Serious Predicament

Question

In 1996 I entered an alcohol detox facility. Not a drink since, A week or so later I went back to the psych asking for something to help me relax, Rx no help. Asked again and he said what I really wanted was like booze in a pill (benzos). Went to new shrink and within 1 minute he dis RX for Ativan 1mg. Then 2ng. Now several psychs and many years later I'm on 40 mg valium and 10mg ambien. I need to quit but do not want to talk to current shrink. Not sure why. Am afraid he will be too aggressive or maybe I am not committed. Want to be school teacher and cannot nap as required. Have studied Ashton technique and want to try that. How does ambian fit in that? Obviously need help and should talk to shrink, but very skeptical. Went to one shrink who insisted on his schedule and he scared me off. Way to aggressive. Need help.

Dr. Mark Abrahams · Accepted Answer

Dear MikeL24:

Your predicament IS serious and it is one that requires medical intervention especially given the amount of Benzodiazepines that you have become habituated to. Withdrawal treatment of significant daily intake, plus its accumulation in the fatty organs over such a long period of time is NOT something that an individual should attempt without careful monitoring and the availability of a physician familiar with Benzo withdrawal. A competent and ethical physician would not advise you to proceed with the Ashton Technique on your own.

By now you are probably aware of potentially life-threatening symptoms that can occur from Benzodiazepine withdrawal withdrawal. If you are not familiar with BenzoBuddies, this is an on-line community which can provide support and information to help you take the necessary steps to get free from Benzodiazepine addiction. This site is NOT a substitute for sound medical advice. http://www.benzobuddies.org . You may well require a stay at a detox facility where the attending psychiatrists are sympathetic to your situation and not contributing to it!

Once an individual has finally become detoxified from Benzodiazepines, there are a number of OTC supplements that can facilitate relaxation (e.g., certain isolated amino acids, herbals, and nootropics), but these cannot work as long as one's nervous system is monopolized by benzodiazepine drugs and the consequential neurotransmitter imbalances that characterize the condition.

Best regards, Dr. Mark Abrahams

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