THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY AND SOBER
Throwing out your pills is the first of many challenges you face. You need to find meaningful activities to substitute for using benzodiazepines. You will also need to learn new coping strategies to help you deal with the anxiety you previously managed with Xanax, Ativan, or Valium.
Sobriety is a lifestyle. At first it involves substantial planning to ensure that you do not relapse.
AA can help, but it's not enough for a vast majority of people. Other recovery groups like SMART and Rational Recovery offer cognitive-based options in recovery.
If you want to stop it's important to accept that this will be a life altering decision. Psychotherapy with a qualified counselor or physcian will help you prepare for the challenges ahead.
Drugs and alcohol also affect family members. It's important that the program you use, whatever you choose, has qualified professionals with specialized training in treating addiction and couples therapy.
KICKING THE HABIT
THE PILLS AREN'T HELPING YOU
Most people start taking sedatives to control anxiety or treat a sleep disturbance. After a while, the pills actually make these disorders worse. You don't realize this is happening because whenever you stop, you feel worse. I often describe taking these pills as credit card debt. Eventually you have to pay it back, and the more you use them the more it's just to keep up on the interest. Good treatment, in part, is paying back what you owe your body.
BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL CAN KILL YOU
Of all the drugs you can quit cold turkey, alcohol and benzodiazepines are the most dangerous. This shocks most people. If you have been chronically taking Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, or Ambien every day, in large quantities for more than two weeks, or if you shake when you miss a dose, you are addicted. You shouldn't just stop! You need to consult with a physician, and be monitored while you are being tapered off alcohol. Your doctor can prescribe medications which will minimize the risk of withdrawal seizures and a dangerous condition called "delirium tremens."
PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEDATIVE ABUSE
It's true. Most of my addicted patients have untreated conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder that directly contribute to their inability to stay sober. Once the illness is treated, they find it much easier to control their cravings for sedatives.
Insomnia is also a reason people become dependant on sedatives.
YOU CAN LIVE A LIFE FREE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
It's not that you haven't been trying hard enough, but you need to try different things. The right psychiatrist can help you. Combining medication for your symptoms, with a personalized and progressive series of psychotherapeutic techniques to help you strenghten your skills is the best way to get bettter.
GREAT TREATMENT FOR BENZODIAZEPINE ABUSE DOESN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK
The single thing that disturbs me the most are doctors who take advantage of people in need. The "Recovery" Industry is filled with bad people who will take as much money as you are willing to give them. I recommend avoiding any clinician, or treatment center that asks for money in advance. They are counting on your desperation!
To Schedule a Consultation, Please Call 310-593-4827
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