Posted by laima on November 28, 2006, at 13:07:34
In reply to Re: Difference between Ativan and Valium? » laima, posted by ace on November 27, 2006, at 20:26:53
My experience fits your definitions of addiction unfortunately- so am I to conclude I am an unusually lame drug addict just plain utterly lacking in self control? Fully deserve what I brought upon my weak self?? I'm actually not into street drugs. Doctors, "experts", raised my dose over approximately 5 years in response to increasing tolerance, then decided to stop the escalation cycle, and I can't really use benzodiazapines again on any regular basis-at least not for a long while. ( "We don't normally prescribe much more than that, and it's time to bring this cycle to an end, the drugs are obviously not helping this way". ) I can't argue with that. It's a shame. What initially was way too much- a knock out- has zero effect on me now. ("Tolerance? Sure it's possible, you've been on it for a long time. It's probably not doing you any good any more.") I'd practically crave clonopin- not for any high or recreation, but to stave off withdrawal. Dream about benzodiazapines, wonder if I might not have an emergency stash somewhere, if there might not be overlooked bits on the floor from splitting them. Hoped the pharmacy wouldn't run out! No one ever asked, "Any history of addiction in your family?", or anything like that. So whose "fault" is it really? Everybody? Perhaps nobody? Not clear. And I wonder who exactly funded that study you quote for your position. I think it's useful to look at studies skeptically, and wonder what were their interests? Sure they're useful drugs- but not without risks. Perhaps best approached cautiously on a case by case basis. I think there no easy answer from them or about them. Fortunately, curiously, I've never experienced withdrawal symptoms of any kind from any stimulants or antidepressants. No cravings, either. Go figure, body chemistry differences.
> > >Also addiction (within the context of dependence) denotes that the user needs higher and higher doses to sustain efficay.
> >
> > Actually, this IS possible with benzos used long-term.
> > And a lot of people just go up on their dosage indefinately.
>
> I personally have never seen any evidence of this - only when Benzo's are used as street drugs. I have read a lot of clinical and anecdotal literature and the use of higher doses
> does not correlate with responsible medical usage.
>
>
poster:laima
thread:707968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061123/msgs/708197.html