Wow, snake charmer, thanks for that informative and supportive reply. I never heard about the Ted Kennedy congressional hearings, I must see if I can find info about those.

Yes, my family dropped by the wayside a long time ago. I don't expect a 13 year old to understand if the 30 plus year olds refuse to try to. I have sent them articles, and even been ridiculed for that. I give up on them being supportive, just hope I do get through this before I jump off a bridge. I will remind them one day of how they gave up on me.

No one can understand or accept this, even on this forum, only the few that have experienced it. I have actually had people on psych central act as if I am exaggerating about the symptoms, they claim that withdrawal is not that bad and that they can quit anytime they want to. I was not advocating that they quit anyhow. I guess I am not surprised, ignorance about the matter is widespread and as you said, others' patience wears thin. When I do talk about it, I get silence or the deer in headlights look. They only comment on the obvious distress of the insomnia and lack of activity on my part. I do fear running people off with the talk so mostly I keep it to a minimum. My one sister has not spoken to me since March when she could not understand why I could not drive my dad around town to md visits. Really.

Not to sound sour on the world but I did get involved at benzo buddies for four months. They do get it and understand, however it is full of lots of miserable, angry people that want to lash out because they are hurting so badly. I get it, but I was singled out by one person for harassment and had to leave. It was a friend there that became a moderator, I was totally screwed! I have thought of changing my id on there and going back, but I don't know if it would be worth it. I went through a rough time during all that.

Thanks again snake charmer, your reply was very uplifting to me!