Search Results

Road Trip to the Rx Summit in Atlanta (Day 3) / Branson, MO to Nashville, TN / Back Home in Missouri, People with Crosses on the Roadside, Getting Out There and Doing Things Video ID: BFP118 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Opryland 01:11 Back Home in Missouri 03:27 Roadside Crosses: Preface 07:29 Roadside Crosses: Interview 09:24 Roadside Crosses: Follow Up 12:54 Getting Out There and Doing Things 14:31 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. Rx and Illicit Drug Summit Rx Summit: https://rx-summit.com Rx Summit Agenda (Benzo Presentation Tuesday 8:00am): https://www.eventscribe.net/2023/RxSummit/agenda.asp?startdate=4/11/2023&enddate=4/11/2023&BCFO=&pfp=FullSchedule&mode=&fa=&fb=&fc=&fd= The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2023 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Road Trip to the Rx Summit in Atlanta (Day 2) / Salina, KS to Branson, MO / Benzos and indecision, the loss of confidence, life becoming small, and appreciation of the little things. Video ID: BFP117 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Branson 01:24 Drive Status 01:58 Confidence, Indecision, and Benzos 07:10 Life Becoming Small 09:06 Appreciating the Little Things 11:50 What’s Next? 12:55 Thanks for Joining Me 13:08 Finding Beauty in Everything 14:13 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. Rx and Illicit Drug Summit Rx Summit: https://rx-summit.com Rx Summit Agenda (Benzo Presentation Tuesday 8:00am): https://www.eventscribe.net/2023/RxSummit/agenda.asp?startdate=4/11/2023&enddate=4/11/2023&BCFO=&pfp=FullSchedule&mode=&fa=&fb=&fc=&fd= The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2023 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Road Trip to the Rx Summit in Atlanta (Day 1) / Denver to Salina, Kansas / Series introduction, why I like road trips, a friendly voice. Video ID: BFP116 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Day 1 00:47 About the Road Trip 02:45 Why I Like Road Trips 03:33 Our New Social Feeds 04:31 Human Connection 07:33 A Friendly Voice 09:11 I Hope You’ll Join Me Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. Rx and Illicit Drug Summit Rx Summit: https://rx-summit.com Rx Summit Agenda (Benzo Presentation Tuesday 8:00am): https://www.eventscribe.net/2023/RxSummit/agenda.asp?startdate=4/11/2023&enddate=4/11/2023&BCFO=&pfp=FullSchedule&mode=&fa=&fb=&fc=&fd= The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2023 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

I'm hitting the road again...and this time, it's to a national drug conference. Over six months ago, a few of us at the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group applied to present a seminar at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, Georgia on April 10-13, 2023. To our pleasant surprise, we were accepted. The title of our presentation is "Benzodiazepine Safety: A Patient-Centered Approach" and it includes information on benzodiazepine prescribing, deprescribing, the patient experience, and BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction). I will be co-presenting this seminar with Dr. Christy Huff (Medical Director, Benzodiazepine Information Coalition) and I am happy, as always, to be working with her again. Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Medical Director, The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices) co-created this presentation with us, but she is unable to attend the conference. In addition to our presentation, I will be recording my journey to the conference, and my experiences at the conference, for the Benzo Free Podcast. Perhaps we might even get a few guests to join us. Recording my varied road trips has become a staple of the podcast and I'm looking forward to hitting the road again with you. To learn more and to be notified when these episodes are released, please subscribe to our mailing list. I'll see you on the road, Take care, D :)

OPINION Monday, April 3rd, 2023 — The above article crossed my desk about a month ago — and it concerned me. I did a bit of research over the past few weeks which lead me to write this post. Let me give you a bit of background first, and then we can discuss my concerns. On Friday, March 3rd, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 23-1071 into law, which allows psychologists to prescribe mental health medication. According to the Denver Post, this bill "creates a process for psychologists who want to prescribe." These individuals would have to "complete a master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology, pass an exam and work under a physician's supervision for at least a year." Other states have passed similar bills in the past including Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Colorado psychiatrists and pediatricians apposed the bill, "arguing that psychologists wouldn't have sufficient knowledge of prescribing and that allowing them to do so could fragment patients' care." Those in support of the bill claimed that it would increase patients' access to treatment allowing them to visit one professional for their counseling and medication needs. One of our core focuses here at Easing Anxiety is the overprescribing of psychiatric medication — in particular benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Thousands of individuals suffer every day from the severe complications of these medications including physical dependence, withdrawal, and BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction). Most of these prescriptions come from general practitioners who don't have the advanced training that psychiatrists are required to have. We are concerned that adding psychologists to that list may add fuel to the fire, increasing the potential for suffering from the overprescribing of psychiatric medication. Psychologists currently have access to some of the most proven treatment protocols for anxiety, depression, and many other mental health disorders. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is the leading treatment for anxiety and depression. In a Psychology Today article titled "Why CBT Beats Medication in the Treatment of Depression," the author refers to a 50-year retrospective study on cognitive therapy (Hollon 2020). Referring to the findings, he summarized that people who " talk through their depression with a mental health professional are more likely to (1) reduce the duration of depressive episodes and (2) to address the root cause of the depression, making relapse less common." He added that these patients were half as likely to relapse following treatment as patients treated with antidepressant medications. By their estimates, [depression] patients treated to remission with talk therapy are half as likely to relapse following treatment as patients treated with antidepressant medications. — Mark Travers, "Why CBT Beats Medication in the Treatment of Depression," Psychology Today Psychologists are the primary practitioners of CBT and other beneficial therapies. Adding medication prescribing may increase access to psychiatric medication for some, but we need to ask ourselves — is that necessarily a good thing? Although I do understand the need for psychiatric medications in certain situations, I also believe that prescribing these medications should be limited to those with more advanced education and understanding of medicine. It will be some time until the first Colorado psychologists finish the required education to be able to prescribe medication. I hope I am wrong, and that this law does not lead to increased dependency and suffering. Unfortunately, I can't see how that will happen. We welcome your comments below. REFERENCES "About Prescribing Psychologists." American Psychological Association. Last updated January 2022. Accessed April 3, 2023. https://www.apaservices.org/practice/advocacy/authority/prescribing-psychologists. Colorado House of Representatives. "House Bill 23-1071." https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_1071_enr.pdf. Hollon, S.D., DeRubeis, R.J., Andrews, P.W. et al. Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment and Prevention of Depression: A Fifty-Year Retrospective with an Evolutionary Coda. Cogn Ther Res45, 402–417 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-020-10132-1. Travers, Mark. "Why CBT Beats Medication in the Treatment of Depression." Psychology Today. February 26, 2021. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202102/why-cbt-beats-medication-in-the-treatment-depression. Wingerter, Meg. "Colorado psychologists gain authority to prescribe mental health medication." Denver Post. March 3, 2023. https://archive.ph/RDM6D.

Prof. C. Heather Ashton wrote what many medical professionals — and even more patients — consider the “bible” for benzo withdrawal (BIND). If you are considering tapering from a benzodiazepine, please work with your doctor and read this manual. Where to Find It BENZODIAZEPINE INFORMATION COALITION (BIC) Overview / Table of Contents PDF Version Kindle Version Nook Version BENZO.ORG.UK (Original Source) Online Manual About the Manual Benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND) is ripe with unending questions. Most without answers. But one question has been answered: What is the single best resource for benzo withdrawal? It’s simple. The Ashton Manual. The Ashton Manual is officially titled Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw and was written by Prof. C. Heather Ashton DM, FRCP. The original manual can be found on the website benzo.org.uk/manual. Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) provides PDF, Kindle, and Nook versions of the manual at benzoinfo.com/ashtonmanual. All are free to the public. Prof. Ashton’s manual has guided thousands of patients to success during BIND. No other resource has helped more people through this challenging experience.  Full of medical facts and valuable information, Prof. Ashton finds a way to let us know that she believes we can succeed and motivates us to do just that. About Professor Ashton Many people in the benzo community will tell you that Prof. Ashton has helped more people taper from benzodiazepines than all the other people combined. And they would be right. Chrystal Heather Ashton DM has held such distinguished titles as Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London (FRCP), National Health Service Consultant in Clinical Psychopharmacology, National Health Service Consultant in Psychiatry, and Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Prof. Ashton worked at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne since 1965 as a researcher, clinician, lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, professor, and emeritus professor. She published approximately 250 papers in professional journals and books on psychotropic drugs and gave evidence to various government committees on tobacco smoking, cannabis, and benzodiazepines, and lectured on benzodiazepines in various countries. Retirement When Professor Ashton closed her clinic in 1994 to retire, there was no one to take it over to continue her work. In 1995, she submitted a research proposal to the medical research council in the U.K. to “investigate the link between long-term benzodiazepine use and permanent brain damage.” Her proposal was rejected. [Lakhani, “Drugs Linked to Brain Damage.”] In Memoriam Prof. Ashton sadly passed away on September 15, 2019. We created a Tribute Page to share how much she meant to us in the benzo community. Visit our tribute page to read what she meant to so many people… or even add your own. Prof. Ashton’s Experience with Benzo Withdrawal In 1982, Professor Ashton established the first benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic within the British NHS and ran the clinic for 12 years. She studied the histories of over 300 patients and closely followed their progress. For twelve years I ran a benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic for people wanting to come off their tranquillisers and sleeping pills. Much of what I know about this subject was taught to me by those brave and long-suffering men and women… It is interesting that the patients themselves, and not the medical profession, were the first to realise that long-term use of benzodiazepines can cause problems. — Prof. Ashton References Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. Lakhani, Nina, “Drugs Linked to Brain Damage 30 Years Ago,” Independent, November 7, 2010, accessed March 4, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drugs-linked-to-brain-damage-30-years-ago-2127504.html. For Information Purposes Only – Not Medical Advice All information presented on Easing Anxiety is for informational purposes only, and should never be considered medical or health advice. Withdrawal, tapering, or any change in dosage of benzodiazepines or any other prescription drugs should only be done under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

Professor C. Heather Ashton passed away on September 15, 2019. This page is dedicated to her memory. Funeral Notice for Prof. Ashton Prof Heather Ashton died peacefully in her sleep at home in South Gosforth shortly before midnight on Sunday 15th September. She lived a long, full, and active life: as a loving wife, mother and homemaker to her much missed husband John and their children John, Caroline, Jim and Andrew (plus family dog Rex, also much missed); as a selfless doctor, teacher, and scientist who never turned away anyone who sought her help; and as a loyal and life-enhancing friend to all to who came close. A light has gone out, but her memory will endure. Donations would be welcome to Dementia UK, a registered charity providing specialist dementia support through the Admiral Nurse service. See instructions at https://www.dementiauk.org/get-involved/donate/ Add your tribute… If you would like to share your own tribute on this page, please submit it on our feedback form (https://easinganxiety.com/feedback). Learn more about Prof. Ashton… Episode #7 of the Benzo Free Podcast was dedicated to Prof. Ashton and her work. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-ashton-manual-who-wrote-it-and-why-you-should-read-it-bfp007 Tributes for Professor Ashton Tributes are displayed in the order they were received, with the most recent at the top. Thank you so much Dear Prof. Ashton. You are one of the few who give people hope. So much important when you experience protracted withdrawal symptoms like I do and I guess many others as well. Through your manual, you explain so well what some others simply are not aware of. But most of all, you give us the strength to be patient, positive, and self-confident about our recovery. I have never met you but you belong to the people. I will always remember. Thank you Professor. — R Belgium Professor Ashton’s manual literally saved my life. I was three weeks into a cold turkey not knowing what was going on. I am forever in her debt. She truly still is my hero. — Jan Billings, Montana Prof. Ashton, thank you for LISTENING. When other professionals were not bothering to look at the anecdotal data to prove what we were going through in withdrawal was REAL, you took the time to hear us and offer a solution to help. You saved many lives with your work. Gratitude. Thank you — Jenny New Hampshire Thank you so much for your dedication and of course your manual , I have read it and still refer back to it often, I am still in the process of recovering from benzo’s and without your work I would still be clueless as to what is happening to me. You have touched the hearts of so many and your legacy will go on forever. Thank you — Nancy United Kingdom Adding my heartfelt thanks to a pioneer who saw early on the devastation that this drug can do, and fought hard to stop it. Her light will forever shine. A true angel. — Geraldine South Africa Almost all the information and advice that helped me to accept and understand what I was going through can be traced back to this woman and her manual that objectively collected together the experiences of so many others that had gone before me. Only by knowing what to expect was I able to have the courage to free myself from the chemical bondage of these sinister drugs. I will remember her. — Trevor Canada A great person leaves us, will live in all those who have to thank her so much, thank you for everything you have done in your life to help others, rest in peace. — Alfredo Torrelavega, Cantabria, España Dr. Ashton’s Manual rescued me, and untold others, from the agony of perpetual physical dependence. She was a consummate scientist, humanitarian, and unsung heroine. I only wish I could have met her and thanked her personally. — Jeff Winfield, Illinois Thank you professor Ashton, may you rest in peace. — David Japan I am sending my condolences to the family of Professor Ashton. Of course I never knew her, but I did spend many long nights reviewing and studying her Manual regarding Benzo drugs and their withdrawal symptoms. Thank you Professor Ashton for helping me through a very long journey through my withdrawal process. — Ann California I would not be here today if it weren’t for Professor Ashton. It was because of her Ashton Manual that I was able to endure the indescribable torture that I endured for several years. Without that manual I would not have known that it was the drugs themselves that were rendering me incapacitated. Her manual allowed me to make sense of what would have otherwise been total confusion and a belief that I was dying. I may have even taken my own life had I not know what was driving those intrusive thoughts. Professor Ashton has literally saved countless lives and as a recipient of that gift I will continue to spread awareness about the dangers of these toxins and to keep her memory and legacy alive. — L. P. Bonjour je suis très triste d’appendre cette nouvelle, cette Dame nous a sauvés Sur le Forum ou je suis modératrice, nous nous servons de son manuel tout le temps Paix à son âme condoléances à sa famille — Anonymous When I heard the news this morning, I started crying although I never met you in person. It surprised myself as I did not know you were my beacon of hope in the struggle for change in the medical field and benzodiazepine prescriptions. I know you were retired for a long time, but still, the fact of you being there was comforting. We were not alone. We had someone who believed us and who fought with us. All I can say to you now is: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a benzo warrior with us and for us. You are an extraordinary woman and you will not be forgotten! — Elisabeth The Netherlands Donde quiera que estes. Siempre Seras mi Ángel. Oracioes por ti. Y gracias infinitas. — Alejandro Medelin Antioquia, Columbia Her light definitely shone brightly over me. — Graham So sad to hear the news about Dr. Ashton’s passing. What a great woman she was, helping so many people. Her “bible” for tapering off benzos is treasured by all of us now and will be for generations to come. — Suzanne Silverton, Oregon On a day when my convulsions have resurfaced, further slowing my tapering, and also the same day I make my first donation to a benzo awareness website, I get this sad news of the great Professor’s passing. Where would we be without her research and her believing the stories of all of us who have suffered and struggled to find help. Thank you, dear lady, for your compassion and hard work. My sincere condolences to her family and the Benzo Community. —Liz Portland, Oregon I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Ashton for unselfishly giving her time and expertise to a relatively unknown group of benzo withdrawal sufferers. When my husband was in his darkest days of benzo withdrawal, her free manual consistently provided him with the information and hope he needed to carry on. She has been a great source of reassurance for so many people across the globe. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her friends and family — may they find comfort in knowing that Prof. Ashton made a difference in this world. — Shana Broomfield, Colorado

David Powers is an artist, filmmaker, PhD candidate in psychology, and founder of Powers Benzo Recovery Coaching. After a severe car accident, David became dependent on diazepam. Now benzo-free, he helps others through his films, videos, and coaching. In Part II of our conversation, we learn about support, coaching, and membership sites. We also discuss psychology, overprescribing, gratitude, burnout, healing, society, culture, and much more. Please join us for this relaxed and informative conversation. Video ID: BFP115 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Listen to Part 1: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-benzo-coach-david-powers-part-1-of-2-bfp114 Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 02:04 Benzo Recovery School 07:13 Benzo Collaboration 13:09 Shooting Short Films 14:25 Feature Benzo Film 20:11 Support, Burnout, and Fees 28:38 Benzo Clinic / Commune 30:53 Structured Healing 33:34 Opportunity for Positive Change 37:07 Gratitude in Withdrawal 37:37 Jungian Approach 40:38 Not the Ideal Situation 41:09 Benzo Overprescribing 44:21 Benzo Revolution 44:58 America, Society, and Unity 47:43 Bruce Lee, a Chinese Hero 48:22 Humanity and Positivity 51:34 Age, Wisdom, and Reality 56:43 Wrapping Up 58:47 CLOSING Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. Powers Benzo Coaching Website — https://www.powersbenzocoaching.com/ YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18DrdP18DuSxoi2dxuSYUg Benzo Recovery School — https://www.powersbenzocoaching.com/benzoschool The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2023 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

David Powers is an artist, filmmaker, PhD candidate in psychology, and founder of Powers Benzo Recovery Coaching. After a severe car accident, David became dependent on diazepam. Now benzo-free, he helps others through his films, videos, and coaching. In Part I of our conversation, we hear about David’s personal struggle with benzodiazepines. We also discuss research and funding, the limbic system, GABA, fear, hope, symptoms, and even chat a bit about film. Please join us for this relaxed and informative conversation. Video ID: BFP114 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Listen to Part 2: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-benzo-coach-david-powers-part-2-of-2-bfp115 Chapters 0:00:00 INTRODUCTION 0:02:35 Rx Summit 0:03:46 Upcoming Vacation 0:06:02 INTERVIEW: Intro 0:07:28 Filmmakers Chat 0:11:38 Welcome to the Podcast 0:12:34 David’s Benzo Story 0:25:38 Benzo Advocacy 0:27:29 Are You Fully Healed? 0:28:39 Giving Hope 0:30:36 Audience-Led Podcasts 0:33:14 Publishing His Book 0:34:47 Moving into Coaching 0:38:22 Benzo Recovery School 0:44:56 Wrapping Up PhD 0:46:26 Research and Funding 0:50:35 Forums and Fear 0:53:35 GABA and the Limbic System 0:56:08 Responding to Fear 0:58:15 Nerves, Symptoms, and Focus 1:02:24 CLOSING Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. Powers Benzo Coaching Website — https://www.powersbenzocoaching.com/ YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18DrdP18DuSxoi2dxuSYUg Benzo Recovery School — https://www.powersbenzocoaching.com/benzoschool The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2023 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Few individuals deserve higher praise than the benzo caregiver. These are the angels who take care of us through thick and thin. My wife was my angel, and she was amazing! I would not be here doing this without her undying love and support. For that, and so much more, I am truly grateful. But, others are not so lucky. Some individuals dealing with BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction) — also known as protracted withdrawal — don't have the support I had. Many of them are suffering, isolated and alone. My heart goes out to these individuals and I wish I could help them more in their plight. Caregivers can make a huge difference in one's recovery, and for that alone, we should be grateful. Benzo withdrawal can turn peoples' lives up-side-down, which can have a direct impact on those around them — including you. By believing them, creating a calm environment, simplifying, focusing on the positive, and taking time for yourself, you and your loved one can weather the storms more comfortably. — Shana Foster, my caregiver (from Benzo Free) One of the key focuses of Easing Anxiety since its inception, has been the plight of the benzo caregiver. I have often mentioned on the podcast that taking care of someone going through benzo withdrawal is a "huge ask." Many individuals who struggle with BIND can face severe, even disabling symptoms. Self-care, let alone caring for one's family, is often beyond their abilities. But, when the patient, caregiver, family and friends work as a team, educate themselves on the process, and look out for each other, weathering the storm becomes much easier. A key point that I like to make on the podcast, is to be grateful for whatever support we have. I realize that BIND is overwhelming for many of us, and that thinking of others is difficult during this time, to say the least. But, when we can, when we have that window, when we notice something someone has done for us — show some gratitude. Even a little bit goes a long way. Just saying "thank you" can let that person know that you appreciate all that they do. Thankfully, many of the benzo support organizations know the struggles caregivers go through and help them with tools, tips, and info. Still, finding this information in the sea of online overload can be daunting. And, that's where today's blog post comes in. Below, I have listed some of the key support tools available on the web. Some are for general caregivers, but many are specific to benzodiazepines. If you know of additional resources, please add them in the comments. For those caregivers out there, I hope this helps ease burdens, just a bit. And thank you, for all you do. God bless. CAREGIVER RESOURCES INFORMATION PAGES For the Benzo Caregiver (10 Tips for the Caregiver) — Easing Anxiety — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/for-the-benzo-caregiver Resource List (incl. Suicide Prevention) — Easing Anxiety — https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources ARTICLES 9 Caregiver Support Groups that Help Caregivers in Need — Caring Bridge — https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/caregiver-support-groups/ 14 Life-Changing Tips to Relieve Caregiver Stress — Caring Bridge — https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/techniques-to-relieve-caregiver-stress/ Caring for the Caregiver: 25 Ways to Care for Yourself — Caring Bridge — https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/care-for-the-caregiver/ How to Find a Caregiver Support Group That's Right for You — AARP — https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/support-groups.html?KNC-DSO-CAREGIVING-Caregiving-LovedOnes-NonBrand-Phrase-35899-GOOG-CaregivingSupportGroup-Phrase-NonBrand&gclid=Cj0KCQjww4-hBhCtARIsAC9gR3b80jIFbMIdMCH9jQMBi9JcC_qX3rOF0i3O-Omxce7c3z4DR0UKAMEaAjDzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds How to support a loved one with benzo withdrawal syndrome — Jennifer Leigh — https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com/for-bwd-bind-sufferers/curing-fear/how-to-support-a-loved-with-benzo-withdrawal-syndrome/ Seniors and Benzodiazepines: What All Caregivers Need to Know — mmLearn.org — https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/seniors-and-benzodiazepines-what-all-caregivers-need-to-know Supporting an Adult Child in Benzo Withdrawal — BIC (Nicole Lamberson, PA) — https://www.benzoinfo.com/2022/12/05/supporting-an-adult-child-in-benzo-withdrawal/ What We Wish Family and Friends Knew About Benzo Withdrawal — Jennifer Leigh — https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com/for-bwd-bind-sufferers/recovery/what-we-wish-family-and-friends-knew-about-benzo-withdrawal/ PODCAST Conversation with a Caregiver — The Benzo Free Podcast — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-a-caregiver-bfp012 The Dinner Party: Caregivers, Relationships, and Living with BIND — The Benzo Free Podcast — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-dinner-party-caregivers-relationships-and-living-with-bind-bfp104 VIDEOS How to Talk to Loved Ones about Benzos (with D E Foster) — BIC — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/bic-video-how-to-talk-to-loved-ones-about-benzos Tips for Loved Ones: From a Benzo Survivor — Jocelyn Pedersen — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80UaSfj58fg What family and friends need to know about benzo withdrawal — Jennifer Leigh — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmiYLWnhvC0 MAGAZINES Today's Caregiver — Magazine for family & professional caregivers— https://caregiver.com/

In a recent article published by Psychology Today, Brian A. Kinnaird, Ph.D., a former police officer, shared his battle with mental health diagnoses and benzodiazepine withdrawal. The March 24 article is titled "A Former Cop's Battle With Benzodiazepines" and it's a powerful story. In this personal perspective, Kinnaird shares how he was "thrust into the medical model (or 'disease-based' approach) of mental health," and that his treatment "consisted of multiple diagnoses along with a cascade of prescription drugs that led to a decade of psychotropic polypharmacy." As many of us in the benzo community know, his storyline is far too common. Like so many patients, Kinnaird was prescribed a "cocktail of antipsychotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, and stimulants," and many of them were prescribed concurrently. He was not told that any of this was designed to be a temporary solution, but instead that he would "most likely need to be on it for life." Considering the body of literature cautioning about long-term prescribing of benzos and other similar drugs, including the FDA 2020 warning on benzodiazepines, it is disheartening to see how common this approach continues to be in the medical community. In 2019, Kinnaird was forced off clonazepam (2 mg daily) with only a two-week taper. This is alarming since rapid or abrupt cessation from benzodiazepines can lead to severe consequences including hallucinations and seizures. Clonazepam is one of the most potent benzodiazepines on the market; two mg is roughly equal to 30-40 mg of diazepam according to equivalence tables. Tapering from this high of a benzodiazepine dose in only two weeks can be very dangerous. The FDA recommends "a gradual taper to reduce the dosage," and that "no standard benzodiazepine tapering schedule is suitable for all patients." On a personal note, I was also on two mg of clonazepam when I learned of my dependence to the drug. Unfortunately, even with an 18-month taper, I still deal with the lingering effects of a protracted withdrawal condition we now identify as BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction). While some individuals can withdraw from benzodiazepines with little or no complications, others of us face life-altering symptoms that can last months, even years. According to the "Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidance" from the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group, general consensus recommends "a gradual, symptom-based taper." Kinnaird also references a couple of posts from his colleague at Psychology Today, Christopher Lane. Lane's 2022 post titled "Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Tied to Serious Long-Term Harms" was written about our published research paper on the Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018-2019 titled, "Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey." This was the first of two papers we published on the survey. The third and final paper is currently in peer review and it will discuss the foundation behind BIND. Like so many of us, Kinnaird's support finally came in the form of expert counseling and the Ashton Manual. He also voiced his concern about benzodiazepine use in the law enforcement community and encourages more research on this community. We second that sentiment, and support research into helping high risk and high pressure occupations that often have increased frequency of benzodiazepine use and its consequences. Thanks to Brian A. Kinnaird for this wonderful article, and for having the courage to share his journey with the rest of us. NOTE: Special thanks to Christy Huff, MD and the staff at Benzodiazepine Information Coalition for bringing this article to our attention. REFERENCES Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/. Benzodiazepine Deprescribing Guidance. Benzodiazepine Action Work Group at the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention. January 2022. Accessed March 25, 2023. https://corxconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/Benzo-Deprescribing.pdf. Lane, Christopher. "Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Tied to Serious Long-Term Harms." Psychology Today." May 12, 2022. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side-effects/202205/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-tied-serious-long-term-harms. Finlayson, AJ Reid, Macoubrie J, Huff C, Foster D, and Martin PR. (2022). Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 12, 204512532210823. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253221082386. Kinnaird, Brian A. "A Former Cop's Battle With Benzodiazepines." Psychology Today. March 24, 2023. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-hero-in-you/202303/a-former-cops-battle-with-benzodiazepines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class." FDA Drug Safety Communication. September 23, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class.

I have great news!!! Well, great news from my point of view. I hope others will feel the same way once they’ve read it, but that is still to be determined. Anyway, the great, or good news depending on your point-of-view, is that my book, Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal, is now available for purchase on Amazon.com in both Kindle and paperback versions. Yeah! Okay, perhaps a bit anti-climatic. But still pretty damn cool. After four years of research, the book is finally out there. Whew! Huge sigh of relief from my end. The book is 340 pages and has over 350 citations and 160 or so bibliographical references. It’s a labor of love and exhaustion, and I’m so glad to have it done. Check out this link for more info on the book or just search “Benzo Free” on Amazon to find it. Here’s a short excerpt from the preface where I briefly explain my experience with benzo withdrawal. *** Excerpt from Benzo Free *** It’s been a long five years. I’ve endured debilitating muscle spasms, torn muscles, restless legs, brain zaps, tinnitus, severe heart palpitations, burning skin, flushing, face spiders, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, throat swelling, chronic insomnia, acute gastritis, abdominal distension, pelvic floor dysfunction, vertigo, uncharacteristic aggression and irritability, panic attacks, personality changes, and the most severe anxiety and depression in my life. I’ve scheduled over a hundred medical appointments with a parade of doctors, specialists, therapists, and counselors. I’ve been unable to work and put a burdensome strain on my family. I’ve faced a wall of disbelief and scorn from friends and doctors alike. I’ve had days when getting out of bed was a near impossible feat. And I’ve begged God, and anyone else who would listen, that it would all just end. Even if this description sounds foreign and implausible to you, it’s familiar to thousands of people around the world. People attempting to withdraw from a class of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos) and their cousins, nonbenzodiazepines (z-drugs) and thienodiazepines. You may know them better as Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Ambien, Lunesta, Restoril, Librium, and Sonata among others. Or perhaps by their street names like xannies, z bars, k-pin, qual, candy, zanbars, totem poles, K, sleepers, r2, BZDs, bennies, stupefy, tranx, zombie pills, roofies, goofballs, and downers. Perhaps you picked up this book because you have personal experience with these drugs. Or maybe you have no experience with benzos, and my opening sounded like some hysterical hypochondriac’s rant. Although benzo dependence may not be discussed commonly in most social circles, it exists, and it destroys lives. Now, don’t get too depressed. I promise that Benzo Free is not all doom and gloom. I try and balance the stark realities of benzo withdrawal with the hopeful optimism which Prof. Ashton has shared many times. That is that anyone can withdraw if you properly plan and learn how to manage your symptoms and mindset. Here’s just a little more from the preface which I hope will help you feel a bit more hopeful. Yes, some people do have harrowing experiences and struggle with symptoms for years. But they’re in the minority. More than half of long-term users don’t experience any severe withdrawal symptoms. Thousands of us have been through this and not only survived but thrived once it was over. We know many of the ups and downs, the dos and don’ts, and we’re here to support those who follow. There are so many resources available to help, and this book is only one of them. I don’t believe anybody should be forced to withdraw from benzos if they don’t want to. It’s a personal decision between the patient and his or her doctor. I am glad I tapered off benzodiazepines, and I would do it again. It’s great to be benzo-free. Today is August 20th, 2018. I chose today to release my book on purpose. Today, I am officially four years benzo-free. Now that’s worth celebrating. I still have symptoms and I still struggle, but I’m much better than I was and getting better every day. I hope my book provides a bit of information, comfort, and solace to those who follow and helps educate anyone curious about these drugs and the problems they leave in their wake. Remember, if you are dependent on benzos you are not alone. There are thousands of us who have been through it before you — and many of us are here to help. Keep calm and taper slowly, D E Foster REFERENCES Foster, D E Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. – https://easinganxiety.com/book.