I've had my best results with TSM, at first totally unaware that Xanax could impede my progress. I am on long acting Xanax ER .05 2X a day, and short term .05 up to 3X a day as needed. I rarely take the short acting, only for insomnia. Yesterday I only took 1 long acting, and several hours later took my first NAL in several months. Immediately I lessened my intake by .40%, and felt like I was forcing the last few beers from habit. Today I'm going AF. I know I can't quit the Xanax cold turkey as I have been on it for decades. Does anyone know if the ER impedes extinction as much as the fast acting? Should I have my doc wean me off of the Xanax completely if I want success? I'm taking 20mg. Of Lexapro too, which is supposed to work on anxiety and depression. Anyone out there with a similar situation?
Thanks,
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Dr. Eskapa definitively stated on this board that benzos will hamper extinction and should be avoided if at all possible. A number of folks between here and the other board have been unwilling to give them up. I on the other hand weened myself off diazepam as I wasn't going to risk anything in freeing myself from AUD. Further, a psychiatrist told me that it's been shown that longterm benzos use actually leads to increased anxiety and has now also been connected with Alzheimer's.

For sleep I use 150mg Trazedone which is non narcotic or benzo related.

Hth.

Thanks Bardo. The Benzo's have to go!
Regards,
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