10-10-2019, 10:38 AM
Thanks to everyone who has posted. Hearing other experiences of work stress and benzo use/reduction is helpful. I had a very good relationship with the doctor who originally prescribed diazepam. Unfortunately when I moved for a job in another part of the country I had to get a new doctor. Despite already being on diazepam and tolerant/addicted to it, they were adamant they would not prescribe it and only offered antidepressants (ironically one that lowers the seizure threshold - no I didn't take it!). I was very shocked at just being cut off that way, and aware cold turkey was not good (seemingly more aware than the doctor). I went back armed with a printed copy of the Ashton Manual and the doctor refused to even look at it "because it came off the internet". I saw another doctor, but by then there was a note on my medical records about "drug seeking" so she wouldn't prescribe anything either, but was at least a bit more sympathetic and told me about the local drug addiction clinic. That turned out to be full of crackheads and heroin addicts - no one was in work, and it was assumed you'd just be available any time of day for appointments. It was totally incompatible with having a job! So that was why I was ultimately forced to seek alternative sources of diazepam (hence being on this forum) and educate myself about benzos. Whilst I have had CBT for the work related stress, and it was moderately useful, really I'm having to do this solo.
Bj990
My boss shows many signs of psychopathy - I mean that quite seriously. I have had several chats with HR about his behaviour. About a 1/3rd of the staff under him have made complaints to HR, whereas others have left, and one person is on long term sick leave that she attributes to this awful boss. If I didn't hate him so much I would pity him, especially his pathetic need to be right about everything (which reveals his insecurity).
I have quite detailed work plans because there are so many things going on at once I just can't keep it in my head. There are some good techniques I can use, e.g. getting the task I dislike/fear most out of the way first, so it doesn't loom over the day (I'd recommend that to anyone). My role is very reactive to situations, so there is only so far that work planning can take me. It isn't unusual to go into work with a specific plan of what I'm going to accomplish that day, but arrive and find something has happened or a member of staff has done something stupid and I need to get involved.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the diazepam I'm known within the organization as a troubleshooter/safe pair of hands who can deal with various extreme situations without getting in a panic. But I think it is like an emotional debt. Yes, I can seem cool and sort the problem, but then carry the stress of it home with me. Some of the CBT techniques help with that, but I think this workplace is a bit disfunctional - mainly due to my boss. I just keep reminding myself he won't be in charge forever (it is a role that rotates between people). I think he has burnt so many bridges and is so universally hated that I don't see how he'll be able to continue working here once he stops being in charge! There are a number of people taking antidepressants etc to cope with his failings as a human being! I am open to moving to a different job. However I work in a very niche area so there genuinely aren't many positions that are suitable. So my personal plan involves a complicated sideways move to get out from under my boss rather than leaving altogether (since my contract is genuinely good), but it will take time.
As for the taper, I have heard others say that they've been able to make quite large cuts at the start and it was only towards the end they had to go slow and steady.
Bj990
Quote:Good luck with your plan. Stressful work can have so much effect on your life especially when trying to lower doses or not use a substance. I have a stressful job and ridiculously horrible bosses and as intricate your plan for tapering is, try to make a “work plan” and look into ways to manage stress at work. My work itself is tough but the people are what make it really worse. One thing that’s helped me is I really sit and think what could be going on in their life to make them how they are and feel very sympathetic instead of frustrated or mad.
My boss shows many signs of psychopathy - I mean that quite seriously. I have had several chats with HR about his behaviour. About a 1/3rd of the staff under him have made complaints to HR, whereas others have left, and one person is on long term sick leave that she attributes to this awful boss. If I didn't hate him so much I would pity him, especially his pathetic need to be right about everything (which reveals his insecurity).
I have quite detailed work plans because there are so many things going on at once I just can't keep it in my head. There are some good techniques I can use, e.g. getting the task I dislike/fear most out of the way first, so it doesn't loom over the day (I'd recommend that to anyone). My role is very reactive to situations, so there is only so far that work planning can take me. It isn't unusual to go into work with a specific plan of what I'm going to accomplish that day, but arrive and find something has happened or a member of staff has done something stupid and I need to get involved.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the diazepam I'm known within the organization as a troubleshooter/safe pair of hands who can deal with various extreme situations without getting in a panic. But I think it is like an emotional debt. Yes, I can seem cool and sort the problem, but then carry the stress of it home with me. Some of the CBT techniques help with that, but I think this workplace is a bit disfunctional - mainly due to my boss. I just keep reminding myself he won't be in charge forever (it is a role that rotates between people). I think he has burnt so many bridges and is so universally hated that I don't see how he'll be able to continue working here once he stops being in charge! There are a number of people taking antidepressants etc to cope with his failings as a human being! I am open to moving to a different job. However I work in a very niche area so there genuinely aren't many positions that are suitable. So my personal plan involves a complicated sideways move to get out from under my boss rather than leaving altogether (since my contract is genuinely good), but it will take time.
As for the taper, I have heard others say that they've been able to make quite large cuts at the start and it was only towards the end they had to go slow and steady.