Hello again,
I didn't post this when I first went off Ativan because I wanted to make sure that "going off" meant something long term. So, as of today, I have been off Ativan for four weeks. I was on it for four months three times a day since the beginning of major anxiety. But, now I don't even think about it and often forget to bring it when I go out. Major major change for me! Thanks for reading

GREAT NEWS !!!!

I am happy for your success!

Congratulations!! Here is proof for how far you have come already! Thanks for sharing, it is definitely helpful for me to hear others triumphs

Thanks Sunset34 and Sunny! Your support is appreciated!!

Peacewithin, I feel encouraged to read about your success getting off medication.

It's also my goal to get off my medication. With my doctor's permission, I have been slowly decreasing it, and am doing very well. My goal is to say what you said ... that you left the house without it and didn't miss it. I have been taking it for so long that I feel anxious if I don't have it with me! I'm sure you can relate to that.

It's a goal that I am confident I can reach, but it sure helps to have the word of someone else who has done it!

Honeybunch,

Be encouraged ! One of the problems with being on meds so long is that many people have to learn all over again how to live without it.

Use your skills while facing your symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

It is these skills that will ultimately draw you into recovery.

Take your time and don't rush. Be good to yourself and keep moving towards your goal.

I wish you the very best !

Thanks Sunset 34 - I promise to be good to myself! Little successes breed more successes.

Hi Honeybunch!
You can definitely do it! I am behind you all the way. I do know what you mean about always wanting to have it with you. I do still bring Ativan with me most of the time because the security of knowing it could alleviate symptoms is nice. But, knowing it's there and more importantly, allowing myself to feel anxiety and then using the tools have made it so I never have to use the Ativan.

I did taper off slowly. I was taking it three times a day. It then went to 2 and 1 and none. But, it was over the course of probably one month and 2 weeks. Plus, giving myself the assurance that if I ever needed it again, I would just go back on it, took the stigma out of my mind that I had to be perfect and off for good.

AGAIN, I SUPPORT YOU AND THINK YOU WILL GET WHERE YOU WANT TO BE WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. TAKE IT SLOW, BE COMPASSIONATE TO YOURSELF, AND PRACTICE THE SKILLS!!! (They are the real medication in the end....)

Hey peacewithin - thanks for the encouragement! I have a real determination to quit the meds because I have been taking them off and on for years.

About 15 years ago, I went through an eight-week clinic program for panic disorder that used cognitive therapy. It wasn't nearly as thorough as the Attacking Anxiety program, but it helped me quite a bit. So I am fairly functional. But there are still things I avoid, and I didn't feel confident about the future.

So I sent away for this program, and have been using it for about 5 weeks. I have a new attitude and I want to face the future now without medication.

So that is my story! Thanks for reading!

Hi Honeybunch!!
Good story! I think overcoming anxiety has a lot to do with determination and commitment. You sound like you have both of those, so recovery should be well on its way!!

I am proud of us-people challenging their use of medications. It's difficult because medications do take the immediate discomfort away. But, pushing through the anxiety and never having it this bad again would be the best medication of all!!!

KEEP IT UP