I look forward to your videos & updates!!! I'm a 65 year old great grandma who's just now 6 months off of xanax & alcohol after 20 + years of using both to cope & calm my anxiety & panic attacks. I know I don't have to tell u how terribly difficult it's been for me & for my husband of 33 yrs & our 15 yr old granddaughter we've raised since birth. They see an improvement in me but can't possibly feel what I'm experiencing physically, mentally, & emotionally. It's comforting to know in time I'll eventually feel better. I've been watching ur videos throughout this entire ordeal & you've helped me more than U could imagine. I'm so happy for u & appreciate ur success story. It's good for us all to hear that there's light @ the end of this dark scary tunnel. God Bless you young man. & please keep making your videos k??? Til next time, take good care of yourself...
Kayleen, I'm so glad that you found my videos, and that they are able to give you a little comfort and guidance as you walk toward that light at the end of your tunnel. Things do get better, just keep taking care of yourself, and keep moving forward one day at a time with faith! Also, keep checking out the videos! Great to hear from you!
TFemm44 hello how are you doing? I noticed you went CT, did you experience constant headaches? Head pressure? Memory loss? I went CT 3 weeks ago being on 6 different antidepressants over a 2 month period. Will the brain recover?
Congratulations! Great video. I can’t wait to get off Xanax for good. You hit on a lot of the things I’m going through too. I never knew Xanax was the reason for so many of my problems... especially social anxiety. I have to take Xanax to do anything! But now I’m tapering, so I hope I can deal with life and being around people without having to rely on Xanax. The struggle is real.
Yes, ironically, life can be much more calm after the benzo is stopped. And don't worry, the adjustments regarding living a life without a benzo will come for you. It just takes small steps done over and over to build confidence and a change in perspective. Take care!
Marsha Greene, I’m sorry for replying months later, but I’m just now seeing your comment. I’m doing OK. I had managed to stop xanax on March 11, 2019, but months later something had set me off with terrible anxiety and I ended up taking 0.50 mg of Xanax and now I end up taking that same dose about every 4 days. It makes me mad. Anxiety can be bad and right now with the fear of the Coronavirus, my anxiety is really bad, but I refuse to take Xanax daily. I don’t think my anxiety issues will ever go away and if I don’t take a Xanax, my stomach does something really strange. Hard to explain it, but it’s a real uncomfortable flip flop feeling.
Jenni Highlander, my prescription was 1mg Xanax, twice a day. I was on it for about 18 years. In 2018 I cut down to only one pill a day. In January of 2019, I started cutting back and it’s not easy. I took .75 for a month and then I cut to .50 mg for a month and by March, I took .25 . I struggled for only 5 days. I was scared big time, but I got through it. I did sleep a lot and some people can’t do that. I had heart palpitations at times, but it goes away. I got real dizzy a few times and asked my doctor for Zofran and that was a huge lifesaver. Benadryl works just as good though. I did have bad anxiety when tapering and diarrhea too. But, it really did only last for 5 days. Same with my daughter too. She works and had to go through it all and it took her 5 days as well. The .25 did nothing and I ended up stopping altogether. Months later, I did have a set back. It was over 6 months later. I had terrible anxiety and ended up taking .50 mg and I’ve been having to do that about every 4 to 5 days. It did feel good being totally off though, but I can’t deal with anxiety when it gets super bad. My doctor never stopped prescribing me Xanax. I did it on my own because most of the doctors where I go have stopped prescribing it. I didn’t want to be taken off cold turkey. I do have ear ringing still. I started getting that just before tapering and it never stopped. I hear Xanax can do that. If you have any more questions, just ask. It really was nice being off of it though. I just wish my anxiety would go away. I hate that I still need it every 4-5 days.
And just to clarify one point in this video, when I mention a corner being turned for me around 18 months, it's not as if I didn't see any improvements for 18 months. There are improvements, measures of healing, that happen throughout the taper and withdrawal process. But then we each have our own major corners we turn as well, times when the progress really seems more substantial and permanent. To all of you out there who are going through the taper and withdrawal right now, please don't fear that your healing timeline will be lengthy, or that major improvements won't happen for you for a long period of time. This is all very individual, and your major "corners of healing" might be arrived at more quickly than mine were! Take care of yourself in all the proper ways, and the healing will happen!
@@m.l.m1135 I had some, and I found that it could be exacerbated by too much caffeine, too much stress, or too little sleep. It gets better, though, so stay positive!
@@the_littlelala Please try to focus on any improvements that have happened since week one off the meds; those are important evidence of healing. And keep an eye on stepping up the self-care/self-improvement game in any ways you can. At this point, those small but consistent efforts will help you to turn the important corners. Take care and stay connected here!
Just aim for a little improvement each month. Things can and will get better. And don't be afraid to tweak anything and everything in search of better health and happiness at this point: routines, diet, exercise, home and work atmospheres, etc. Take care, @@the_littlelala
Thanks fof your video. I have been on Xanax for almost 30 years. 2 years ago i stopped my dosage during the day. Now i have began the taper for the nightly use. Now down to 1 mg. At night. Can not wait to be free of this drug. Know i am looking at another year of withdrawal. That is ok. Just taking it on day at a time. I will get there. Thanks.
I needed this video I have done it once when I was younger 23 to be exact and did a cold turkey because of a situation I got my self into now it took me 2.5 yrs to feel like me again but all he said I went thru I was on klonopin and I had a bad situation in 2017 with a friend passing away long story but that event gave me anxiety and panic attacks and went to the doc in Mexico got prescribed meds with another name and shape come to find out it was Xanax and I was told to take 1.5 every night im a bit higher now but like you said either you decide to start living or start dying SO!! FOR ME IT"S TIME TO START LIVING THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO HOPE YOU ARE STILLL GOOD MAY GOD BLESS ALL IN THE STRUGGLE
Thank you Michael , I m 5 months off now & I was on AD / benzos for 2 decades ! Last 7 years I had adverse reactions as I reinstated Prozac ( after 10 months off) then I was damaged & ended up kindled 3 years ago! Withdrawals were horrific & hellish years were a daily torture, nightmare 24/7 , no happiness no hope no life , I saw the evil when I was tapering the kindling & brain damage are the worst experience that I went through , now I m a bit better however I m steel not healed , steel experiencing waves & windows ! I have to wait it out that's all. It's too early & I have to work a lot a lot, thank you , I hope that it's not permanent brain injury.
No, Keith, not a permanent thing. Everyone fears that, but this is only a temporary set of circumstances that can be healed from with time and attention. You will see further improvements! Take care!
Thank you for your video first time watching it…… I’m on 2mg Xanax cuz you anxiety kept getting worse (after klonopin And ativan) I really like your video… but Everytime I try to stop it I fail because I get irritable and the worse thing I ever experienced in my life the worse symptom of all :: Brain Fog 😶🌫️ thank you fr the courage you’ve got to make these videos 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
So glad you found the vids, Selenaa. Don't get discouraged - irritability, brain fog, I had those too. They can and will get better in time. Stay encouraged!
I’m four years into cold turkey withdrawal and still suffering horrendously daily. 😞 It seems like the torture will never end. I was on 10 different psych drugs at different times for 10 years and I’m 24. I thought being young meant I would heal fast but I guess not. 😔
Just keep at it and keep the faith. Remember, your situation with the medications was complex and not created in a day, and therefore healing and getting your better health sorted out can take a little bit, too. Stay patient, stay positive; you're getting there!
I'm 9 months off clonazepam but I'm not able to work because of brain fog, I'm a bit worried that I'll never be okay. There are a few things that help like walking in nature, meeting my friends, quiet environment, prayer.. it's not pure hell but often I'm just desperate. Thank you for your video.
You're welcome. And this is a bit of a trial and error process of finding what makes us feel better and then doing more of it, so keep at the prayer, the walks, the conversations with friends, etc. Take care and keep watching!
Still struggling with PVCS, gut issues, muscle twitches, and sternum soreness @30 months.. cold turkey Xanax. This is HELL. Hearts been checked, bloods been checked, they can’t find anything wrong.. idk what to do anymore. I feel like it’ll never end.
It will end, Eddie. Just give it some more time, and keep caring for yourself. Find relaxing activities, get physical exercise, and don't ever get discouraged. This healing stuff can take a while sometimes, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. It is.
It's nice to hear something positive. Trying to stay positive. I had a horrible weekend as a Dr withdrew me down too quickly. She was a new Dr and my office quickly got me to someone else. But she had taken me down . 25mg clonazepam and once I go down, I never want to go back up. So I've been suffering. I was dizzy and fell down a flight of steps, that compounded the problem. I felt so horrible I went to my family Dr thinking I had an infection. It was a minor miracle I didn't break anything in the fall. My Dr said my symptoms were from the withdrawal. The ringing in my head is relentless. I was put on Xanax when my son had to enter a Shiner's Children's Hospital due to a life-threatening condition. I had to work 3 jobs to afford to take off 4 months and move to another city. I had to leave my teenage daughter behind. He survived and had the best outcome considering but when I got home I stopped taking the Xanax and I went into a seizure. So I went back to my psychiatrist (private pay) and she doubled my dose and assured me I wouldn't get "addicted" to Xanax. Then she dropped me when I wanted to get off, which is all too common. The good news is the fact that I feel better today. Usually, when I taper down slowly I feel really good after 2 weeks. My depression vanishes. Then I taper a little more. But I was taken down too severe this time. I'm halfway there but just had a rough spell. Thank you for your encouraging words. It is hard for even those closest to us to understand the magnitude of the problem.
Yes, the reality of what these drugs do isn't anything like the breezy image that is presented in advertisements or even in pop culture references. The reality is a million complicated and painful stories, like yours and mine. But there are happy endings, too, so just keep moving forward and creating your success story! Take care and keep watching!
I’m 17 months off Xanax cold turkey. My family doesn’t believe me every time I tell them that I am not feeling normal. They think I’m crazy. Idk how to get them to understand. They don’t believe that I’m still having heart palpitations, serious GI issues, severe acid reflux, dizziness, burning neck pain, sternum pain, esophageal spasms, boaty feeling, and I can literally feel each and everyone of my heart beats. I feel like my vagus nerve is destroyed and extremely hyperactive and sensitive. I wish they really knew how I feel. I don’t know what to do anymore... I just go to my room and close my door, and watch withdrAwal videos and check my symptoms everyday all day.
It can be difficult to communicate the situation to others, but know that you aren't alone with this stuff. And even though there are symptoms there, try to get out. Don't isolate 24/7 or focus on withdrawal 24/7. I know that seems tough sometimes, but just do it. You will notice a difference.
@@claireyork180 I have improved! A lot... still some physical stuff like skipped beats & my nervous system feels fragile.. but nowhere like a year ago! There is light.
hi.. I was on klonopin 0.5 for over 20 years... I started tapering oct.1 2019. .. 18 months taper.... HELL... I'm almost 2 years no Benzes... thought the whole time YOUR VIDS GAVE ME COURAGE.. THANK YOU BROTHER
Finally a success story! Ive been typing benzo success story's could not find any when I feel better I really want to share my story. I wouldn't advise this but I did a rapid detox going from 3mg 4 times a day abusing it to nothing...still don't know how the hell i've done it.
I’ve been taking Xanax to get to sleep, for the last 2 years. About a quarter bar every night I’m self medicating as I get it off the streets. Now I’m just an anxious mess all day and It’s impossible to sleep without it. I know I have lots to be happy about but I need the pain to stop I’m constantly having suicidal thoughts. I don’t know what to do, I was depressed before it with insomnia but it’s far worse now after taking Xan
There is a solution. Make yourself a taper plan, and get the medications out of your life. The process might be a little challenging, but you are already in the midst of enormous pain, so what is there to lose? Others have found a solution and you can too. Just start reaching for it little by little. Take care today!
Many thanks again Michael. Your videos mean a lot to me. Please keep making them.I honestly think because you have been there throughout my withdrawal, even hearing your voice goes a long way to calming my fear. Also,I keep meaning to ask you what does" Lovely grind' mean exactly? Kind Regards,Joan, Scotland
You're very welcome, Joan. Keep watching the videos, I'll keep making them. And The Lovely Grind is something that refers to finding little pieces of joy and purpose, even during the most stressful times of our lives. We might never be able to eliminate the "grind" completely, but we can try to make it "lovely" by staying close to God, working on things we are passionate about, finding happiness with friends and family members, getting healthy etc. Happiness isn't always about huge things, but rather the "little" things that can make daily life lovely. Take care!
I would at this point refer you to the Ashton Manual rather than giving specific advice on that. That is the starting point for benzo tapers, and you can find specific cutting plans there, as well as many other places online. The taper doesn't have to take forever, but it should be gradual cuts done maybe every 2-4 weeks or whatever you guys deem appropriate in your situation.
Hi I'm tapering off 0.5 mg Alprazolam. I have taken this for a year one pill a day. Now my 3rd week of taper now a smaller dose I feel anxious, anxiety and other symptoms. But is it normal to feel a squeeze in your chest/heart?
So very normal to feel all sorts of strange physical sensations when going through taper/withdrawal. Also, that chest stuff could be from increased anxiety as well, so try to find ways to bring more calm into each day, too, even as you are going through this. Take care!
last summer...i was at 140 drops for a day of xanax.........on Decembre i was at 90....on march this year 80 drops..........during quarantine (coronavirus) thanks to "smart working " at home.....i wentd down to 20 drops.....i eat safe food....Vegetables...fruit...no pizza...no fast food....a lot or water adn purifyng teas....it is hard but very possible.....at night a take Lorazepam for sleeping.....i am at 10 mg......after xanxa witdrawing....i' ll start with lorazepam.....love to evrybody....stay safe and healthy....i pray for all of you
@@TheLovelyGrind 4 days ago all the mental numbness was gone. My personality came back. I was so happy i started crying. That lasted about 7 hours. Then anxiety slowly came over me. And the mental numbness and the panic swept over me again. Sigh...... I miss myself.. My emotions.. I hope that numbness leaves me for good some day soon Been
How long for ssi antidepressants to withdrawal and symptoms to end? I know there isn't an exact time table because everyone is different. I just want a ballpark figure. My dad is tapering off an ssi antidepressants to pursue natural remedies. He's been on them for 5 or 6 years. I have experience in withdrawal and I sucks. Luckily i only took my medication for a couple of weeks. So I fear for my dad. I would never wish this experience on my worst enemies.
Again, different for everyone, but if your dad takes it slow on the taper and takes care of himself in every other important way, the experience should be much shorter and easier to handle.
I'm at 22 months now and the panic with anxiety intrusive thoughts are my hardest issues Igs like im on lsd all the time but I get some little windows When will this end its torture
That will continue to get better with time. Try to meditate and exercise and talk to others for the anxiety, and try not to focus on the thoughts too much. Remember, you aren't a troubling thought. It is just a thought, and it can't harm you and it isn't you. That sort of mindset will obliterate their power over you! Take care and keep watching!
I took Alprazolam for 3 years at 0.5mg for anxiety. It's been a month since I stopped. I was dizzy while I took it and the dizziness got worse after I stopped taking it. It is terrible. Did you go through that?
I had all sorts of issues when getting off the meds; I'm sure dizziness was a part of it, but it was no doubt wrapped up in a couple dozen other things, so it might not have seemed as pronounced for me. Bottom line, give it more time (and care for yourself) and it will get better!
Just curious if you have been exposed to any surgery or outpatient conscious sedation since you feel you have been fully healed ? If so did you suffer any setbacks or any symptoms etc.. I’m not fully healed and I’m at 18 months out, but I know at some point I will be healed and I have a surgery that needs to be taken care of , however that will involve sedation which is a benzo or benzo type type medication and I just wonder how that effects people like us ?
Thanks you sir I've been on two AD's for 18 years, and benzos for 3. I'm of the benzos now for 30 months, and one of the AD's for 10. I'm down to a low dose on the last AD, but can't seem to get any lower before all hell break lose. I have responsibilities so I can't be in wd for years, if I get of? Do AD wd last as long as benzos?
Either withdrawal can be moderate or longer it seems, but either way try not to anticipate some drawn-out ordeal. Just take things one step at a time and manage both symptoms and life to the best of your current abilities. And ask God to help each and every day! Take care and keep watching!
Hi all 😊😊 Can any body tell me how many weeks or months does it take for tinnitus to get better after tapering. I have completed my 6 month long dry cut tapering from 1.5 mg of clonazepam. My worst symptom is tinnitus..my tinnitus is very very loud now. Sometime i feel if my tinnitus get better i will be considered my self 60% recovered . (I was on clonazepam 1.5 mg for 4 years) Sorry for my bad english.
I'll have to check my notes on that one, but I believe somewhere around .35 was where I stopped. No, I didn't weigh, but that's probably a good idea. The more precise the better. Take care!
Thanks for your replay, I tried to jump off at .25 and started having V-Tach events with my heart now tapering with a scale and I am at .20 mg and I think I am going to have go as low as possible maybe all the way to the bottom, I have a heart condition and they should never of gave me this med for "Combat PTSD" I was better off the way I was I watch all of your videos you are very Good help to me
Hey man.... 6 months of a 1 year tapper program... Everything was good mild mild withdrawal... Then about a week ago the constant state of depersonalization started... Insomnia... Now panic beyond belief... Should I go back on the valium and start another tapper program?! Or try to rough this out... Thanks for reading
I wouldn't go backwards by starting a benzo again, personally. I would tough it out, get through this rough patch and move forward with the healing that has already begun for you. You've come a long way. Don't look back. The bad will pass, and more good things will come for you before you know it. Take care today.
Michael thank for your insight. One question. My last med to come off is Seroquel. I’m at Day 64 off Xanax. Is the Seroquel going to stop me healing from Xanax?
I don't think it will. I, too, had to come off two medications. First the Paxil, then the Xanax, and I don't believe that the Xanax hindered the Paxil-healing from happening, even as I was still tapering that benzo. So, just attack it one step (or pill) at a time, and know that healing is happening at all stages! Take care!
Does anyone else get the sleep start jerks with withdrawals? I've been on 0.25 clonazapam for 2 years. Is a 120 day micro taper good enough? Do I really need to taper for a year?
That jerking symptom is pretty common, Patrick, and as far as the taper, you must personally find a pace that works for you. 120 days for .25 mg is pretty gradual, so that could be fine. Just set up a reasonable taper plan that is gradual but keeps you motivated with the finish line in sight. You can do it! Take care and keep watching!
Hey thanks for the videos! I was wondering if I am going to get tinnitus because it seems that everyone gets it.. I never got tremors and panic attacks so far but I’m afraid I might get tinnitus.. do people dont get it or if they do does it go away? I was taking 15mg valium for 6 years and for the past 6 months I have managed to taper off to 3.9mg a day. Thanks for any advise!
Hey man, please bear with me for this question. As you know my biggest concern has been the social anxiety. The way I overcame social anxiety before the benzos was by constantly forcing myself outside my comfort zone i.e approaching random women, singing keroakee etc. However with my benzo brain it's almost like there's no "confidence building" when trying to expand my comfort zone. It's basically just terrifying. Does this just mean that time is really the only healer?
No, time and experience build healing and confidence. Even if you don't "feel" it happening right now, it is happening behind the scenes and being stored in cellular memory for later, I believe. That being said, putting yourself through the "experiences" will get much easier in the future, so just do what you can right now, knowing that you'll be able to do more in the future.
I believe my last dose was 10mg. I "tapered" by cutting from 20 to 10, so if I had it to do over again, I might cut down to 5mg first before quitting. The more gradual the better!
The Lovely Grind im at 0.24 mg for 2 months, thinking about calling it quits. But the withdrawal is still heavy from time to time, naisea, panic attacks, heart pounding and skipping a beat for 5 mins...shortness pf breath and tiredness.
@@RusskiPatsan, I would see the taper through to a more gradual completion if you can. I really think that should help in the long run. That being said, tapers never happen in a vacuum, and I know all of our life circumstances are different. You'll heal either way, I believe, but the more gradual option might make life after 0 a little easier on you. Take care!
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 86 | คู่เอก "คมเพชร vs ชาติพยัคฆ์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m3q_dRYDuU8/mqdefault.jpg)
We need more success stories and positivity like this. Too many benzo “support” groups focus too much on the doom and gloom.
Where a person puts their focus while healing is important! Thanks for the comment!
@@TheLovelyGrinddo u feel low energy symptoms i m 35 months off
I look forward to your videos & updates!!! I'm a 65 year old great grandma who's just now 6 months off of xanax & alcohol after 20 + years of using both to cope & calm my anxiety & panic attacks. I know I don't have to tell u how terribly difficult it's been for me & for my husband of 33 yrs & our 15 yr old granddaughter we've raised since birth. They see an improvement in me but can't possibly feel what I'm experiencing physically, mentally, & emotionally. It's comforting to know in time I'll eventually feel better. I've been watching ur videos throughout this entire ordeal & you've helped me more than U could imagine. I'm so happy for u & appreciate ur success story. It's good for us all to hear that there's light @ the end of this dark scary tunnel. God Bless you young man. & please keep making your videos k??? Til next time, take good care of yourself...
Kayleen, I'm so glad that you found my videos, and that they are able to give you a little comfort and guidance as you walk toward that light at the end of your tunnel. Things do get better, just keep taking care of yourself, and keep moving forward one day at a time with faith! Also, keep checking out the videos! Great to hear from you!
Kayleen Ward how are you doing now??
So true, thanks Michael and congrats man. Needed this, 18 months CT and feeling unending
You're very welcome, Tom. You will turn a corner soon, I know it!
TFemm44 hello how are you doing? I noticed you went CT, did you experience constant headaches? Head pressure? Memory loss? I went CT 3 weeks ago being on 6 different antidepressants over a 2 month period. Will the brain recover?
Marsha Greene are you any better now
@@marshagreene7926 how r u now. my frd
Salute too you man! Been off Xanax for 2 years and I’m still anxious everyday but I’m pushing thru it! Praying for those going thru the same thing.
Huge congrats, Simi! Keep at it!
Congratulations! Great video. I can’t wait to get off Xanax for good. You hit on a lot of the things I’m going through too. I never knew Xanax was the reason for so many of my problems... especially social anxiety. I have to take Xanax to do anything! But now I’m tapering, so I hope I can deal with life and being around people without having to rely on Xanax. The struggle is real.
Yes, ironically, life can be much more calm after the benzo is stopped. And don't worry, the adjustments regarding living a life without a benzo will come for you. It just takes small steps done over and over to build confidence and a change in perspective. Take care!
Kim Seiple hi Kim how are you doing? I’ve been tapering off my Ativan, it is a real struggle!
Kim Burnett-Seiple ditto! How do you taper? I have 90 left and I’m scared to death
Marsha Greene, I’m sorry for replying months later, but I’m just now seeing your comment. I’m doing OK. I had managed to stop xanax on March 11, 2019, but months later something had set me off with terrible anxiety and I ended up taking 0.50 mg of Xanax and now I end up taking that same dose about every 4 days. It makes me mad. Anxiety can be bad and right now with the fear of the Coronavirus, my anxiety is really bad, but I refuse to take Xanax daily. I don’t think my anxiety issues will ever go away and if I don’t take a Xanax, my stomach does something really strange. Hard to explain it, but it’s a real uncomfortable flip flop feeling.
Jenni Highlander, my prescription was 1mg Xanax, twice a day. I was on it for about 18 years. In 2018 I cut down to only one pill a day. In January of 2019, I started cutting back and it’s not easy. I took .75 for a month and then I cut to .50 mg for a month and by March, I took .25 . I struggled for only 5 days. I was scared big time, but I got through it. I did sleep a lot and some people can’t do that. I had heart palpitations at times, but it goes away. I got real dizzy a few times and asked my doctor for Zofran and that was a huge lifesaver. Benadryl works just as good though. I did have bad anxiety when tapering and diarrhea too. But, it really did only last for 5 days. Same with my daughter too. She works and had to go through it all and it took her 5 days as well. The .25 did nothing and I ended up stopping altogether. Months later, I did have a set back. It was over 6 months later. I had terrible anxiety and ended up taking .50 mg and I’ve been having to do that about every 4 to 5 days. It did feel good being totally off though, but I can’t deal with anxiety when it gets super bad. My doctor never stopped prescribing me Xanax. I did it on my own because most of the doctors where I go have stopped prescribing it. I didn’t want to be taken off cold turkey. I do have ear ringing still. I started getting that just before tapering and it never stopped. I hear Xanax can do that. If you have any more questions, just ask. It really was nice being off of it though. I just wish my anxiety would go away. I hate that I still need it every 4-5 days.
And just to clarify one point in this video, when I mention a corner being turned for me around 18 months, it's not as if I didn't see any improvements for 18 months. There are improvements, measures of healing, that happen throughout the taper and withdrawal process. But then we each have our own major corners we turn as well, times when the progress really seems more substantial and permanent. To all of you out there who are going through the taper and withdrawal right now, please don't fear that your healing timeline will be lengthy, or that major improvements won't happen for you for a long period of time. This is all very individual, and your major "corners of healing" might be arrived at more quickly than mine were! Take care of yourself in all the proper ways, and the healing will happen!
Did you develop tinnitus ,if so how long did it last?
@@m.l.m1135 I had some, and I found that it could be exacerbated by too much caffeine, too much stress, or too little sleep. It gets better, though, so stay positive!
I am 44 months off but still very ill!😢
@@the_littlelala Please try to focus on any improvements that have happened since week one off the meds; those are important evidence of healing. And keep an eye on stepping up the self-care/self-improvement game in any ways you can. At this point, those small but consistent efforts will help you to turn the important corners. Take care and stay connected here!
Just aim for a little improvement each month. Things can and will get better. And don't be afraid to tweak anything and everything in search of better health and happiness at this point: routines, diet, exercise, home and work atmospheres, etc. Take care, @@the_littlelala
Good for you. I quit after 33 years.
So great, Shawna!
I am so glad to hear this!! Thank you 🙏
Thanks fof your video. I have been on Xanax for almost 30 years. 2 years ago i stopped my dosage during the day. Now i have began the taper for the nightly use. Now down to 1 mg. At night. Can not wait to be free of this drug. Know i am looking at another year of withdrawal. That is ok. Just taking it on day at a time. I will get there. Thanks.
One day at a time, Jack. That's right. Great work. Keep it up, you can do it and be free.!
Same
I needed this video I have done it once when I was younger 23 to be exact and did a cold turkey because of a situation I got my self into now it took me 2.5 yrs to feel like me again but all he said I went thru I was on klonopin and I had a bad situation in 2017 with a friend passing away long story but that event gave me anxiety and panic attacks and went to the doc in Mexico got prescribed meds with another name and shape come to find out it was Xanax and I was told to take 1.5 every night im a bit higher now but like you said either you decide to start living or start dying SO!! FOR ME IT"S TIME TO START LIVING THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO HOPE YOU ARE STILLL GOOD MAY GOD BLESS ALL IN THE STRUGGLE
Thank you Michael , I m 5 months off now & I was on AD / benzos for 2 decades ! Last 7 years I had adverse reactions as I reinstated Prozac ( after 10 months off) then I was damaged & ended up kindled 3 years ago! Withdrawals were horrific & hellish years were a daily torture, nightmare 24/7 , no happiness no hope no life , I saw the evil when I was tapering the kindling & brain damage are the worst experience that I went through , now I m a bit better however I m steel not healed , steel experiencing waves & windows ! I have to wait it out that's all. It's too early & I have to work a lot a lot, thank you , I hope that it's not permanent brain injury.
No, Keith, not a permanent thing. Everyone fears that, but this is only a temporary set of circumstances that can be healed from with time and attention. You will see further improvements! Take care!
How are keith? Im. Kindled too and developed POTS..
Keith Amaeus how are you now ?
Thank you for your video first time watching it…… I’m on 2mg Xanax cuz you anxiety kept getting worse (after klonopin And ativan) I really like your video… but Everytime I try to stop it I fail because I get irritable and the worse thing I ever experienced in my life the worse symptom of all :: Brain Fog 😶🌫️ thank you fr the courage you’ve got to make these videos 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
So glad you found the vids, Selenaa. Don't get discouraged - irritability, brain fog, I had those too. They can and will get better in time. Stay encouraged!
I’m four years into cold turkey withdrawal and still suffering horrendously daily. 😞 It seems like the torture will never end. I was on 10 different psych drugs at different times for 10 years and I’m 24. I thought being young meant I would heal fast but I guess not. 😔
Just keep at it and keep the faith. Remember, your situation with the medications was complex and not created in a day, and therefore healing and getting your better health sorted out can take a little bit, too. Stay patient, stay positive; you're getting there!
How were you able to get off cold turkey im on 2mg but Everytime I try to get off I relapse 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰
I'm 9 months off clonazepam but I'm not able to work because of brain fog, I'm a bit worried that I'll never be okay. There are a few things that help like walking in nature, meeting my friends, quiet environment, prayer.. it's not pure hell but often I'm just desperate. Thank you for your video.
You're welcome. And this is a bit of a trial and error process of finding what makes us feel better and then doing more of it, so keep at the prayer, the walks, the conversations with friends, etc. Take care and keep watching!
Michaela2345 I hope you have no sleep problems now
I hope all people will be healed from this shit
No name my frd how r u now
Still struggling with PVCS, gut issues, muscle twitches, and sternum soreness @30 months.. cold turkey Xanax. This is HELL. Hearts been checked, bloods been checked, they can’t find anything wrong.. idk what to do anymore. I feel like it’ll never end.
It will end, Eddie. Just give it some more time, and keep caring for yourself. Find relaxing activities, get physical exercise, and don't ever get discouraged. This healing stuff can take a while sometimes, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. It is.
I really like your holistic approach and envisioning success. That’s powerful. I’m going to do that. ❤️
So glad to hear that! It will pay dividends for you! Take care and stay connected.
@@TheLovelyGrind when your insomnia start to get better?
It's nice to hear something positive. Trying to stay positive. I had a horrible weekend as a Dr withdrew me down too quickly. She was a new Dr and my office quickly got me to someone else. But she had taken me down . 25mg clonazepam and once I go down, I never want to go back up. So I've been suffering. I was dizzy and fell down a flight of steps, that compounded the problem. I felt so horrible I went to my family Dr thinking I had an infection. It was a minor miracle I didn't break anything in the fall. My Dr said my symptoms were from the withdrawal. The ringing in my head is relentless. I was put on Xanax when my son had to enter a Shiner's Children's Hospital due to a life-threatening condition. I had to work 3 jobs to afford to take off 4 months and move to another city. I had to leave my teenage daughter behind. He survived and had the best outcome considering but when I got home I stopped taking the Xanax and I went into a seizure. So I went back to my psychiatrist (private pay) and she doubled my dose and assured me I wouldn't get "addicted" to Xanax. Then she dropped me when I wanted to get off, which is all too common. The good news is the fact that I feel better today. Usually, when I taper down slowly I feel really good after 2 weeks. My depression vanishes. Then I taper a little more. But I was taken down too severe this time. I'm halfway there but just had a rough spell. Thank you for your encouraging words. It is hard for even those closest to us to understand the magnitude of the problem.
Yes, the reality of what these drugs do isn't anything like the breezy image that is presented in advertisements or even in pop culture references. The reality is a million complicated and painful stories, like yours and mine. But there are happy endings, too, so just keep moving forward and creating your success story! Take care and keep watching!
@@TheLovelyGrindHell is what it is.
I’m 17 months off Xanax cold turkey. My family doesn’t believe me every time I tell them that I am not feeling normal. They think I’m crazy. Idk how to get them to understand. They don’t believe that I’m still having heart palpitations, serious GI issues, severe acid reflux, dizziness, burning neck pain, sternum pain, esophageal spasms, boaty feeling, and I can literally feel each and everyone of my heart beats. I feel like my vagus nerve is destroyed and extremely hyperactive and sensitive. I wish they really knew how I feel. I don’t know what to do anymore... I just go to my room and close my door, and watch withdrAwal videos and check my symptoms everyday all day.
It can be difficult to communicate the situation to others, but know that you aren't alone with this stuff. And even though there are symptoms there, try to get out. Don't isolate 24/7 or focus on withdrawal 24/7. I know that seems tough sometimes, but just do it. You will notice a difference.
how are you doing now? hope you've improved!
@@claireyork180 I have improved! A lot... still some physical stuff like skipped beats & my nervous system feels fragile.. but nowhere like a year ago! There is light.
@@eddiegarciajr6653 great to hear! congratulations.. hope you fully recover soon!
@@eddiegarciajr6653 hi eddie can i ask email add or messenger?
I’m going through this right now and it is Hell on Earth sux and I can’t find anyone to help me.
hi.. I was on klonopin 0.5 for over 20 years... I started tapering oct.1 2019. .. 18 months taper.... HELL... I'm almost 2 years no Benzes... thought the whole time YOUR VIDS GAVE ME COURAGE.. THANK YOU BROTHER
You're so welcome, Mario. You have accomplished so much. Keep the progress going in life, you're doing great!
@@TheLovelyGrind Its Over .. Best to you..!
Finally a success story! Ive been typing benzo success story's could not find any when I feel better I really want to share my story. I wouldn't advise this but I did a rapid detox going from 3mg 4 times a day abusing it to nothing...still don't know how the hell i've done it.
Glad you found my videos, Rick. Keep watching and keep taking care of yourself as you move forward!
I’ve been taking Xanax to get to sleep, for the last 2 years. About a quarter bar every night I’m self medicating as I get it off the streets. Now I’m just an anxious mess all day and It’s impossible to sleep without it. I know I have lots to be happy about but I need the pain to stop I’m constantly having suicidal thoughts. I don’t know what to do, I was depressed before it with insomnia but it’s far worse now after taking Xan
There is a solution. Make yourself a taper plan, and get the medications out of your life. The process might be a little challenging, but you are already in the midst of enormous pain, so what is there to lose? Others have found a solution and you can too. Just start reaching for it little by little. Take care today!
Look up Interdose Withdrawal
Many thanks again Michael. Your videos mean a lot to me. Please keep making them.I honestly think because you have been there throughout my withdrawal, even hearing your voice goes a long way to calming my fear. Also,I keep meaning to ask you what does" Lovely grind' mean exactly? Kind Regards,Joan, Scotland
You're very welcome, Joan. Keep watching the videos, I'll keep making them. And The Lovely Grind is something that refers to finding little pieces of joy and purpose, even during the most stressful times of our lives. We might never be able to eliminate the "grind" completely, but we can try to make it "lovely" by staying close to God, working on things we are passionate about, finding happiness with friends and family members, getting healthy etc. Happiness isn't always about huge things, but rather the "little" things that can make daily life lovely. Take care!
Thanks for sharing your story it's very motivating my mother is having a 1/2 of 0.5 mg alprazolam can you suggest a suitable tapering off plan please.
I would at this point refer you to the Ashton Manual rather than giving specific advice on that. That is the starting point for benzo tapers, and you can find specific cutting plans there, as well as many other places online. The taper doesn't have to take forever, but it should be gradual cuts done maybe every 2-4 weeks or whatever you guys deem appropriate in your situation.
@@TheLovelyGrind thank you very much !!
Excellent video!! Thanks :)
You're welcome! Take care!
I'm glad you shared. Trying to start my detox from xanex.
Glad you found my video! Good luck on everything as you move forward!
congratulations, on quitting benzodiazepines. I look forward to the day I’m ready to let it go.
Thanks, and someday when you are ready you will be able to! Take care and keep watching!
Hi I'm tapering off 0.5 mg Alprazolam. I have taken this for a year one pill a day. Now my 3rd week of taper now a smaller dose I feel anxious, anxiety and other symptoms. But is it normal to feel a squeeze in your chest/heart?
So very normal to feel all sorts of strange physical sensations when going through taper/withdrawal. Also, that chest stuff could be from increased anxiety as well, so try to find ways to bring more calm into each day, too, even as you are going through this. Take care!
last summer...i was at 140 drops for a day of xanax.........on Decembre i was at 90....on march this year 80 drops..........during quarantine (coronavirus) thanks to "smart working " at home.....i wentd down to 20 drops.....i eat safe food....Vegetables...fruit...no pizza...no fast food....a lot or water adn purifyng teas....it is hard but very possible.....at night a take Lorazepam for sleeping.....i am at 10 mg......after xanxa witdrawing....i' ll start with lorazepam.....love to evrybody....stay safe and healthy....i pray for all of you
Yes, just take it one step at a time Antonio. It sounds like you're making great progress! Take care!
Great Video
Thank you Kregg! Take care and keep checking out the videos!
@@TheLovelyGrind 4 days ago all the mental numbness was gone. My personality came back.
I was so happy i started crying. That lasted about 7 hours.
Then anxiety slowly came over me. And the mental numbness and the panic swept over me again.
Sigh...... I miss myself.. My emotions.. I hope that numbness leaves me for good some day soon
Been
@@Ballard206Journal appreciate the 7 hours. Look forward to more.
How long for ssi antidepressants to withdrawal and symptoms to end? I know there isn't an exact time table because everyone is different. I just want a ballpark figure. My dad is tapering off an ssi antidepressants to pursue natural remedies. He's been on them for 5 or 6 years. I have experience in withdrawal and I sucks. Luckily i only took my medication for a couple of weeks. So I fear for my dad. I would never wish this experience on my worst enemies.
Again, different for everyone, but if your dad takes it slow on the taper and takes care of himself in every other important way, the experience should be much shorter and easier to handle.
I'm at 22 months now and the panic with anxiety intrusive thoughts are my hardest issues
Igs like im on lsd all the time but I get some little windows
When will this end its torture
That will continue to get better with time. Try to meditate and exercise and talk to others for the anxiety, and try not to focus on the thoughts too much. Remember, you aren't a troubling thought. It is just a thought, and it can't harm you and it isn't you. That sort of mindset will obliterate their power over you! Take care and keep watching!
S.O.S HELP!!!!!! I’m trying everything I can to get help but been doing this myself for 3-4 months now I’m stuck…
I took Alprazolam for 3 years at 0.5mg for anxiety. It's been a month since I stopped. I was dizzy while I took it and the dizziness got worse after I stopped taking it. It is terrible. Did you go through that?
I had all sorts of issues when getting off the meds; I'm sure dizziness was a part of it, but it was no doubt wrapped up in a couple dozen other things, so it might not have seemed as pronounced for me. Bottom line, give it more time (and care for yourself) and it will get better!
Struggling with this currently are u still dizzy 😢
Just curious if you have been exposed to any surgery or outpatient conscious sedation since you feel you have been fully healed ? If so did you suffer any setbacks or any symptoms etc.. I’m not fully healed and I’m at 18 months out, but I know at some point I will be healed and I have a surgery that needs to be taken care of , however that will involve sedation which is a benzo or benzo type type medication and I just wonder how that effects people like us ?
Remie 118 how did surgery go?
Thanks you sir
I've been on two AD's for 18 years, and benzos for 3. I'm of the benzos now for 30 months, and one of the AD's for 10.
I'm down to a low dose on the last AD, but can't seem to get any lower before all hell break lose. I have responsibilities so I can't be in wd for years, if I get of?
Do AD wd last as long as benzos?
Either withdrawal can be moderate or longer it seems, but either way try not to anticipate some drawn-out ordeal. Just take things one step at a time and manage both symptoms and life to the best of your current abilities. And ask God to help each and every day! Take care and keep watching!
Klonopin is painful my whole body hurts from this shit
Been there. It gets better, Thomas!
Thank you
You're very welcome, Bryn. I hope you keep watching this channel!
The Lovely Grind I sure will! You’re wonderful. I really appreciate you, I know a lot of us do. So yes, thank you!
Hi all 😊😊
Can any body tell me how many weeks or months does it take for tinnitus to get better after tapering.
I have completed my 6 month long dry cut tapering from 1.5 mg of clonazepam.
My worst symptom is tinnitus..my tinnitus is very very loud now. Sometime i feel if my tinnitus get better i will be considered my self 60% recovered .
(I was on clonazepam 1.5 mg for 4 years)
Sorry for my bad english.
Shoaib Aalam it’s been four years and I still have it. It’s not nearly as bad but still there.
Bhai how you withdraw I am on 0.5 xanax
@@cariesnyder7167I’m 5 yrs out and yep… soooo much better to have most of myself back but the struggle is still very real
At what level were you at when you jump off benzo .25 mg did you weigh your pills for tapper
I'll have to check my notes on that one, but I believe somewhere around .35 was where I stopped. No, I didn't weigh, but that's probably a good idea. The more precise the better. Take care!
Thanks for your replay, I tried to jump off at .25 and started having V-Tach events with my heart now tapering with a scale and I am at .20 mg and I think I am going to have go as low as possible maybe all the way to the bottom, I have a heart condition and they should never of gave me this med for "Combat PTSD" I was better off the way I was I watch all of your videos you are very Good help to me
@@1ghurt Yes, I believe the more gradual the better. See it through, and things will get better. Take care!
@Stacy Jaye what about a gabapentin taper? I was put on it to get off xanax, now I'm dependent on that. :(
Hey man.... 6 months of a 1 year tapper program... Everything was good mild mild withdrawal... Then about a week ago the constant state of depersonalization started... Insomnia... Now panic beyond belief... Should I go back on the valium and start another tapper program?! Or try to rough this out... Thanks for reading
I wouldn't go backwards by starting a benzo again, personally. I would tough it out, get through this rough patch and move forward with the healing that has already begun for you. You've come a long way. Don't look back. The bad will pass, and more good things will come for you before you know it. Take care today.
Michael thank for your insight. One question. My last med to come off is Seroquel. I’m at Day 64 off Xanax. Is the Seroquel going to stop me healing from Xanax?
I don't think it will. I, too, had to come off two medications. First the Paxil, then the Xanax, and I don't believe that the Xanax hindered the Paxil-healing from happening, even as I was still tapering that benzo. So, just attack it one step (or pill) at a time, and know that healing is happening at all stages! Take care!
NEVER quit cold turkey
If it can be avoided, I would agree!
Does anyone else get the sleep start jerks with withdrawals? I've been on 0.25 clonazapam for 2 years. Is a 120 day micro taper good enough? Do I really need to taper for a year?
That jerking symptom is pretty common, Patrick, and as far as the taper, you must personally find a pace that works for you. 120 days for .25 mg is pretty gradual, so that could be fine. Just set up a reasonable taper plan that is gradual but keeps you motivated with the finish line in sight. You can do it! Take care and keep watching!
@@TheLovelyGrind thanks. My game plan is to taper another 2 months then get 10 days of NAD+ IV to heal and be done with this.
Hey thanks for the videos! I was wondering if I am going to get tinnitus because it seems that everyone gets it.. I never got tremors and panic attacks so far but I’m afraid I might get tinnitus.. do people dont get it or if they do does it go away? I was taking 15mg valium for 6 years and for the past 6 months I have managed to taper off to 3.9mg a day.
Thanks for any advise!
And how can I get some coaching?
Hi Jung Hwan, you can visit my website at www.lovelygrind.com/coaching and message me through that! Take care and perhaps we will talk soon!
Hey man, please bear with me for this question. As you know my biggest concern has been the social anxiety. The way I overcame social anxiety before the benzos was by constantly forcing myself outside my comfort zone i.e approaching random women, singing keroakee etc. However with my benzo brain it's almost like there's no "confidence building" when trying to expand my comfort zone. It's basically just terrifying. Does this just mean that time is really the only healer?
No, time and experience build healing and confidence. Even if you don't "feel" it happening right now, it is happening behind the scenes and being stored in cellular memory for later, I believe. That being said, putting yourself through the "experiences" will get much easier in the future, so just do what you can right now, knowing that you'll be able to do more in the future.
@@TheLovelyGrind Ok, I just tend to beat myself up A LOT t that I'm not able to do more right now. But at least I am able to work and save up money
@@goalsoverbenzos5384❤️
Hi there thank you for these vert informatieve videos. What was your last dose of Paxil, did you taper? How high was your last befor you quit?
I believe my last dose was 10mg. I "tapered" by cutting from 20 to 10, so if I had it to do over again, I might cut down to 5mg first before quitting. The more gradual the better!
The Lovely Grind im at 0.24 mg for 2 months, thinking about calling it quits. But the withdrawal is still heavy from time to time, naisea, panic attacks, heart pounding and skipping a beat for 5 mins...shortness pf breath and tiredness.
@@RusskiPatsan, I would see the taper through to a more gradual completion if you can. I really think that should help in the long run. That being said, tapers never happen in a vacuum, and I know all of our life circumstances are different. You'll heal either way, I believe, but the more gradual option might make life after 0 a little easier on you. Take care!
thank you!
Great
Thank you!
Hey Michael I tried to email you on your site but it says the domain isn't found. How do I get in touch with you for coaching sessions?
Hi Daisy, I'm not sure what happened there, but do you have an email address? I can send some information over to you that way.
Thank you
You're welcome, Brian!