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New Issues Never Thought About So I'm sober; no feelings to change that. My problem is the xanax I'm prescribed. It's not much & it truly has been a godsend to my battle w\ anxiety. I only take .5\6-8 hrs. But I can "feel" the body craving it. Like now actually; it's been 8+ hours & I am getting mild withdrawal. Not to mention my anxiety issues to haha. But its the with drawing I'm concerned with. Also looking to get off of coffee to so any ideas, advice would be great. Dennis Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
I self-withdrew Xanax a few years ago. I did a weaning schedule. I'm fine now without it. Yeah, it works. Too well. I believe it was partially the Xanax that led me back to drinking after 18 years sobriety - it gave me a too vivid memory of that euphoria/numbing. I'm glad to be rid of it. The caffeine really got to me in a negative way in early sobriety, but I'm able to have two cups of half-caf in the mornings now with no anxiety or jitteriness. |
Originally Posted by biminiblue
(Post 5398731)
I self-withdrew Xanax a few years ago. I did a weaning schedule. I'm fine now without it. Yeah, it works. Too well. I believe it was partially the Xanax that led me back to drinking after 18 years sobriety - it gave me a too vivid memory of that euphoria/numbing. I'm glad to be rid of it. The caffeine really got to me in a negative way in early sobriety, but I'm able to have two cups of half-caf in the mornings now with no anxiety or jitteriness. I'm more concerned with my mind & down the road, seizures . I'm gonna go the half & half route for coffee soon though. That has been a plan for awhile. Thanx for the input. Dennis Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
I know there is a lot of info about withdrawal from benzos. As with most things, I was "man the torpedos" and just did it myself with no research. I didn't have any withdrawals other than I had to actually deal with my anxiety. Oh, wait. No I didn't - I was drinking. :( |
Originally Posted by biminiblue
(Post 5398783)
I know there is a lot of info about withdrawal from benzos. As with most things, I was "man the torpedos" and just did it myself with no research. I didn't have any withdrawals other than I had to actually deal with my anxiety. Oh, wait. No I didn't - I was drinking. :( Also found out one of the non narcotic pain meds (tramadol) that has helped in the past, can make you subsequent to seizures. I know that's the wrong word, but you get what I mean haha. It's the seizure that scares me since my brother said I stopped breathing... Dennis Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
Hi Dennis. Benzos were a problem for me but I had intermittent anxiety and should not have used them daily. I would talk to your doctor about a similar medication with a longer half life. There are medications that don't have as quick an effect as Xanax, but also stay in your system longer so the overall effect is much less up and down. I would explain what you are feeling. I understand the withdrawal feeling you are experiencing, and that feeling made me anxious. |
Originally Posted by jaynie04
(Post 5398877)
Hi Dennis. Benzos were a problem for me but I had intermittent anxiety and should not have used them daily. I would talk to your doctor about a similar medication with a longer half life. There are medications that don't have as quick an effect as Xanax, but also stay in your system longer so the overall effect is much less up and down. I would explain what you are feeling. I understand the withdrawal feeling you are experiencing, and that feeling made me anxious. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
AW, one thing I have learned from being a member of this forum is that benzos over time lead to increased anxiety. This was also my experience with short-term use of Lorazepam--I found myself getting very anxious when my next dose was needed. All I can say is that you need to have faith that, over time, living a clean and sober life will lead to decreased anxiety. |
Originally Posted by Coldfusion
(Post 5398891)
AW, one thing I have learned from being a member of this forum is that benzos over time lead to increased anxiety. This was also my experience with short-term use of Lorazepam--I found myself getting very anxious when my next dose was needed. All I can say is that you need to have faith that, over time, living a clean and sober life will lead to decreased anxiety. I need to find a new doctor anyway; so maybe they'll have suggestions. Thanx .. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
Dennis... sorry you are feeling uncomfortable , but those withdrawals feelings are crappy to deal with. I know that anxiety stinks.. but there are other natural ways to help rid yourself of a good bit of anxiety. Perhaps a bit of research for a non narcotic, natural anxiety reducer? exercise can be helpful . hugs chic |
When I was active I'm pretty sure Xanax wasn't around. If it was, I didn't know about it. Valium however, was very much my friend. Valium also worked incredibly well. If I could have afforded to continue my habit, I'd have probably never quit. The thing I believe is this. If I had continued medicating my panic and anxiety in any way, I'd have never learned to overcome it. Panic is horrific, anxiety is uncomfortable, but if we're willing to take steps to get over them and experience that unaccountability for a while, it's entirely doable. For me though they didn't just go away on their own, simply because I put the drink down. It took a little over 2 years to feel completely free, but I kept getting just a little bit better all the time, and that helped keep me on track. The 12 steps and prayer were a HUGE tool for me, but I don't believe that's the only solution. I religiously did relaxation exercises, got into a physical exercise routine, started eating a lot more healthfully being really watchful of my sugar intake (sugar crashes used to give me panic attacks). Coffee for anxiety ridden people is just plain nuts, by the way :), and I couldn't go near it early on. Anyhow, there's lots that can be done holistically to help heal, but I really don't think that's possible if we're using chemicals to keep the anxiety at bay. It seems pretty common that the chemicals actually exacerbate the anxiety in the long run. It's not easy to get off of any psych meds, and absolutely IMO shouldn't be attempted without a doctors care. Seen far too many tragic endings to people attempting to quit their meds alone :/. Anyhow, gettin long winded because this is a hot topic for me. In short, there's hope. I'm certain of it. |
Originally Posted by chicory
(Post 5398932)
Dennis... sorry you are feeling uncomfortable , but those withdrawals feelings are crappy to deal with. I know that anxiety stinks.. but there are other natural ways to help rid yourself of a good bit of anxiety. Perhaps a bit of research for a non narcotic, natural anxiety reducer? exercise can be helpful . hugs chic Dennis Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
Originally Posted by Joe Nerv
(Post 5399065)
Anyhow, gettin long winded because this is a hot topic for me. In short, there's hope. I'm certain of it. Dennis Sent from my Nexus 7 using Sober Recovery |
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