Posted by alexandra_k on October 8, 2006, at 22:42:35
In reply to Re: My new meds » alexandra_k, posted by Phillipa on October 8, 2006, at 19:17:40
> for me it's too late my body could never get off them.
That isn't true. It is never too late.
It is true that in order to cope with withdrawal one needs to have coping strategies, however. One also needs a plan for gradually reducing the dosage. CBT can really help teach you coping skills for dealing with anxiety. You still experience anxiety even on the benzo's - don't you? You would be able to assess how well the coping strategies are working out for you by seeing whether you have a reduction in anxiety. Once that is happening would be the time to look at very gradually reducing the dose. It can take up to a year... But people report improvements in memory, cognitive function, anxiety, depression, enjoyment of life etc for giving up benzo's. Even after taking them for... 20 or 30 years. But that being said you need to have the coping strategies in place BEFORE trying to come off them. You also need to work out a gradual reduction program because there can be problems with seizures etc if you try to go cold turkey.
CBT
or if you can manage it
DBT
would probably help you a lot, Phillipa.
poster:alexandra_k
thread:692068
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061003/msgs/693196.html