Addicted to diazepam

[DiazepamHelp]

Im prescribed 14mg a week from my doctor for anxiety.

On the side (doc does not know) i take 40mg a day.

It i go to him for help coming off them, what dosage would he put me on to ween off them?

Or will he make me go cold turkey?

[workfup]

How do you get what you are not prescribed?

[DiazepamHelp]

That's irrelevant.
Im asking what the doctor will help me do to come off them.

[TrulydottyG]

I have been in exactly the same situation. Given diazepam after a traumatic event, and then got addicted as buying on the side and I agree that where you got it from is irrelevant except to say that it’s easier than you might think.
Anyway, I imagine it varies by GP practice but what happened with me is that the GP sought out the recommended reducing regime, which always varies according to how long you’ve been using more than prescribed, how much more, how often etc etc. The standard regimen to my knowledge (I’ve actually been through this regime more than twice which isn’t a reflection, on the regime itself, but on my readiness to get ‘clean’) is a maximum daily amount of 20 mg (My second time it was 30 max as it depends on how much of a drop you honestly think you can survive on), and then a reduction of by 2 mg per week until with any luck you are free from it. Almost certainly it will be a case of seeing the doctor or nurse practitioner every week to get your prescription for the week ahead. They shouldn’t advise you going cold turkey as this can be very dangerous, the more so the longer you have been using it and how much. In my opinion if the doctor does advise that, get a second opinion. The withdrawal effects aren’t nasty particularly, you will feel agitated, possibly have sleeping issues (I.e. not being able to go to sleep), however the more gradual the reduction then the lesser these symptoms will feel. Delete contact numbers, websites and passwords when you can.
It’s not easy to get free of the wretched things, and actually benzo addiction is one of the hardest to get free of, but if you’re determined then you’ll be successful. In the meantime make sure that anything you do buy externally is legit. Stuff from abroad for eg is notoriously inconsistent in safety and quality.
If you have any other questions or would just like a friendly email chat then I’m more than happy for you to DM me.
I wish you all the best wishes for success and hope you able to enjoy Christmas, in spite of all the stress etc it can bring. 💐
I’m not a doctor and I’m just speaking from am writing only what I know from my own experience and what I have been told by various people so please don’t take anything I have said as Gospel....

[PurpleFrames]

Your best port of call is your local drug and alcohol service. GPS are not very knowledgeable in this area as it is a specialism mostly dealt with by the d&at.

They will support you psychologically with why you got addicted. Do a reduction programme with you, which includes giving you a safe prescription of illicit meds. Then if necessary (very unlikely in your case, unless you have serious health problems) you can go into a hospital to wean off totally.

All the best x

[Amber0685]

No you won't be expected to go cold turkey, that can be very dangerous. You need to be completely honest with your gp or local substance abuse services as to how much you are taking so they can formulate a safe reduction plan. Some people enter residential rehab places to do this, others do it at home or as outpatients. Best of luck, you have taken the first step.