Tapering - Q: Does mixing types of benzo's reduce dependance? + Tapering log.

[Synesthesiac]

So my friend has once again been overdooing the benzo's recently. This is all off prescription useage, mainly used for anxiety. He's been using either diazepam (10mg) clonazepam (2mg) or alprazolam (1mg) nearly daily for about the last two months, and on and off for the last 6 or so. He also has 1g of phenazepam powder, which he tends not to use. He does not have a huge tollerence, he guesses his tollerance is about at the stage where he needs about twice as much to get the same effects as when not using. An average week will probably have five/six days where he consumes at least one of the above (usually at night to sleep) or one in the morning before work (stressful social job) or large amounts if using stimulants (stimulant paranoia). Give it two/three days without having any however and he starts to feel very restless, tense, not able to focus on anything, gets stiff muslces, is irritable, gets tingles and rushes, is very non social and finds sleep extremely hard.

He was under the impression that if he mixed up his usage of benzo's that getting dependant on one type would not be so much of an issue and thus easier to stop using. Is this true to any extent or not really?

Anyways, when he finishes his job next week he is going to plan on tapering to nothing and aviod social situations for a while that encourage him to use them. He can get by comfortably on say one of the above every night to sleep. And will probably be using phenazepam for once this week to chill him out, then taper with diazepam when his job has finished. Probably starting at 10mg at night, 5mg in the middle of the day and working down from there.

I guess his total use over the last say eight months has been something like 200x10mg diazepam, 100x1mg alprazolam and 50x2mg clonazepam. Not being used at a constant dose but in random binges and in anxiety provoking situations. Frequency of use has increased with time.

I just though I would start this thread so he can sorta log his progress and ask for any extra advice if it starts to not go to plan.

Another question is that are the any other non benzo drugs he can use to make the tapering more sucessful? He's heard that pregebalin can help, some opiates, and also Z-drugs. Cheers.

[missparkles]

Trying to avoid benzo addiction by using various benzo's, is like trying to avoid opiate addiction, by using various opiates...it ain't gonna work.
But Sparky knows you know that...now.
She'd advise (as the OP is in the UK) that they go see their doc, they're the expert, they can give them a sensible reduction strategy. Making sure they're safe.
To be honest, asking a benzo addict to reduce themselves is like asking a heroin addict to reduce themselves, they're addicted, when the going gets tough, they'll probably use more than they should. (another damned analogy)
With a structured taper from the doctor they will find it easier.
Maybe try to get some help for the anxiety they suffer, isolating will just make the need for self medicating more real, after all, that was the problem that seemed to start this, so get support for it.
Zopiclone, whilst not as addictive (apparently) as benzo's is now being found to be more abusable than first thought, but it's still an option when he gets his dosage low. Although they are only indicated for short term use. It's usually used to treat insomnia. It can give a nasty metallic taste in the mouth, but this goes, eventually.
Look at a sleep routine, do the same things every night at the same time. get plenty of exercise, a tired body will sleep. But it's essential to get up at the same time every morning, regardless of only having had 2 hours sleep. You don't wanna turn you body clock round, and end up sleeping through the day. try reading, listening to audio tapes. If you can't sleep, don't lay there getting stressed, get up for an hour, then try again, eventually, you will sleep.
Again, the doc can advise better than anyone here, they know SWIY.
But please, give yourself the best chance, get help for the anxiety. Yeah, Sparky is saying it twice, if you don't, you're gonna be fucked.
Treat the problem, not the symptom...and stay safe. Benzo W/D can be dangerous, so be very careful.
Sparky.