I've been taking valium for 15 years. I am taking approx. 80 to 100 mgs a day in 5mg tablets. My mind and my marriage are at a point where I need to get off the valium. Obviously I've known this for years but have been in denial. I am new to this forum. I know that I cannot to it abrubtly - I've read anywhere from 1mg/week to 5 depending on amount being taken. I do not want to go into the hospital as I was already in the psych ward to get off xanax when I was 24-25 - This is not something I can do again. I am ashamed enough over this addiction - I quit alcohol approx. 15 years ago and my valium amounts obviously increased. I am a born-again Christian as of 7 years ago and am looking for support as I lessen the dosage. I pray for anyone/everyone's support - dd
Hi Gerri, Others here may disagree with me, but I don't think you should detox from such high levels of Valium without a doctor. I too had a physical addiction to Valium. Withdrawal from any drug is painful but with the benzodiazapines it's dangerous due to the high potential for seizures. I was able to withdraw with my doctor and my wife. My doc wrote out the schedule for decreasing dosage and my wife held and administered all the pills. It took about 3 months. After stopping all the pills, I still experienced withdrawal symptoms for about 3 weeks that were pretty nasty, but no seizures. I'm happy to hear that you have a higher power. This is very good. May He always be a source of strength in your recovery. But as it says in our literature, "It is easy to float back out the door on a cloud of religious zeal and forget that we are addicts with an incurable disease." Obviously, religion is not enough. These are the 5 things I do every day. They are the reason I am clean today. 1. I pray 2. I read NA literature 3. I work the steps 4. I call my sponsor 5. I go to a meeting. Without ALL of these activities everyday, I feel at risk.
Welcome Gerri! I would also suggest getting doctor involved in your detox.You have made a wonderful first step by reaching out,admitting your addiction and knowing you need help.From your post it seems as if you are aware of how our insanity can switch from one substance to another until we realize we have a physical,mental and spiritual illness.You have a good basis for belief in a HP so that will allow you to help restore yourself to sanity" bring you to the point where drugs and its accompanying madness no longer controls your life"I'll definitetly keep you in prayer and hope you keep coming back and let us know how you are doing.
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I am in total agreement with Avid - get your doctor involved - go to meetings, stay on the forum, get a sponser, that will increase your chances - and with that you will be able to work on the other stuff. We all have to start with that first day - Hang in there
