From: the4kerns@aol.com

Date: Sun Aug 5, 2001 10:33 am

Subject: Panic & Claustrophobia

Hi Group,

Many people in my life don't understand how all those benzos actually increased my panic and claustrophobia. But it actually did and soon it became a daily avoidance problem for me when on the pills. I cancelled out on meetings, school events, parties, just about everything.

It pretty much stayed that way for 6 months or so after my ill advised withdrawal in that detox hospital from hell. But slowly I am able to do normal things with less and less anxiety. I haven't had a panic attack since last winter. I still get periods of anxiety but I know most people do. I get encouragement from people who are off longer than me that it will keep improving.

I can stand in line at the store now and feel fine. I already flew across the country and did fine. I go to meetings, started bowling again, went to the fair yesterday, talk to strangers without fear. I can do normal things with only limited anxiety and to think it will get even better is beyond what I ever expected. In the thick of things I never thought I would get here. I'm sure many of you may be thinking the same. But the benzos and the withdrawal fill our heads with negative thoughts. This negativity is a lie friends. TIME will prove this to you.

Much healing,

Tom- 12 months benzo free