Using diazepam to get back to society?

[Bellicus]

My doctor gave me a glass of stesolid, witch is the Norwegian version of valium (diazepam), a couple of weeks ago, so I could get more outside the door and do things with friends etc. And this medicine has had a really good effect on me. No anxeity, no back-pain, no stress, no social phobia, and I just feel more like a normal person when I am on it. Even the pessimistic, depressed feeling goes away when I'm on them. And I haven't had any need to abuse it. On normal days, when I'm home I don't need this medicine. I got them in the medicine-cabinet now, and I could use some if I wanted, but no need and no want. So I don't feel any fear about getting addicted as long as it stays this way.

Im on 100% disability because of bipolar disorder, social phobia and OCD. But with diazepam I've gotten a hope about maybe I can get back to society, getting a work or some education on halftime, and in that way decreasing the disability with 50%.

But my question is: Would I be in danger of getting addicted (or that the medicine will stop working) if I for example work 3 days one week and 2 days the next week and etc. and use diazepam on the workdays? And could I still use some medicine 1 day a week on social acivities?

I'm asking on this forum, cause I guess people here will have the most knowledge to be able to answer. I got high hopes about this, so if this is not realistic, then it would be nice to just get that disapointment as soon as possible, before I start planning more.

 

[TheMainException]

I think you could try it, but be careful with the doses and maybe take half doses if you are worried about getting addicted. It has a relatively high addiction potential compared to other things, but that doesn't mean it can't be helpful. I wouldn't suggest you think of using this forever, but it could be a way to get yourself into other coping strategies so that you can use this less and still feel good and function. Talk to your doc for sure...and keep in touch with him so that if you feel like you are getting addicted, you can talk about other options or how do decrease that effect. I say go for it.

 

[Zyphyr]

Yeah I would say go for it too.Valium is not very addicting as far as benzos go. And it does not sound like your on a very high dose. I took Valium for well over 4 months almost daily and stopped with no withdraws or anything. But I did have to be switched to Klonopin because I was too use to the Valium.
But for real, if it is helping you...let it help.

 

[BlessEwe]

Yeah I would say go for it too.Valium is not very addicting as far as benzos go. And it does not sound like your on a very high dose. I took Valium for well over 4 months almost daily and stopped with no withdraws or anything. But I did have to be switched to Klonopin because I was too use to the Valium.
But for real, if it is helping you...let it help.

God Bless, Zyphyr the reason you didn't experience any withdraw symptoms is because Klonopin is in the benzo family. Valium is a longer acting benzo, and Very Addictive! Sometimes people have to be on these types of drugs, and it does sound as though you are not abusing them. Keep in check with your doctor, and be on alert with yourself. Benzos ( valium ) is one of the most addicting drug as well as hardest to detox from. It can really mess you up... I know it first hand because I ended up addicted to them after the loss of some family members ... I abused them.

This is the drug that can be very dangerous to get off of once you are addicted, it stays in your fat cells for along time. So it sounds like you are being careful, and hopfully your doctor is on top of everything.

Giving yourself long breaks between it, and only using it when you have to. Many people do just fine.

 

[changed1]

Be carefull. Valium is a Benzodiazepine (benzo). I was perscribed a benzo to help sleep 9 months ago with the dr telling me things would be fine if I did'nt take it every night. Well I did'nt and its changed my life in a very bad way. Nasty stuff if you happen to get addicted. Every person reacts differently and has different side effects, tolerances, addiction potential and withdrawl sympthoms.

I don't want to stop your success and rain on your parade; just telling you what benzo drugs can do. Do a google for support forums for many people who have serious issues with them. I'd post a link but its not allowed until I get 50 posts on the forums.

 

[tartanarmy]

I think you could try it, but be careful with the doses and maybe take half doses if you are worried about getting addicted. It has a relatively high addiction potential compared to other things, but that doesn't mean it can't be helpful. I wouldn't suggest you think of using this forever, but it could be a way to get yourself into other coping strategies so that you can use this less and still feel good and function. Talk to your doc for sure...and keep in touch with him so that if you feel like you are getting addicted, you can talk about other options or how do decrease that effect. I say go for it.

Being clean is good but you need to also be able to live your life. I agree stay in close contact with your doctor, ONLY take it when you need it.

The problem is we are addicts. CAN you only take it when you need it or do you think you will abuse it? Make sure you ask yourself this question.

Can the doctor prescribe something similar that is not so addictive?

 

[Bellicus]

Being clean is good but you need to also be able to live your life. I agree stay in close contact with your doctor, ONLY take it when you need it.

The problem is we are addicts. CAN you only take it when you need it or do you think you will abuse it? Make sure you ask yourself this question.

Can the doctor prescribe something similar that is not so addictive?

Still using these medicine, since I made this post, and my use of them have no increased and I don't feel any kind of addiction. I often think about and feel a need to take one, but I have no problems with only using them when I am supposed to use them.

I am waiting for appointment with psychiatrist, since my doctor wanted a specialist to take the decision if I could use these more regularly to get out into work or school.

And yes, the doctor have talked about Sobril (Oxazepam), which is also a benzodiasepine, but a less addictive one, so maybe I will try this kind of medicine too, and see if I get the same effect.

 

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

As a side discussion -- the title of this thread mentions getting "back" to society.

Moriah wonders, how does one go "back" to someplace one has never been in, in the first place?

 

[Daddy-Boy]

I got addicted to Valium and needed to be hospitalized for 1 week on a drip which washes the Valium off of the receptors inside your body.

That was 7 years ago and since then I went through some major health stuff and by the grace of God I am alive today; but on Valium

You really need to work hard not to get addicted!

We fool ourselves when we say; I am not addicted or feeling addicted

Not many addicts feel addicted they just feel like taking more and more but never addicted (lol)

I keep responsible by keeping a journal

daily
1. How I woke up
2. How much anxiety I feel (eg 7/10)
3. The amount of Valium I used (eg. 4mg, 5mg, 6mg)
4. How much the anxiety reduced from the Valium (eg. 3/10)

The way you see if you are becoming addicted is
1. Does the same dose reduce the anxiety to the same degree or do you feel slightly more anxious therefor leading you to believe your anxiety is worse and you need more Valium
2. Are you taking some dose Valium even on days when anxiety is low?
3. Are you making excuses for taking the Valium
4. Does the Valium take a lot of your thoughts
5. Does guilt arise

Valium is really only used to help you to get out of the house and then into a group for support / getting out to see a psychologist to learn some life skills / emergencies when nothing is going to convince you that you are safe because adrenaline is pumping through your body/ etc;

I was also told in hospital that benzo's (Valium) and alcohol are the only 2 drugs doctors will not make you go 'Cold Turkey' on as it can kill you.

Speed, Heroin, Cocaine is physically safe withdrawing from even though you hallucinate, sweat and can almost go crazy but benzo's and booze can KILL!

Having mental illness though is bloody tough and I completely understand how much pain you go through just be as best as you can be; trust in Him as much as you can do and you will be rewarded with the crown of eternal life.