FAQs
Table of Contents
How quickly should I come off?
There is no absolute answer since there are so many variables but you are much more likely to succeed if you do it slowly. Most people try to come off far too quickly. If you have been taking the drug for more than a few weeks ON NO ACCOUNT stop suddenly or make large cuts in dosage. If there is a support group near you then consider using it. See withdrawal advice.
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Wouldn't I be better off just staying on the drug?
This has to be a personal decision after taking the best available advice including consulting your doctor (it is very important to have a cooperative doctor!). However in general the answer is "no" for the following reasons:
- The "therapeutic" effects of the drug reduce with time and you are probably getting little benefit.
- If you keep increasing the dose to overcome this you will quickly become tolerant of the increase.
- Even on a fixed dose you may eventually get some withdrawal symptoms.
- The drug can distort your perception of the world and reduce your quality of life.
- Some people think that it is too late but this is not so. Whatever your age or length of time on the drug you can come off.
The answer is to reduce your dose very slowly. This minimises withdrawal symptoms and eventually you will be free of the pills.
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Shouldn't I concentrate on therapy for my emotional problems?
If your problems have developed since you started taking the drug then they may be side effects. If your problems go back further the therapy may not be very effective since Benzos tend to reduce the ability to restructure one's inner world. Consider coming off the drugs first and then reviewing whether you need further help from therapies.
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I tried cutting slowly but hit problems!
Definitions of "slowly" vary a lot. Many doctors and books suggest cutting at a rate which, in our experience, is often too rapid. Many people find it difficult to believe that the effects of cutting the dosage may not be experienced for two or three weeks (for long acting Benzos). See withdrawal advice.
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Should I ever increase my dose?
If you have cut down too quickly or by too great a proportion then you might need to increase your dose again until you stabilize. You should preferably get advice on this and the support of your doctor. However avoid "yo-yo ing", the aim should be to find a level dose at which you feel confident enough to eventually begin cutting down slowly. See withdrawal advice.
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How likely am I to become addicted?
The risk of addiction becomes higher if you take the drug regularly over a long period. The Committee on Safety of Medicines recommends that benzodiazepines should not be prescribed for longer than 2-4 weeks. Unfortunately this advice has often been ignored. At longer periods than this the drugs lose their intended effects and withdrawal symptoms become increasingly likely. See notes on dependence.
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I don't like taking the tablets; surely I'm not an addict?
It's all a matter of terminology. There are many reasons for becoming dependent. People may like the effects of the drug or they may fear the withdrawal symptoms. They may think the pills are keeping them well. Perhaps they tried to come off before but couldn't cope because they didn't have the information they needed to succeed. See notes on dependence.
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How does a support group operate?
We can only speak for our own support groups, which currently operate in the Bristol, England area. BAT's policy is to offer support and advice for you to make your own decisions. There is no pressure for anyone to reduce the amount they take before they feel ready. We welcome people who haven't decided what they want to do yet.
Most people find listening to other people's experiences reassuring and informative. Groups are usually guided by people who have come off pills themselves and understand the problems. Our groups are informal and you are welcome to attend as often (or as rarely) as you wish.
It is important for people to be in charge of their own withdrawal rates. BAT operates a client-led service which is non-judgmental. We support clients with information, advice and a willing ear. Groups are usually also happy to welcome relatives, carers and health professionals who wish to find out more about the subject. See BAT services.
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What is BAT's attitude to those taking unprescribed drugs?
BAT is not concerned with how you came to be taking the drugs or what other drugs you may be taking. We take a non-judgmental attitude. As well as our support groups we offer a service at several drop-in centres. See BAT services.