Hi Havehope, good to hear from you. I attempted to give up these pills a few times before I managed to do it So don’t beat yourself up. It’s not an easy process and can take time but you’ll get there!
There are a couple of people on here who have tapered. The most important thing with tapering is to ensure you are lowering the dose at a level you’re not experiencing bad withdrawals on. Some people try and do it too quickly and it simply prolongs the withdrawals and then they give up as it’s nearly as hard on the body when tapering is not done correctly. They recommend lowering your dose by 10% a week. Some people can do 25% and not experience bad withdrawals so it depends on you really. Just lower the dose by an amount you don’t feel too bad on. And it’s important you feel ok on this dose before lowering it again.
I think to stick to a taper plan it would help if you were doing it with a GP maybe? It’s hard to stick to by yourself but it’s totally possible if you really want it and do it a rate you’re comfortable with. To give the taper a structure, maybe pick how many times a day and what time you’ll take the pills at. Make a plan so you know what your doing.
If you do decide you can’t taper and to go cold turkey, talk to your GP. They can help with sleep and there is short term medication that can help reduce symptoms to get you past that first forthright. You don’t have to do this alone.
A support network really helps for any withdrawals but for a taper having someone to talk to that knows what you’re doing is beneficial. It gives you emotional support and also you are less inclined to slip when someone else knows your taper plan. I think you said your sister knows so perhaps talk through your plan with her?
You can do this. We were all where you were. I was only there 4 months ago. It’s hell I know but it’s so worth it for your life back. Take one day a time whether it’s tapering or cold turkey and focus on the end goal. Im here to chat! Good luck x