It gets better!

Friendly reminder that: It is okay to ask your teacher or professor to accommodate your condition. Don't be ashamed to ask for extra time or when explaining why you were absent or to ask if you can opt out of discussions. It is perfectly okay to vent, to talk. You are a human being. You don't have to have it together all the time. You are not a burden. Acceptance will set you free. Accept your situation. Accept your illness. No you are not weak for suffering from it. If you are anxious in public, accept the anxiety, remind yourself of your strength and all the situations you've gotten through in the past. There's nothing wrong with taking days off. Take care of yourself. You are deeply loved. Please, please do not be ashamed of your illness. Do not be ashamed. It is not your fault.

When tapering, go as slow as you can and try your best to be patient with yourself. It's normal to want to just quit and say "okay this is it", but if your body is dependent, it will not take it well and you will have to spend time with your body attempting to quickly adjust anyway. Be kind to yourself, let your body slowly adjust to life without the crutch of the substance. There are many who have been where you are and survived. You will also be a survivor.