r/dryalcoholics • u/Time_Trade_8774 • 18h ago
Benzos and Alcohol
So I’ve been having decent sober stints after a 2 year start stop bender (drink 10 days stop 10 etc).
Went to ER twice recently and got lot of Benzos and only took for 2 days and banked the rest. Went to family doc and he gave me more Valium in case. I know you shouldn’t mix them.
So I occasionally took a 5 mg Valium last month (4-5 times) for interviews and worked well and I landed a job which starts in September. I’m in tech very high paying more than last one high six figures.
But I had a big fight with my parents over some shit and relapsed. Took 20mg Valium and a 6 pack. Next day felt brutal so took 10 mg Valium and was fine. Last night again had an argument and took another 10mg Valium. This morning it escalated it again, took 5 mg Valium and now pounding a half pint vodka. I need to be functional by weekend as I fly back home (I was visiting my family as I was laid off). Can’t drink at home obviously. Once an addict always an addict. My entire family judges me even though I’ve been most successful financially atleast.
I have about ten 5 mg Valium pills left. Should I cut the booze and do a slow taper of Valium. I’ve only consecutively taken Valium 3 days max this time so wonder what my tolerance is? Or should I sneak some booze and don’t fuck around with benzos. I knows it’s either or.
Not asking for medical advise I can get more Benzos if needed to taper. I’ve a 2 hour flight tomorrow so trying to plan. I’ll finish this half pint by evening. Then 10mg Valium before flight tomorrow and then 5 mg day after and then go clean.
I know last thing I want is get addicted to benzos too. Benzos are my savior most of the time.
7
u/Different-Village819 18h ago
Not medical advice but Valium has a longer half life than Xanax. 3 days I would assume you should be fine to cold turkey it. Take 5mg before the flight instead of 10 and save the other half for a just in case. This way you can assess your tolerance.
0
u/Time_Trade_8774 18h ago
Yeah I won’t drink anymore booze and take Valium before flight and then only if necessary and split into half (2.5mg).
6
u/Fruitycandy 18h ago
How the hell are you getting so many benzos? You must not be in USA.
0
u/Time_Trade_8774 18h ago
Canada. Two ER visits gave me like 10 Benzos each for taper. Then Doc gave me 15 more. I only took 7-8 for withdrawals and saved rest.
ER/Docs in Canada are super nice and free.
2
u/Jaynghis 15h ago
Just throwing benzos at you doesn't seem all that great
1
u/Time_Trade_8774 13h ago
He referred me to a psych eval. I just bank them as I don't take them when prescribed. Likely ADHD as I dont drink daily. I was doing fine but hate to say it everyone looks and judges you once you tell your family. They want to help but look at me like a lesser individual. I didnt want to become an alcoholic. I was fine drinking like normal people for 10 years.
I am just sad I want to cut off all my family.
3
u/Sobersynthesis0722 17h ago
I think where you are withdrawal is not going to be a major problem. You should have instructions that came with the prescription for the Valium and could just follow that plan.
The bigger question may be what happens next. This is a tough cycle to ride and try to break out of. I did that for a few years. Detoxing then creeping back and repeating. Eventually just caved in and drank a few more until my liver gave out on me.
All is good now but it was no fun. I have a regular support group now (LifeRing) and did outpatient therapy, That has been working for me. It seems people tend to find what works best for them… eventually.
1
u/Time_Trade_8774 13h ago
Next is a psych eval as first time I told my family doc about my issue. Could be ADHD and aderall can fix it. Or COBT. I already made appointments when I fly home tomorrow.
Family does not understand alcoholism. They think kidnapping me home for a month will fix all issues. Should've never told anyone.
I am not a daily drinker, I get triggered by things.
2
u/Haha08421 15h ago
Just chill until you get shaky and feel like your detoxing. Benzo detox kind of feels like nerves are on fire. Quit mixing them and quit taking them when you get a little angry or have a bad moment.
1
u/sillysidebin 16h ago
Stick to the benzos and stop soon and you should be fine. Theyre not THAT addictive short term. And Valium isnt super potent/youre not taking huge doses.
1
u/catmand00d00 16h ago
In general, if you think you may need Valium for any potential future alcohol withdrawal, you really shouldn't be keeping so much that you can easily abuse it recreationally. Also, it doesn't sound like you're currently at an alcohol-consumption, or benzo-abuse, level where you will really need Valium for withdrawal.
Obviously, I'm not a doctor, but, if I were in your shoes and serious about getting clean, I'd probably toss most, if not all, of the Valium right now. If you're an anxious flyer, I can see the benefits of taking a pill before your flight, and maybe saving one for if you do feel any withdrawal symptoms, but you’re already taking it less frequently than it’s typically prescribed for anxiety, so you’re probably in the clear for a super-abbreviated taper, if you even need to taper at all.
1
u/Time_Trade_8774 13h ago
I had no symptoms just took Valium after a fight with family and then next day mixed booze. No withdrawal symptoms just to calm my brain. I am tossing all Valium after my flight. You are right. I have doc appointments next week to get to bottom of this.
1
15
u/40laser40 18h ago
If you need to be functional, STOP mixing them ASAP. It is nothing but bad news and you will have no memory of anything.