Desperately need help.

[rhia437]

I am terrified, I want to come off xanax, taking .5 three times a day. And when I finally confronted two people about my stuggles (mother and a long time friend that goes to AA, she never did benzo's) They both want me in detox  right away.
Both counselors from the two centers I called, are talking about a pretty fast withdrawal.
I have read nothing positive about fast withdrawals. In fact, really scary stuff. How do I find a Doctor/Pyschiatrist that may be more willing to go slowly. I am in Iowa, I've never been this frightened.

[erin626]

I definitley suggest a slow taper. I was at the exact same dosage as you and did a really fast taper and I'm still paying for it 2months later. My doctor didn't believe I was addicted and that's what led to my fast taper. A drug center wanted me to do an inpatient detox and now I wish I had.

[addict3]

I would listen to MZHolly and vicki, they gave good advice. I came off of valium and xanax is stronger.
Get a taper plan from your Dr. and follow it. you'll be glad you did.

[vicki595]

Hi~  A counselor is not a doctor!  Who prescribed this for you? That's where you need to go.  Do you have a family doctor?

The secret to withdrawal from any benzo is a long and slow taper; cutting the dose slightly over time.

Good luck!

[MzHolly]

withdrawal from benzos can be dangerous without proper medical supervision, have you considered an inpatient detox? There are medications that can make the withdrawal easier and not dangerous, anticonvulsants usually. Any withdrawal is hard, for me benzo was very similar to alcohol, but it lasted longer. You can call your insurance company and they can tell you what psychiatrists are in your area that take it, that may help you find someone to take you off properly if you don't want to do inpatient.