I have never been on heavy street drugs, or any medications. About 20 years ago, I had trouble sleeping. I started taking night quil, worked nicely for a while, but lost its effect. I next moved on to Benydril. Took one a night for years. I did not like the tired feeling in the morning, but it worked.
One day I decided to get a physical, I spoke to my doc about it and he prescribed me tranxine, the first benzo. Wow, thought I found heaven! Relaxed me, and had a great night sleep with no hangover.
My doc retired, and used the doc he sold his practice to. This doc prescribed me Valium 2 mg 3x times a day. It lost it's effect quickly, he increased my dose, six months again.
One day I decided to stop taking Valium. I had no problem felt no withdrawal. On the rare days I could not sleep I took a Benydril.
A few years pass by and that dreaded black cloud passed over me... wife leaves, business failing, going broke, death of a best friend. This time the doc tells me to try this new drug effexior. Holly shit, I felt all fucked up.
I reported back to him and he gave me Klonipin, been on 1 mg a night for years. It is not a good thing to be talking this. It is a double edged sword, what is worse, walking around all day on 4 hours sleep, or taking a pill and getting a decent nights sleep?