Question by : Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
Can i take benzodiazipines for anxiety if I have had substance abuse issues in the past?
seriously. I’ve been abusing alcohol heavily to self medicate my chronic anxiety on and off for the past ten years or so.. I’ve been to detox a few times, rehab, and hospitals. Of course I’ve dealt with legal trouble as well, because drinking gets me into a lot of trouble as well. I’ve tried counseling, medication, group therapy, holistic treatment, diet change, church, and more than often: trying to force myself to “stop being weak.” Nothing works. According to the state I’m bipolar which qualifies me for disability (I receive SSI and SSDI) here are some of the medications I’ve tried: adderall celexa lexapro effexor wellbutrin buspar lamictal seroquel abilify dalmane ambien trazodone diazepam straterra buspar vistaril. All of those drugs had severe side effects I could not deal with. The cons outweighed the pros. The adderall turned into severe abuse and I became psychotic for months… It took about 6 months after an overdose to calm down. I’ve never experienced mania in my life without drugs so I know for a fact I’m not bipolar. I’m often depressed but mostly anxious. I have VERY lightly abused a few prescription painkillers but honestly not enough to ever call it a serious problem…might have been heading that way for a bit but I sobered up for 18 months, where I put all my strength and energy into “recovery.” I committed myself to AA (the worst program alive) and went to therapy every week. I spoke with my case manager and continued searching for spirituality. I got a job, moderate exercise, and ate will. I was still dying inside. I went to a hospital that put me on heavy mood stabilizers that triggered compulsive over eating which is horrible since I have underlying health issues so I had to quit. The other unbearable side effects I’ve experienced from medication is insomnia, tardive dyskinesia, heart palpitations, swollen throat, cystic acne, and worsened suicidal thoughts. Not worth it, at all. My anxiety is chronic and involves obsessions, social distress, and panic attacks…I used to have them really bad when I was younger and they are coming back. I contacted a load of psychiatrists and none are accepting new clients. The agency I’m assigned to does not prescribe addictive medication especially to people with substance abuse issues. my neighbors use xanax and I have connections if needed be. I’d rather try a lighter one though such klonopin. I’ve heard that it is the less addicting? I’m not drug seeking…just want to treat my symptoms. i’ve used ativan and valium before and they were life savers but I never went after them hard because I was so scared of withdrawal or adding more problems. Thing is, I think about killing myself every single day…maybe I’m a person that just needs a real anxiety medicine, for life?? Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. I feel doomed at the moment. thankyou

oh wait dalmane worked beautifully but it was only a temporary prescription and i was too scared to ask the doctor for a refill because i’m insanely terrified of that kind of pill addiction
to yummy- I’m pretty sure I listed a bunch of medicine I’ve tried before. they dont work. anywys bye
micki 48. shut . the. f*ck. up. I’m well aware nearly every option has been eliminated…….. it’s not my own head that did it……..lol. idiot. I’ve been doing this on and off for 10 years…my body is hyper sensitive to all medication. I’m not making it up when my heart goes into tachycardia…. lol. when my stomach swells up to the size of a 6 or 7 months pregnant lady because I eat something my stomach doesnt agree with, that’s not all in my head. When i take a medicine one night and wake up with blisters all over my face the next, it’s not in my head. people like you are so ignorant. yes I’ve been to therapist after therapist, and so far, I’ve only ran into two who were worth my time. Intelligent enough with useful strategies. Unfortunately both of them left their practices without much notice. One was sick, and the other gave no explanation. One was a psychologist by the way, mind you assume that I’ve only been to therapists. Anyways I want y
you to know that you are stupid. The reason I say this is partially because I’m bitter and miserable, but mostly because it’s true.

Best answer:

Answer by As it should be
the internet says Dalmane is a Benzo.
I think your first reaction toward their addictive nature is your wisest.

Answer by Micki 48
With your past history, taking any kind of potentially addictive drug would be a mistake, and any doctor that would prescribe a patient a life long drug for anxiety is a ****wit.

You have made a long list of things you can’t take, won’t take, and things you don’t think have worked for you. You’ve nearly eliminated every option, at least in your own mind. Personally, I think you need to work one on one with a good psychologist to find the cause of your anxiety, not take a pill for the rest of your life to treat the symptoms.

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