By the time Valium was prescribed to me, I was already prescribed two other benzodiazepines—Xanax from my former prescriber and Klonopin from my current one. Both had caused serious negative effects in the past, including breathing problems.

When Valium—a controlled substance—was added to my treatment plan, my healthcare provider was fully aware that I was an alcoholic and had asthma. Even with that knowledge, he prescribed Valium and instructed me to cut an eighth of the pill to take as I felt needed.

I’ll be honest: it made me feel good. Too good. I felt high as a kite, and deep down I knew that wasn’t a good sign. Every time I floated up, I came crashing down into an extreme low.

Against my provider’s advice, I made the conscious decision not to continue taking Valium. I told him directly that I wasn’t comfortable with it.

As my mental and physical health continued to decline, he began suggesting I see someone else. In fact, he even rescheduled me with another practitioner in his office without officially informing me.

Soon after, I made the decision to seek help elsewhere.