressful, but in the end it was causing all my stress and about killed me.
It's the nasty nature of addiction. We want to feel good all the time, but in attempting to do so we cause utter misery to ourselves and people around us.
I have found recovery to be a much better way to live.
Attending meetings, working with a sposor, and being service to other addicts has taught me that a contact with a Higher Power is what I was searching for with drugs.
I don't know if NA is for you , but a meeting would be a good place to find out.
Good luck,
bobbyd