Is taking a benzo/anti-anxiety in recovery considered cheating?
I have been prescribed klonopin for 10 years due to GAD/panic attacks. (i have had anxiety since i was young and panic attacks started at age 8) My sponsor seemed uncomfortable at first and told me to talk to my psychiatrist and possibly get a second opinion about the klonopin. So, I spoke to him and he said that I should still take it and not to stop taking it. I only take a tiny amount before bed and have never abused it. (0.5mg)
The question is, technically it is a very strong substance but I take it prescribed by a doctor. I guess I am feeling a little guilty that I am not completely sober because I still have to take a drug, but it is due to a mental illness (depression/anxiety) that runs in my family. I have tried to come off the drug and my life is a MESS with panic and severe gut-wrenching 24 hour a day anxiety which leads me to believe I do have a chemical imbalance.
What are the honest thoughts here?