GRcade

Never mind the reasons how or why but I've become addicted to Xanax. It's apparently 20 times stronger than valium and after surviving valium withdraw and opiate withdrawal with lots of tears and hard work I'm now going have to go through Xanax withdrawal at some point.

My head is mush though so any advice on people to call and any routes I might take would be greatly appreciated. I recently tried coming off it with gentle amounts of opiates to try and combat it but no,I just ended up wanting to slash my wrists so I'm back on it.

I hate myself for being so weak but what's done is done so please lay off me with the judgements that I'm already more than aware of.

Thanks in advance.

I assume you've been to your GP to discuss this. If not go ASAP, as they will be able to refer you to the appropriate support services.

I would advise you to try and be less hard on yourself, because beating yourself up won't help. When I speak to people about smoking cessation at work I always tell them to flip their negative thoughts. If they crack and have a ciggie the negative side of their brain will say "Oh well that's it you're a failure you may as well have ten!" I tell them instead to try to concentrate on the positive strides they have made - one moment of weakness does not outweigh several weeks of strength. Okay, you're not in a great situation right now, but you have got yourself back from addiction before so you clearly aren't weak. As a starting point concentrate on how you achieved all the hard work with the valium and opiates, not how you've ended up in the position you're in now.

I don't have personal experience with addiction myself so I can't say I'm an expert, but I hope this helps.

This is absolutely something you should talk to your GP about. Remember the GP is all confidential, they aren't going to tell anyone, and they won't judge you; all they care about is your health and they're just going to give you advice on how to get through this. You don't have to tell the dragon at the front desk what your appointment is for if you don't want to (you can refuse to answer or just say "mental health issues").

Xans are super addictive and have a terrible withdrawal phase. You need to taper off extremely slowly, mgs at a time, not a whole pill or even half. Make sure you have someone around who might be able to help you in the down periods because I understand it will feel like absolute death.

Best of luck

Rapidly-Greying wrote:
I hate myself for being so weak but what's done is done so please lay off me with the judgements that I'm already more than aware of.

It’s not weak and thinking like that isn’t going to help you.

Go to the doctors, they’ll sort you out.

Dowbocop wrote:I assume you've been to your GP to discuss this. If not go ASAP, as they will be able to refer you to the appropriate support services.

Definitely this.

Don't worry about what others might think either, no one here is judging you and your GP certainly won't.

Yeah good luck man, I’ve gone through enough withdrawals to understand the rough pain but I’ve heard that Xanax is a real killer to kick. You can do it.

Whatever you do don't do it alone. GPs are confidential. Also, if you have any friends or family you are prepared to trust tell them so they can check up on you.

Meep wrote:Whatever you do don't do it alone. GPs are confidential. Also, if you have any friends or family you are prepared to trust tell them so they can check up on you.

This is sound advice.

I hope you recover Mr Greying as your situation sounds quite desperate and know that everyone here supports you.

Rapidly-Greying wrote:Never mind the reasons how or why but I've become addicted to Xanax. It's apparently 20 times stronger than valium and after surviving valium withdraw and opiate withdrawal with lots of tears and hard work I'm now going have to go through Xanax withdrawal at some point.

My head is mush though so any advice on people to call and any routes I might take would be greatly appreciated. I recently tried coming off it with gentle amounts of opiates to try and combat it but no,I just ended up wanting to slash my wrists so I'm back on it.

I hate myself for being so weak but what's done is done so please lay off me with the judgements that I'm already more than aware of.

Thanks in advance.

2 month check in.

How's it going?

I was taking Valium for a bit and can easily see how and why people would want to take it or similar all the time.

I'm trying to control it by taking 2 or 3 a day. I've no chance of kicking it next year. It's too much pressure with Xmas coming fast.

Rapidly-Greying wrote:I'm trying to control it by taking 2 or 3 a day. I've no chance of kicking it next year. It's too much pressure with Xmas coming fast.

Just keep strengthening that platform at 2-3 per day, then try and kick on. Setting yourself targets based on specific times of year is probably going to put more stress on you for no reason/benefit - particularly that time of year. You're not trying to fit into a wedding dress, you're working towards a goal, when you get there isn't as important as just getting there.

Best of luck dude!

Dowbocop wrote:

Rapidly-Greying wrote:I'm trying to control it by taking 2 or 3 a day. I've no chance of kicking it next year. It's too much pressure with Xmas coming fast.

Just keep strengthening that platform at 2-3 per day, then try and kick on. Setting yourself targets based on specific times of year is probably going to put more stress on you for no reason/benefit - particularly that time of year. You're not trying to fit into a wedding dress, you're working towards a goal, when you get there isn't as important as just getting there.

Best of luck dude!

Good advice.

Take it at your own pace. Get support from your GP.

No one here will judge you man and you needn't feel guilty or weak about anything. I wish I could help you man but don't know enough. Please don't beat yourself up about anything though and best of luck.