I have suffered from panic attacks and agoraphobia for years. I have tried many techniques to overcome this disorder, and none have worked except medication. My family and friends are making me feel as if I am a drug addict for taking 5 mg of Valium. They tell me to just "get over it" and get off the pills. I wish it were so simple. I also attend weekly therapy sessions that help, but my family thinks is a waste of money. Is what I am doing wrong? Since the medication works, why should I stop it? I do not want to be thought of as an addict, but I also want to be able to function in society.

J.

Many people -- including some mental health professionals -- have concerns about regular use of Valium or other benzodiazepines, the class of anti-anxiety medications that includes Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin. But the fact that your family and friends also think your weekly therapy sessions are useless and that you should just "get over" panic and agoraphobia indicates they may not have a good understanding of the nature of panic attacks, agoraphobia or psychotherapy. Or perhaps they're uncomfortable with your trying to take control of your life and change the status quo.

If your medication and psychotherapy are helping you function and lead a fulfilling life, then it makes sense that you would want to continue them. You have a right to do what you feel is best for your recovery, no matter what your family and friends -- or anyone else, including me -- says.

There are some possible problems with long-term use of benzodiazepines like Valium, however. The medications ARE addictive, and some mental health professionals believe the drugs can interfere with the individual's facing and working through any fears associated with anxiety and panic. I wouldn't recommend anyone using anti-anxiety drugs alone -- without psychotherapy -- to cope with panic attacks or agoraphobia, but many people find such medication helpful as an adjunct to therapy. (Warning: Benzodiazepines should only be discontinued under a physician's careful supervision, as suddenly stopping the drugs after long-term use can cause life-threatening withdrawal reactions, including seizures.)

I also encourage you to discuss in your therapy sessions what your family and friends are saying about your condition and treatment, and how their attitudes are affecting you.