re: Has anyone in here successfully weened off benzodiazepines?

I was on Ativan for about 10 years. Took as needed. Last year, I was going through some stuff and was taking 3 a day. Doctor would not prescribe again after that. So basically, I was forced to go cold turkey. Probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. 10 years is a long time to be on “short-term” medicine. Had to take a LOA from work because anxiety was so high, I couldn’t drive. Felt like I was going to die constantly. Wanted to die at some of those times. Around day 5, tries to check into a rehab facility....they wouldn’t admit me because they said I had gotten through the worst of it. Eventually, I was prescribed Paxil, Buspar, and Hydroxyzine. That combination has worked wonders. I don’t wish going through it to anyone.