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how to get off xanaxs
hi can anyone help me iv ben on Xanax for the last 10 years ive tried 7 or 8 times 2 get off um somethimes I don't even know what am doing its just like my body wounts more of um
Absolutely. Any medication in that class (benzodiazepine) needs tapered off gradually and carefully, under the supervision of a doctor. Any other way isn't safe or advisable.
You also sound like you're questioning having an addiction? For the record, there is a difference between being dependent on a medication, where you would experience w/ds, to being addicted, which involves a more complex mental process, with cravings, abuse of prescription (taking more than rx'ed), doing things to obtain the drug that one normally wouldn't do, engaging in behavior that is careless or dangerous, despite knowing the negative consequences (ie taking large amounts of a med that may cause harm or medical issues), to name a few..
Do you abuse your script? Have you run out early? Found yourself trying to get more? Have you ever bought them off the street? Do you think about them often? Do you find yourself counting pills, and constantly doing the math to see how long your Rx will last? Do you take them other than for what they're Rxed? For example..to "party" or to "feel good", or to take the edge off a bad day (not actual anxiety)?
These are just some of the warning signs of addiction. If you're concerned about addiction, then that's something you need to discuss with your doc ASAP so you can get the proper help.
The difference between help for dependency and help for addiction is that addiction recovery for one is life long...a person who is dependent doesn't usually need any long term follow up after their w/d process is complete. Addicts need aftercare, which can come in the form of private addiction counseling, or AA/NA, those kinds of things. A person who is dependent will walk away after being detoxed, not really thinking about the med anymore. An addict has a different mindset, there will always be cravings...the addict must always have their guard up...LONG after they are detoxed.
Please let us know how you're doing. If you want to explore the above more...we also have a great substance abuse (addiction) forum. Those people will help you as well.
Take care!!
You also sound like you're questioning having an addiction? For the record, there is a difference between being dependent on a medication, where you would experience w/ds, to being addicted, which involves a more complex mental process, with cravings, abuse of prescription (taking more than rx'ed), doing things to obtain the drug that one normally wouldn't do, engaging in behavior that is careless or dangerous, despite knowing the negative consequences (ie taking large amounts of a med that may cause harm or medical issues), to name a few..
Do you abuse your script? Have you run out early? Found yourself trying to get more? Have you ever bought them off the street? Do you think about them often? Do you find yourself counting pills, and constantly doing the math to see how long your Rx will last? Do you take them other than for what they're Rxed? For example..to "party" or to "feel good", or to take the edge off a bad day (not actual anxiety)?
These are just some of the warning signs of addiction. If you're concerned about addiction, then that's something you need to discuss with your doc ASAP so you can get the proper help.
The difference between help for dependency and help for addiction is that addiction recovery for one is life long...a person who is dependent doesn't usually need any long term follow up after their w/d process is complete. Addicts need aftercare, which can come in the form of private addiction counseling, or AA/NA, those kinds of things. A person who is dependent will walk away after being detoxed, not really thinking about the med anymore. An addict has a different mindset, there will always be cravings...the addict must always have their guard up...LONG after they are detoxed.
Please let us know how you're doing. If you want to explore the above more...we also have a great substance abuse (addiction) forum. Those people will help you as well.
Take care!!
I agree. Getting off xanax can be dangerous without medical supervision. Definitely see your doctor and have a safe plan as to detoxing yourself properly.
Hello there. We cannot help you get off Xanax because you need to be tapered off the medication under a doctor's order. I highly suggest you call your prescribing physician, talk about how you are feeling on the medication, and together you can decide what is the best course for the future. Good luck.
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