Am I a benzodiazepine addiict?

[William9804]

Hello all. I suffer from major depression (300mg Effexor) and Panic disorder (Klonopin 1mg x 4/day. I hope people will tell me if they think I'm hooked to benzos or not? I take my klonopin, but sometimes if I'm having a stressful day, or panic attack I take an extra one. Sometimes I run out several days before the next refill, so I get them from 'other means.' Now does that make me an addict? Because I take something that actually WORKS for my panic disorder?

[ang_811]

If ur questioning yourself on whether or not ur an addict chances r that u r. because normal people dont sit around asking theirselves if they r an addict.

[fdina79]

I agree with all of the above post, but may I suggest visiting a local NA meeting. Don't be scared, I found that talking to others who share a common problem helps others deal with their own problems. Some of the happiest times of my life have been while in recovery. The people are great and life seems brighter and clearer. Good luck and God Bless.

[hlpplse]

Hi William I agree with the above posts. I am doing a klonopin taper now. I have only been on them for 4 months and the most I took was 2mg a day I am now down to .5mg and will be off this drug soon. I believe they helped me while I transitioned on to a AD. So I definitely think they have a purpose. I AGREE with Kbusymom that getting of Benzos is by far worse than opiates!!! So be careful my friend, and talk to your doctor about any concerns and issues. Praying for you God Bless

[CRSeaside]

Dear William, the previous posts are exactly correct.
   May I know what your question is regarding this drug?
You are aware of the danger of getting drugs by "other means". Would your Psychiatrist refuse to prescribe the extra dosage you feel you need?
   This is some serious stuff. I too suffer anxiety,panic ect. Not to minimize your suffering. Everyone is at their own level.
    My doctor prescribed Benzos,not to be used 4 times per day. They are prescribed PRN. To be used only in the most dreadful of panic situations:for example when it appears I'm having a heart attack & I need help calming to get back to reality.
    There is a huge downside to daily use. When you need these drugs the most, they will not preform for you.
  This disorder responds well to talk therapy. We have many in our group who struggle.  One man in particular, who did not want to make the time to do the work with a Psycologist. He has since lost his job as a school teacher & his Doctor wants him off the Benzos. Just at a time when this man wishes to rely heavier on this drug.     Please consider more talk Therapy.
The others here on MedHelp are right. You must find the root causes of your disorder.     Let us know.     Pamela

[Kbusymom]

Diito on MeegWpaw's post.    I was on Xanax for 5 years and ended up taking a lot more at the end than I started on; my body built up a tolerance.  My dr. put me on them without ever telling me the risk of addiction and I was too naive and trustful of her to look up info on them. Never again on blindly trusting drs!!

I was able to go CT off of opiates, but with Benzos it's dangerous to go CT.  If you want to get off of them, talk to your dr. about a taper plan.  I just got done with mine a couple of weeks ago.  It was so much harder than opiates and I didn't think that was possible. So glad I'm done with them though.
Good luck to you on whatever you decide :)

[joycake]

COMPLETELY AGREE with all the points meegWpaw made.

[meegWpaw]

william ... pretty smart to ask this question at what sounds like a fairly early stage in the game for you.  the problem with benzos, imo, is that it is very easy to get addicted to or dependent on them, sometimes without even knowing.  that is what happened to me.  by the time I decided to get off benzos I was taking quite a bit more than I had planned to at the outset ... and an amount that was very hard to come off of, as are most benzos at most doses (again my opinion).  another problem, I believe, is that the anxiety you hoped to treat with benzos becomes an even bigger issue once you get off them.  it's a vicious circle.  yes, the benzos work now ... but are they treating an issue or masking it?