Brand new to addiction and withdrawl need help

[whoneedssleep]

Hi, I am 28 years old and much to my surprise I have found my self addictide to Benzodiazepines.  Specifically I take Klonopin.  I have been prescribed it as part of my insomnia treatment.  I take it as prescribed but now need to get off of it to do a sleep study.  I didn't realize I had an addiction until 4 days after my last dose.  I felt like I was going to die.  My doctors didn't warn me of the withdrawl symptoms or even give me any information on getting off of it.  

I guess I should give some background info.  I have been taking Klonopin for about 8 mos. started out taking .5 mg a day and now I am up to 1 mg per day.

I am looking for any suggestions on how to slowly step down.  I welcome any advice.

Thank you!

[whoneedssleep]

Thank you all for the advice.  I was on day four and figured out what was going on.  I took my regular dose and felt fine, not surprising right?  I called my dr. today and left a message.  I appreciate knowing that I am not alone.  My boyfriend doesn't understand very well how I felt.  He looked  really shocked when I told him I have never in my life felt worse.  My plan of action is to take it really slow and not try to be a super hero.  Thank you all again!  I really really appreciate it!  I will keep in touch.

[SophieShine]

hey there,
i've been addicted for 9 years to benzos. we have approximately the same story, my dr didn't tell me anything about them. I'm tapering for 10 months now and down85% of the initial dose. If you want some info, go to benzo.org and check out the Ashton manual. they explain pretty well how to do it and what to expect.
here's a link that can get you started:http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha02.htm
Hang in there you're not alone, keep posting and keep us informed.
xxx. sophie.

[Holliee]

taper taper taper taper yourself down little by little till your at almost notthing then after that first night but kinda bad but after 2 days you will be ok i have done it that way taper slowly not fast or dosen't give your body time to get use to going down

[liscamdave]

Don't know much about Benzos other then the w.d can be a little dangerous, have you told your drs, you are having w.d symptoms? They should have weaned you off...

What day are you on now?