Kathy,

I understand your situation because I too feel like taking holidays from my meds and I often do. I have found that I can bear the w/d's from hydro as long as I taper off. I seem to get flu-like symptoms after quitting opiates, but after the w/d's are over and I am miserable with pain again, I remember why I need them.

Benzos are a different story. I learned a long time ago, the hard way, that this is entirely a different ball game. The only way to quit benzos is to taper off and even when you do, it is extremely uncomfortable. After being prescribed and taking xanax for a couple of years and tapering off slowly from them, I have learned my lesson. I always tell my friends that are being prescribed any benzo, if you can take 2-3 days off of them a week, do it. So when your day comes when it is time to quit or you want to take a break, it will make things so much easier.

Hang in there.

-EW