Bunnymen1

I have been receiving treatment for anxiety and depression, but have been taking diazepam fairly regularly for about a year now. The doctor has stopped it now, saying it's highly addictive, and I have an addictive personality. I still suffer from anxiety though. Any ideas?

Sean30

Hi there,

I have also been treated with Diaz on and off for alcohol withdrawal and anxiety for years. For me personally I found it way to "comforting" and rarely used it as prescribed. I found that the periods I was on the Diaz just delayed and in my case made my anxiety much worse when I stopped or my GP said the same thing. Without it things DO improve naturally. Be aware that benzos are a powerful drug and are a battle on their own. Good luck friend

Sean

Anna

I think there are many of us here who deal with anxiety and panic attacks. My problem dates back to my teenage years. Personally, I have not taken medication for anxiety because, for me, it's an ongoing problem and I think there are other ways to deal with it.

I have found two books very helpful:

From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett
When Panic Attacks by David Burns MD

Both of these books discuss breathing techniques which help a lot. I also try to meditate regularly and do yoga. Music really helps me to calm down and relax, and I keep balance in my life, which for me means making sure I have some 'me' time each day.

totfit

Eat well and get copious amounts of exercise and the proper amount of sleep.

least

There are other meds for anxiety that aren't benzos. Ask your doctor about non addictive anxiety meds.

bigsombrero

Yep! There are tons of options that are non-addictive. You might have heard of them. I think we can all guess why alcoholics cling to the addictive types of anti-anxiety meds...I know because I was one of them. But you gotta commit to breaking free of this kind of stuff. Good luck, explore your options and you'll feel so much better after breaking these destructive habits!

Dee74

breathing exercises have helped my anxiety a lot

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...techniqes.html

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...echniques.html

D