Congratulations, Karen! Please stop to recognize your courage in all of this, and your inner strength, admire the person it turns out you have always been. You've come through the worst of it, very pleased for you!

Me, I had the advantage of a detox centre, so, I couldn't get out and into trouble, but I learned in there that my brain would continue to try to keep the addiction going, and alcohol was one substitute it would try to convince me I should have. Refuse to listen to it. The beast has been knocked out, but mustn't be revived. Don't mind the odd night with short sleep, it'll come back. Your good eating sounds yummy and fulfilling ... It seems the doc was right, it was your addiction to the benzo that had kept your anxiety going. All the best to your doctor and you for proceeding here on out! xx
Marie