I don't think your communication skills are deteriorating (sp?) you did a great job in expressing your concerns
I've been prescribed "as needed" 0.5mgs twice a day.
Ativan, "as needed" take half or whole tablet, whole one equals 1mg. (before bedtime) There have been many times lately when I have had to use both of them, they do help, and I avoid using them often, pdoc was proud of me doing so.
In fact due to the control on such meds. I have stockpiled them not with any bad intentions either, just for the sake the pharmacy does not do refills until a month is over, soooo if I can do without, leave them in the bottle I have enough that pdoc hasn't had to write new scripts.
It's just lately, due to high stress and anxiety I've start to take them. Hope this reply was of some help to you.
I don't get time to read everyone's post, I did last week then the system gobbled them up . . . gone.
But the little I have seen shows some improvment in your posts/replies. I wish you much progress down the road besides the present.
Please take care now,

DE