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I have mentioned these before but to save people scrolling I'll say again:

For sleep: Doxylamine and Melatonin - both OTC in U.S, both legally imported on the internet in U.K. (Look for "Unisom" (US) or Kirkland sleep aid (UK))

For daytime: Pregabalin (look for "Lyrica") I have never tried this, but I have read a LOT about it, it seems to be the best of the bunch. This is prescription only, however I don't see why a Dr would be hesitant to prescribe it.

I never use b3nz0s to sleep, did years ago but not now, Doxy & Mel work great for me (arguably better) - tho I've only ever had D1az.
Unfortunately I now rely on Doxy & Mel, however I am not addicted, I would not feel a single withdrawal symptom if I stopped, I just wouldn't sleep as well, but it wouldn't mess with me physically or emotionally if I never touched either ever again. I know this because when I go on holidays, although I pack it, I don't take it (a mix between a few beers and not having an alarm is a 'cure' in itself) so I go 7-14 days without having any and I'm 100% fine, I'm happy with this.

I believe Preg (Lyrica) is a bit addictive, but not nearly as much as b3nz0s.

My advice would be to taper down to a (or equivalent of a) 2mg per day D1az ... addiction ... before switching to a low as possible dose of Preg (Lyrica)

I guess the Preg (Lyrica) part is aimed at people with a higher b3nz0 intake, my intake is fairly low so I plan to cold turkey, once the time is right.

Good luck to you all.

Yes the Doxylamine Succinate worked great for me too.
Forgot about that one. Thx.

My doc refuses to prescribe pregbalin or lyrica,says it is addictive(or is really saying it has rec abuse potential),doesn't mind me addicted to ADs or gabbapentin.
Good luck if trying to stop the benz0s.

thanks guys about otc suggestions,know its easier in US in eu its a joke in recent years stuff like valerian is prescription only in many places,says a lot where countries are going with such attitude and laws.

(06-07-2017, 09:51 AM)I\m TommyGun Wrote: [ -> ]My doc refuses to prescribe pregbalin or lyrica,says it is addictive(or is really saying it has rec abuse potential),doesn't mind me addicted to ADs or gabbapentin.
Good luck if trying to stop the benz0s.

Hey TG,

That's suprising. I know of a few people who have been prescribed it.
It's a crazy world. 
My current GP (and my previous) - about a 4 year period now, have been the best GP's I could have ever asked for.
After many many years of bad GP's I've finally had some luck.
I guess I should keep the previous ones in mind though

All the best

I know a couple of people who get lyrica from their docs,they don't live where i live mind,seems all the docs in my area won't prescribe a whole load of things,benzos,lyrica and strong PKs esp.

A lot of us in the area get treated in a 2nd class manner by docs,the area had a bad reputation years ago,I have lived here half of my life so they just think we are after something to use rec instead of actually using it for what its intended for.

I see my doc again in about a month,going to have a serious talk with her,even getting a months supply of lyrica would help when the nerve damage flares up with worse pain than usual,if she won't prescribe me something better then i may have to turn to the iop world for decent help,if she does mention that they won't prescribe for fear of claims being made for getting addicted to meds I'm going to ask the doc why have you got me addicted to mirtazipine(which is making me ill) and gabbapentin then?I haven't tried putting in a claim for that.

I'll probably just get that stupid look on the docs face that I have seen on numerous occasions now.

Gather some facts and figures TG.
When you see your doc next show him/ her the benefits of Lyrica over what you're currently being prescribed.
As long as you find some decent evidence online from a reliable source then it almost becomes 2 v 1.

When I have been going through pain this year I have gone in prepared.
I have now, on 2 occasions, after showing my 'notes' literally been asked "what would you like" and my options were a benz0 and 2 0piods

I guess my Dr knows it's not for rec.
it's a shame your area are all being tarred with the same brush.

I find this a very intresting topic.
I have struggled with opiate addiction in the past. And it was not easy to kick that. I only succeeded with the help of subuxone and some great therapy. luckily my country has a great health program..so this was not too expensive. I read some other experiences on this forum from posters in other countries.

While I was in rehab and during a lot of meetings I heard and I saw the stories of people who tried to kick a benzo habit. And the withdrawls were horrific. Also mentally it took months or even years too recover.
So it is great to see such a topic where people offer helpful insights. 
Great feedback in here.

To be honest I have fallen off the wagon again. It hasn't been as severe as last time (I don't remember 2013 happening at all), but I can see it coming to an end badly. At the moment I am only taking at night time because a couple of weeks back my work bestie asked me if I was drunk. I can't risk losing my job, but I'm popping a pill the moment I'm on the train home.

TBH I am scared about whatever happens either way: the physical withdrawals (I've had seizures from withdrawals in the past) or once again hitting rock bottom, cleaning up and spending 3 years getting my life back on track. My dream is to create a taper plan, stock up on exactly enough and stick to it perfectly, but I know myself too well to even pretend that's going to work.

I have never told anybody, never once, that I have a problem. The ultimate irony is that I get anxious and panic any time I pick up the phone to call a counsellor.

Hi Nick...

Seriously, well done for making the first and most important step - talking about it and admitting that it is a real problem for you, one you would rather not have going on in your life atm!

Maybe you could contact a local support group when you feel ready to taper off of them. And as you find it difficult to talk over the phone, and I know how that feels as I too get real edgy and just blurt stuff out, then there are some support groups that will do live chat over the internet, giving you more time to compose and think through your answers and what it is you need to say.

It sounds like you are going to need proper support from somewhere or someone.  Tapering Benz0z down to absolute zero is hard at the best of times.  And then you need to be strong enough to keep away from them in the future...but one step at a time!

I wish you the best of luck Nick, and maybe you have already made the first step to success right here - so well done you!