Hi!
Does anyone know if after i have already been addicted to Xanax and finally withdrew
from it 4 mos. ago,,can i take it on an infrequent (as needed) basis now?, without becoming addicted again?

Sundee

Hi Sundee,

I went through this with xanax, ativan, and valium for years now. I did actually stop all for about 8 months...and one other time for one year one month.

When I went back on, I only needed the smallest milligram to feel 'normal'...and I say that with respect as we are all normal...I just hated those body symptoms from anxiety/panic...and those pills took them away as I had no coping skills to help all those years, until I found the AA&D Program. I now have the skills I need, yet I tend to get 'lazy' and just run to my pills.

I have been on, and am addicted to, xanax for one year four months now. I started out with the lowest milligram, and now...I am up to 2-3 mg.'s per day That is a lot...for me anyway...and I try to stop...but right now, I just can't. I know I will eventually. See, my psychiatrist prescribed a certain amount, and I would run out of pills as I was taking double and triple that amount per day...so when I ran out...to avoid a seizure...I had to 'borrow' from a freind-valium-so I was on both xanax and valium.

The good news is that I finally had the courage to admit this to my psychiatrist...she was NOT happy...but she was glad I was finally honest...and we made a deal...no valium...only 3, 0.5 mg's per day of xanax until after my 'growth spurt' and surgery are over...than we start weaning me off and I use my coping skills...verses running to my pills. I do use my coping skills daily, but I also use the pills daily.

I went through the Program once, and I actually was weaned way down from the xanax. I started the Program again, and I only made it to Session 3...I stopped there as this was last month and with Christmas, and other issues...I didn't feel I had the time...I did...so that was just an excuse.

I plan to restart the Program soon I need to go through it again as it is recommeneded anyway

I would not recommend going back on, because as dena said, do you really believe you will not become addicted again? I didn't think I would...and I am...and this has gone on for ten years...do yourself a favor...use your coping skills...these pills are so not worth it. I even have to get a liver function test done now as these pills can damage the liver, ESP when taken over a long period of time at a high dose

Best wishes

------------------
~Angel

quote:

Living in the precious, present moment and loving it

[This message has been edited by Angel (edited 01-15-2001).]

Thank You BOTH, Dena,Angel,
for your replies. I have never been addicted to anything before (except cigarrettes) so your experience saves me some grief by the sound of it!
Guess i'll throw what's left into the toilet!

God! Ladies,
You have been through HELL. I am so sorry you have had to find out the very hard way.

Thank You again...for sharing your experience.

Sincerely,
Sundee

Hi Sundee,

I was reading through and noticed that you had a question about Xanax and Buspar. Four years ago when I had a problem with anxiety my doctor perscribed Xanax I took it for about two years and went off cold turkey. It was hard.

I was great for two years and then it all came back. This time I am taking Buspar and so far it has been a god send. I am still not 100% but I feel so much better. Buspar is not addicting as is the Xanax.

I hope you find something that helps. There is a lot of information on Buspar on the website. I can provide that address if you wish. Good luck