Date: Wed Aug 2, 2000 12:43 pm

Subject: Re: [benzo] HELLO everyone.

Hi ,

Please ring the Tranquilliser Project where I work.

It is run by ex-addicts and the Manager and Senior Project Worker both took Ativan. Ativan is very short acting and very hard to come off of that is why both the detox schedules you mentioned here are far too fast and indeed quite dangerous as coming off at this speed can cause many symptoms including epileptic fits and Psychosis.

We usually change all our Ativan Clients over to a longer acting benzo usually Diazepam, it must be the equivelant dosage though. We then reduce at about 1mg every 6 to 8 weeks until the Client is down to about 5 or maybe 4 mg then the rate is often slowed down to a half or maybe a quarter every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the individual. This method has been very successful here for nearly 20 years and helped many get back to normal living. Although it can't prevent withdrawals it can make it less traumatic and less protracted.

We can also send information packs. The helpline number is 0117-9349950 UK time Mon to Thurs 10am to 4pm. We get many calls from all over the World. You will also get great help, support and advice here on this marvellous group.

Love Carol