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About the Book Ever heard of benzodiazepines? How about z-drugs? Perhaps you know their brand names, like Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium or Xanax. Millions of people around the world take these drugs every day and very few know much about them, let alone what it’s like to withdraw. My hope is to help change that. For those who experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS), incessant questions run rampant, but answers are few. I searched high and low to find information during my withdrawal, and in the midst, Benzo Free was born. By the time I finished writing the first draft, I’d spent four years reading and cataloging over a thousand separate articles, books, and scientific studies. In this book, I aim to present an honest and objective look at the world of anti-anxiety drugs and provide some encouragement, solace, and even a few answers for those who struggle each day from their effects. About the Author D E Foster is the founder of Easing Anxiety, host of The Benzo Free Podcast, and author of the book Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. He is also Co-Chair and a founding member of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) at the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and a global advocate supporting those struggling with benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal. To learn more about D, you can read his complete bio here. What Others Say… Here are some reviews from Amazon Brilliant !! Amazing book !! I love the authenticity & the integrity the brilliant author beautifully shares with his readers !! Hala Great read Great asset to anyone in recovery or anyone supporting anyone in recovery taylor A must read for anyone wanting to get off benzos or help others do that. Excellent information for clinicians, doctors, or anyone wanting to know more about benzos. This author does an amazing job at thoroughly researching the information and presents in a way that is easy to follow. Very personable author and his warm personality shines through the pages. Sandra Excellent if you suffer from withdrawal This book has helped me better understand the issues a significant person in my life has suffered from. I found it informative and an inspiring read. I would recommend it to others who want to better understand the unintended consequences from using any type of benzos. I’m also a former pharmaceutical executive and this author’s perspective on the issues is spot on. S. Dunshee A must read…dealing with Benzos This book is amazing… The book was written in a way that anyone can understand, even though this author went through the withdrawal & is healing…he has a sense of humor too. I enjoyed the way he stated questions & answered. Thank you D E Foster, for helping me to understand what you & others are going through. Brandy Renee A must read What a gift this book is too the world. A must read for anyone experiencing life on or after Benzo drugs. D has a beautiful and hilarious way to inform and share on such a tragic topic. Very informative with tons of concrete data to back it up. A true labor of love for those of us who just want to know we will get through this and our experience is real and validated. Drew Great book full of great information This is a very well written book; it has almost a question and answers feel to it. It also has lots of facts and studies, a real gem of a book if your stuck on a benzo and want more info in to how to get off or explanations as to why you feel awful coming off. The author also does a weekly podcast which is extremely interesting. All in all a really good well written book. Wish Dr’s and GP’s would read it ! The good news is that we all recover and this book shows that . Wansheet Highly recommend I found this book to be very reader friendly, chock full of well researched information that is documented and notated. It’s written in a format that holds one’s attention, adding a touch of humor which adds just a bit of lightness to an otherwise extremely serious subject. All in all, brilliant, excellent book I’d highly recommend. Great for the interested be it professionally or personally. Kate True account of benzo withdrawal. This audio book helped me understand what was going on when I became dependent on a prescribed benzo (after 2 mos. of use) and had to taper off of it. Terri A. Very educational! This book was incredibly educational, and it was written in a way that was very easy to digest. Thanks to the author for sharing his research and personal experience. Erin E. Ward

Fear is the primary enemy in withdrawal, and how we manage that fear can make the difference between success or failure. There’s no overnight fix. As much as we all want one, it just doesn’t exist. But there are a lot of things we can do to manage this fear and develop a more positive and stable mindset. Like many of us, you may have physical symptoms. But rarely can you do anything to directly affect them. They will come, and they will go. And often, those physical symptoms are triggered or aggravated by your mental state. Fear, stress, and anxiety play a significant role in determining the severity of withdrawal. Therefore, it just makes sense for us to spend more time and effort on managing our fear and anxiety and less on trying to figure out how to physically mitigate each symptom. Many ‘withdrawal symptoms’ are simply due to fear of withdrawal (or even fear of that fear). People who have had bad experiences have usually been withdrawn too quickly (often by doctors!) and without any explanation of the symptoms. — Prof. Ashton, The Ashton Manual (benzo.org.uk/manual) 5 Tips for Managing Fear During Withdrawal 1) Take Responsibility For many of us who have developed benzodiazepine dependence, this condition is an iatrogenic illness — an illness caused by a medical procedure or treatment. That was true in my case and in so many others. My doctor prescribed benzos for my ongoing stomach distress, and I took the drug for the following twelve and a half years. The first eleven of those years, I switched doctors a few times, but they each continued my prescription without voicing any concern. Was I mad about that? Of course, I was. I was furious. But when it came time to withdraw, I needed to step up and take charge. I am responsible for my health. No one else. It’s my brain, my body, and I’m in charge. I now approach my relationships with medical professionals as that of a partnership. Sure, my doctor knows a lot more about medicine than I ever will. But she doesn’t know everything. And neither does the Internet. While it can be an excellent resource for some medical information, it’s also full of inaccuracies, hype, and biased personal accounts. Common sense is critical. Taking responsibility means taking the lead in your recovery. You’re in charge, and that’s a good thing. 2) Find a Positive Mindset A positive mindset is not about suppressing your feelings or glossing over them and putting on a good face. That plan of attack can lead to disaster. You still feel sad, angry, mad, and everything else at different times. But when something happens in your life, perhaps you lean a bit more on the positive side than the negative side. Focus on what is good in your life. That’s all it is. The glass is half-full. Take a look at yourself. Identify your own filters through which you see the world. Recognize your negative thought patterns. Try and identify them as they happen and work on changing that pattern. And as your doing that, remember to enjoy life. Don’t wait until you are symptom-free to live again. It may be a long time until that happens. I’m now four years benzo-free, and if I kept waiting to enjoy life until I’m symptoms free, well, I’m not sure when that would be. Noticing these patterns in yourself and working to change them is a significant first step towards reducing the worry and anxiety. Once you’ve identified them, you can start to change them. 3) Active Mind / Active Body More and more studies show that keeping your mind active is key to keeping it healthy. This goes double for people with anxiety and triple for people going through benzo withdrawal. If you’re currently working, keep working. Don’t quit unless you need to. If you aren’t working, find something to keep you busy. Learn something. Take an online class. Read books. Volunteer. Learn a language. Prove the theory of cold fusion and solve world hunger. Write a book. You get the point. And being physically active is equally as important. A 2000 research study evaluated three groups of patients who treated their major depression with medication (sertraline), exercise, or a combination of the two. Although all three groups showed similar improvement early on, when tested six months later, the results were startling. The medication-only group had a 38% relapse rate, the combination group had a 31% relapse rate, and the exercise only group had just a 9% relapse rate. [Babyak et al., “Exercise Treatment for Major Depression.”] 4) Kindness It all starts at home. Be kind to yourself. I learned not to judge myself so harshly. If I messed up during withdrawal, that’s okay. I’ll make mistakes, and I’ll be okay. I learned to let it go and move on. I needed to take care of myself first, especially during this time. I set boundaries and let those who love me know what they were. I found quiet time whenever I could to allow my body and mind to heal. I treated myself to small pleasures to help raise my spirits and my self-esteem. If I ever needed to be kind to myself, this was the time. I also had to remember to be kind to those around me. Most people don’t really understand what we’re going through. How can they? So, help them. Realize that this is hard for them too. It’s frustrating when people don’t understand the scope of your illness. But how can anyone genuinely understand this who hasn’t experienced it? So, help those around you understand what it’s like for you. Realize that they will never fully understand this experience you’re going through, but accept what love and support they can provide without judgment. They may doubt your symptoms, they may question that you’re even sick, and that’s okay. Help them help you. 5) Acceptance One of the best things that happened to me during withdrawal was when I found acceptance. I stopped struggling and fighting my symptoms and instead accepted my current condition. Acceptance can be a difficult pill to swallow for many people (no pun intended). It sounds easy, but it’s a difficult transition and it usually only comes with time. Most people experiencing benzo withdrawal see their recovery as a struggle. A fight. A battle of epic proportions. And it can be. They want to do everything they can to make it disappear. And if they can’t make it go away, then make it as easy as possible. Find a way to have fewer symptoms. Or make it be over sooner. They want to find a shortcut. They want to find some substance or elixir that will make things all better. I had this same attitude for most of my withdrawal. I fought it. Every time I had a new symptom, I wanted to know why. What caused this one? What can I do to make it go away? How long will it last? Why is my body doing this? Why is this happening to me? What can I do to stop it? The precious few answers seemed to vary from day to day. And while I received a lot of support, there were never any real solutions. Over time, this pattern got old. I started to see the futility of it. My symptoms continued regardless of what I did. And eventually, my attitude towards them slowly changed. I began to find acceptance. I learned to back off and let my body do what it’s been trying to do all along. by D E Foster *** Based on excerpts from the book Benzo Free. 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. Babyak, Michael, James A. Blumenthal, Steve Herman, Parinda Khatri, Murali Doraiswamy, Kathleen Moore, Edward Craighead, Teri T. Baldewicz and K. Ranga Krishnan. “Exercise Treatment for Major Depression: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefit at 10 Months.” Psychosomatic Medicine 62(5)(October 2000):633-38. Accessed April 12, 2018. http://www.hibody.co.uk/Exercise%20treatment%20for%20major%20depression.pdf.

The Benzo Free Website officially launches today, September 1st, 2018! About the Website The Benzo Free Website is dedicated to anti-anxiety drugs and those who suffer their effects. Benzos and benzo-like drugs have had their fair share of media attention over their 50+ years of existence. Unfortunately, much of that attention has been positive and has elevated benzos to reach a sort of “miracle pill” status. Those of us who have experienced benzo withdrawal first-hand know that these pills are far from a miracle, and that the neurological damage left in their wake can be painful, debilitating, and even life-threatening. This site is dedicated to sharing the facts about benzo dependence, encouraging constructive change in how they are managed, and supporting those in withdrawal. About the Founder Benzo Free was founded by D E Foster, the author of Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. D was on clonazepam (Klonopin) for 12 years, tapered for 18 months, and was finally benzo-free on August 20th, 2014. He still has protracted symptoms, is unable to work in his previous profession, and struggles with my recovery every day. But he is healing and he is now dedicated to helping those who follow through his book, website, and upcoming podcast. Please visit us and let us know what you think…

I was chatting with someone yesterday who was very distressed and hopeless. It was heart-breaking. I soon realized that so many others are in the same boat as she is. I wish I had an answer to make her pain and suffering go away, but I didn’t. The factors that can affect our experience through withdrawal are endless. How is our attitude? Do we have a positive outlook? What’s our anxiety level? How about our physical health? Do we have a good doctor to help us taper? Do we have other mental difficulties? Are we on other psych meds? Have we tried to withdraw before? Do we have a good doctor to help us withdraw? Do we have a support system? Or, as was the case with this woman, are we all alone? When I went through withdrawal, I suffered and struggled just as so many of us do. Since I’m still in protracted withdrawal, some of that is still going on. But one thing, above all others, made my experience bearable. I had a support system. I had medical professionals, friends, family, and a loving and devoted wife. Oh, and my dog. Don’t forget Bear. Anyway, I was incredibly blessed to have all of these people (and animals) in my life. But that is not the case for everyone. I can’t imagine what going through benzo withdrawal would feel like if I were truly all alone. So, my conversation with this woman gave me an idea for this blog posting. I dug around in my drafts and found a chapter I wrote for my book which didn’t make it into the final version. It was all about preparing to withdraw including sections on stabilizing, taking charge, educating yourself, developing your tools, building your team, and setting your boundaries. In the section on building your team, I laid out four areas where we all may need support: Personal, Community, Medical, and Financial. I decided to share with you the “personal support” topic for today’s news post. I realize that it may not help those who are all alone and in protracted withdrawal, but perhaps it might help a few who are just starting out and can prepare to make their experience just a little bit easier. This following excerpt is written in the Q&A format of the book, “Benzo Free.” Tell me about personal support? Personal support can be a spouse, partner, friend, family member, or even a devoted acquaintance. Sometimes a mix of all the above. The primary requirement here is to have people in your life that you can rely on. I was lucky. So incredibly lucky. I have a loving wife who also happens to be my best friend. She has provided me with unyielding love, support, and friendship. She allowed me time to heal and struggle when I needed to but also provided me a kick-in-the-butt when I needed to get off my ass and get on with my life. She even read “The Ashton Manual” from front to back so that she would better understand my experience and what I was going through. I am so very blessed, and I know it. In addition to my wife, I had a collection of family and friends to support me in this endeavor. My parents were amazing. Even though they are in their 80s and my dad is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, they have been there for me day in and day out. And my best friend (outside of my marriage), a counselor at a community college in Kansas City, provided constant wisdom, kindness, and friendship over many difficult years. What if you don’t have someone? That is a tragic, and far too common situation. Especially with people struggling with benzos. I understand that not everyone has someone in their life who they can truly rely on. Still, it is good to see if you can find someone to help. Perhaps it is just a neighbor who can do a little shopping for you on those days you can’t get out of bed. Perhaps it is a friend from work who can help you keep up with the latest demands from your boss. Perhaps it is a family member in another state who is willing to lend-an-ear on the phone when you just need to hear another’s voice. Perhaps it is all the above. Relationships are critical to human health and happiness. In benzo withdrawal, this is even more important. Unfortunately, the withdrawal itself can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship for several reasons. Just at the time when we need it most. But that is no reason to give up. But I’m pretty much a loner. Are relationships really that important? A 75-year Harvard study found that relationships are the single most important key to happiness. And yet, social isolation is currently on the rise. About a third of Americans aged over 45 say they are lonely. In fact, half a million Britons over the age of 60 usually spend each day alone. And this doesn’t bode well for our health. According to an article in the New York Times titled “How Social Isolation Is Killing Us,” the author notes that “isolated individuals are twice as likely to die prematurely as those with more robust social interactions.” I am not good at making friends. I was, back in school, but not so much anymore. I do my best to reach out to my wife and try and tell her how much I appreciate her every day. But as for others in my life, well, there I struggle. My closest friend outside of my marriage lives in another state. I have lived in Colorado for almost twenty years now and I still haven’t made a new friend even remotely as close as the ones I formed in my youth. Perhaps this is common, I don’t know. Regardless of your current situation, friends don’t come along out of the blue. You need to put effort into it. With relationships, you definitely reap what you sow. If you want to know something you can put effort into that might reap the greatest rewards for both your psychological and physical wellbeing, it would be hard to beat time spent on your relationships. And remember, relationships require patience. I listen to people on the benzo boards sometimes complain that the people in their lives don’t understand what they are going through. And they are right, they probably don’t. So, help them. Try and have as much patience with them as you want them to have with you. Caregiving for someone going through benzo withdrawal can be an arduous process. Have patience for them. Take what you can get and try to treat the people in your life with kindness. You need them, trust me. And don’t rely totally on the Internet for all your interactions. While it is a great source of support and caring from the benzo community, it cannot replace face-face communication. We are humans, and we need direct human interaction. We need dialog. We need to see people we are speaking to. And we also need touch. We can’t get those things online, we need them directly in our lives. Have you ever noticed what a warm hug from a friend or family member can do to your stress levels? It’s amazing, The stress can just pour out. I know that all this relationship talk is making some of you uncomfortable. I get that. If social phobia is an issue for you, then absolutely know your boundaries and make those work for you. But find some way to develop and enhance relationships in your life. It just might save it one day. So, if you are preparing to withdraw from benzos, perhaps now is the best time to shore up your current relationships and maybe even create a few new ones. It can’t hurt, trust me. Withdrawal can suck, but having people to help you through it can make a world of difference. D E Foster References Khullar, Dhruv, “How Social Isolation Is Killing Us,” NY Times, December 22, 1026, accessed January 2, 2017, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/upshot/how-social-isolation-is-killing-us.html. Smith, Emily Esfahani, “Friend Zone: Why We All Long to Belong,” Guardian, January 15, 2017, accessed January 15, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jan/15/friend-zone-why-we-all-long-to-belong. Wikipedia, “John Donne,” last modified April 1, 2018, accessed April 13, 2018, https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Donne. Disclaimer Not Medical Advice – Information presented on Benzo Free and in the Benzo Free News Blog is not medical/health advice. It is strictly for informational purposes only. 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.

Thank you for your interest in “Benzo Free.” Today’s message is focused on the website and the Benzo Free community. I’ll admit, it’s pretty small right now. The book was published in late August and the website followed on the 1st of September. I’ve spent the past few weeks grinding my teeth as I struggled with a trial and error method of marketing both. Marketing is not my forte, not by a long-shot. I had some minor successes, but since I’m a rookie in the world of SEO and social media, it’s been an uphill battle. Still, we are slowly starting to build a following, and for that, I am very grateful. I’ll keep today’s message brief. We need your help. Here is an excerpt from our About Page which elaborates on the issue… The Benzo Free Website is a Community Site. Although it was initially created and started by one person, our true goal is for this site to grow and expand with the support and help of the benzo community. All of our information is only as good as the time and effort that goes into it. To put it simply, we need your help. Please provide us feedback including ideas, updates, additions, corrections, personal stories, and any other information you can think of that might be of interest to our readers. If you are interested in writing articles for our news or adding to our informational pages, let us know. We look forward to working with the amazing people in the benzo community and hope we will hear from you soon. Thanks for your help. The easiest way to provide feedback is through our online contact form (https://easinganxiety.com/feedback). Since this organization is still run by one person, myself, these messages go directly to my inbox. I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for taking the time to say hello. Take care and taper slowly, D :) D E Foster

The Associated Press reported yesterday that between 2002 and 2007 the CIA investigated the use of benzos, in particular, midazolam (Versed), in the interrogation of terror suspects. In a recently declassified report provided to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), details of this drug research program were revealed. Versed was considered possibly worth a trial if unequivocal legal sanction first were obtained. There were at least two legal obstacles: a prohibition against medical experimentation on prisoners and a ban on interrogational use of ‘mind-altering drugs’ or those which ‘profoundly altered the senses.’ — Declassified Government Report The CIA ultimately decided not to ask the Justice Department to approve the program and had no official comment on the report’s release. The program informally called “Project Medication” was shelved and according to the report, would not be reactivated. In 2017, after two years of legal battles by the ACLU, a New York federal judge ordered the CIA to release the report. Still, portions of the report have remained classified and the ACLU continues to litigate for the release of the entire report. Please read the AP article by Deb Riechmann for the complete story: https://apnews.com/e4bc055b4fee4e0d9f47ab14adc2c173 by D E Foster References Bowden, John. “CIA considered use of anti-anxiety drug in terror suspect interrogations: report.” The Hill. November 13, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2018. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/416485-cia-considered-potential-truth-serum-for-terror-suspects Riechmann, Deb. “CIA considered potential truth serum for terror suspects.” Associated Press. November 13, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2018. https://apnews.com/e4bc055b4fee4e0d9f47ab14adc2c173

Finally, the courts have reached a settlement for the family of John Patrick Walter to the sum of $4.25 million. Please help us spread this story. The more people who hear about Walter and others who have shared is fate, the sooner our justice system will realize the true dangers of benzo withdrawal and take this situation seriously. For those who have read my book, you may remember Walter’s story. If not, please read the excerpt from my book below. Please note, this story may be disturbing to some, especially if you have heightened sensitivity to people in distress, particularly those in withdraw. If that is the case, you may want to skip the remainder of this post. ***** EXCERPT from Chapter 7 of Benzo Free ***** There’s a story that I need to share here. It’s a story that happened right here in my home state of Colorado. This is just one of many stories across the U.S., and perhaps around the world, that can and do happen when people addicted to benzos have to confront the justice system. In April of 2014, John Patrick Walters was arrested on charges of first-degree assault, felony menacing, and reckless endangerment after getting into a fight with an acquaintance. He didn’t have money for bail, so he was held in the Freemont County Jail until his arraignment when he would be formally charged. During his intake, Walter informed the staff that he was on some prescription medications, which included 6 mg of Klonopin, a benzo. He even brought a list of his prescriptions with him. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons detoxification guide for “chemically dependent inmates” recognizes the dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal. And yet, Erik Heipt, attorney for Walker’s family, claims that Freemont County had a “blanket policy” of not continuing benzodiazepine prescriptions for people in their jail, therefore, forcing inmates to withdraw cold turkey. This is what happened to Walter. The following description of Walter’s last days is summarized from an extensive interview that Westword had with Heipt. In just 17 days in lockup, Walter lost 30 pounds. He exhibited delirium and exaggerated dramatic behavior caused by withdrawal psychosis and was often strapped in a restraint chair where he was tased and pepper-sprayed. When he was free of his restraints, he would kick and hurl himself against walls to the point of breaking bones. Other times he was disoriented, rolling on the floor yelling, and even seizing. Instead of receiving treatment for his withdrawal, John Patrick Walter received punishment. For his final five days, Walter was placed in a holding cell with a large, see-through window for observation. As many as twenty people watched him at various times of the day. Everyone walking through the booking area could see him. While he was there, he didn’t sleep or eat, and he drank very little water. And for most of the time, he was completely naked. Many corrections officers were concerned and thought his medical providers weren’t doing enough to help him. These complaints went all the way up to the sheriff, but in the end, they would always refer to the medical staff. A medical staff that just watched him deteriorate and never once took him to the hospital. April 20th, Easter Sunday, Walter was on the floor naked twitching, shaking, and convulsing. That evening he was found dead. The cause of death was initially released as “undetermined.” It wasn’t until three years later, on April 17, 2017, that Dr. Emily Berry of the El Paso County Coroner’s Office issued a revised finding. The official cause of death: “acute benzodiazepine withdrawal.” Her revised statement was based on newly obtained medical records, eyewitness accounts, and materials furnished by the attorneys for Walter’s estate, who filed suit in March of 2016. The medical staff who ignored Walter for 17 days worked for a for-profit contractor who was employed to provide medical services to its inmates. According to its contract with Fremont County, the company was paid $500,000 to provide medical services for the year of 2014, which is approximately $42,000 a month. And yet according to records, the company only budgeted $19,000 a month for on-site healthcare services. The Walter family believes that Fremont County tried to cover up what really happened during those three weeks. It goes to the core of our allegation that Fremont County engaged in a cover-up. That made it nearly impossible for the (coroner’s office) to determine a cause of death. Now, through what’s been uncovered, they have been able to determine a cause of death, which is what we suspected it was when we first filed this case. — Eric Heipt, Attorney for the Walter’s Estate I relate this story to you in my book for one reason — to raise awareness. The more people who know about benzodiazepine withdrawal and the dangers of withdrawing cold turkey, the less likely situations like this will happen. We need to educate the public and the medical professionals, so they’re more aware of the dangers. John Patrick Walter’s death was preventable. If he had more money, he could have paid bail, and he would probably be alive today. If anyone at the jail had insisted he get help at any time over that three-week period, he would probably be alive today. If anyone on that medical staff truly understood benzodiazepine withdrawal, I believe, John Patrick Walter would probably be alive today. What happened to Walter is inexcusable, and unfortunately, he is just one of many. The number of people who have suffered and even died from benzo complications and withdrawal while incarcerated is unknown. But here are a few examples to drive the message home. Jesse Jacobs was jailed for 30 days on a DUI conviction in Texas. He died after just six days from Xanax withdrawal. David Stojcevski died 17 days into his 32-day sentence in Michigan for a traffic fine. He lost 50 pounds, hallucinated, and experienced seizures and convulsions. His death was caught on video, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Cuyahoga County, Ohio has passed Sean’s Law that protects people in jail who are on benzos. It’s named after R&B singer Sean Levert, who died in jail after being arrested for failing to pay child support. He arrived at jail with his bottle of Xanax in hand, but the drug was taken away from him, and he never received a single pill. The Cuyahoga County Coroner ruled that withdrawal from Xanax was a contributing factor to his death. I don’t know about you, but I’m at a loss for words. ***** END OF EXCERPT ***** Thanks for taking the time to read about Walter and others who have faced a similar fate. Please share it with others so that we can help prevent this from ever happening again. by D E Foster References Benzel, Lance. “$4.25 million settlement reached in Fremont inmate’s death.” The Colorado Springs Gazette. November 26th, 2018. Accessed November 28th, 2018. https://gazette.com/news/million-settlement-reached-in-fremont-inmate-s-death/article_eabf1c54-f1c2-11e8-845a-130ca1262026.html. Benzel, Lance. “Cause-of-Death Finding Bolsters Cover-Up Claim in Fremont County Jail Inmate’s Death.” The Colorado Springs Gazette. May 14, 2017. Updated May 15, 2017. accessed August 24, 2017. http://gazette.com/cause-of-death-finding-bolsters-cover-up-claim-in-fremont-county-jail-inmates-death/article/1603116. Board of Cuyahoga County: Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services. HB 84: Sean’s Law Briefing. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://adamhscc.org/en-us/seans-law-briefing.aspx. Flynn, Meagan. “Jesse Jacobs Died in Lockup Six Days After Galveston County Jailers Cut Off His Meds.” Houston Press. August 6, 2015. April 10, 2018. http://www.houstonpress.com/news/jesse-jacobs-died-in-lockup-six-days-after-galveston-county-jailers-cut-off-his-meds-7646761. 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. Hall, Christina. “U.S. Attorney Says Evidence in David Stojcevski’s Death Doesn’t Support Criminal Civil Rights Violation Charges.” Detroit Free Press. September 19, 2016. accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2016/09/19/macomb-jail-death-inmate-david-stojcevski/90688274/. Lopez, German. “David Stojcevski’s Horrifying Death in Jail, Explained.” Vox. Updated September 29, 2015. Accessed April 10, 2018. https://www.vox.com/2015/9/26/9399391/macomb-county-jail-david-stojcevski. Matott, Sarah. “John Patrick Walter Attorneys: Provider Had ‘Money-Making’ Motive.” Cañon City News. March 6, 2017. Accessed April 11,2018. http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/news/canoncity-local-news/ci_30839522/john-patrick-walter-attorneys-provider-had-money-making. Miller, Donna J. “Sean Levert, Denied Medication, Hallucinated for Hours Before He Died in Jail.” The Plain Dealer. November 11, 2008. Accessed April 10, 2018. http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/11/post_15.html. Roberts, Michael. “‘Atrocity’: The Agonizing, Unnecessary, 18-Day Jail Death of John Patrick Walter.” Westword. January 25, 2017. accessed January 25, 2017. http://www.westword.com/news/atrocity-the-agonizing-unnecessary-18-day-jail-death-of-john-patrick-walter-8688441.

The use of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in the elderly is of very serious concern, especially when it comes to driving. Not only have benzos been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (by 32% to 84% depending on the study) and hip fractures from falls (by as much as 40% in some groups) along with other side effects and risks in the elderly, they also can inhibit senior citizens ability to drive motor vehicles. A study released in November 2018 by the AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety stated that the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIMs) in older drivers is common. Use of PIMs is fairly common in older drivers and often involves medications known to impair driving ability and increase crash risk. In order to improve traffic safety among older drivers, drivers should be aware of the types of medications they are taking to ensure optimal safety behind the wheel. — Prevalance of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Drivers: AAA LongROAD Study The most common PIMs according to the study are benzodiazepines (16.6%) and nonbenzodiazepines (16.4%) followed by antidepressants (15.2%) and first-generation antihistamines (10.5%). Since there are 42 million adults aged 65 and older on America’s roads, the number of drivers who could be driving in a diminished capacity based on these drugs could be in the millions. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria includes a strong recommendation to avoid any type of benzodiazepine for the treatment of insomnia or agitation in the elderly and it identifies the use of benzodiazepines as one of 10 things physicians and patients should question. This is not a new concern. Some medical professionals have been voicing concern about the detrimental effects of benzos on the elderly for decades. Especially troubling is that benzo use is ridiculously high (nearly one out of ten) in the elderly, the group most likely to be harmed by them…If you meet an elderly patient who seems dopey, confused, has memory loss, slurred speech, and poor balance, your first thought should be benzo side effects — not Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. — Dr. Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus at Duke University, Chairman of the DSM-IV Committee Older people are more sensitive than younger people to the central nervous system depressant effects of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can cause confusion, night wandering, amnesia, ataxia (loss of balance), hangover effects and “pseudodementia” (sometimes wrongly attributed to Alzheimer’s disease) in the elderly and should be avoided wherever possible. — The Ashton Manual, Prof. C. Heather Ashton Benzos slow down the workings of the brain and muscles, which increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes. These side effects often ease over time, but since benzodiazepines should only be taken on a short-term basis, there shouldn’t be an “over time.” Older drivers are highly encouraged to bring a list of medications to their next doctor appointment, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, and discuss their concerns with their physicians. You can read the entire AAA LongROAD Study at the following link: https://publicaffairsresources.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2018/11/18-0709_AAAFTS-PIMS-Brief_r2.pdf by D E Foster References Andrews, H.F., M.E. Betz, S. Chihuri, C. DiGuiseppi, D.W. Eby, A. Gordon, L.L. Hill, V. Jones, B.H. Lang, C.S. Leu, G. Li, D.P. Merle, T.J. Mielenz, L.J. Molnar, D. Strogatz. (2018). “Prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Drivers: A LongROAD Study.” AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Accessed December 5, 2018. https://publicaffairsresources.aaa.biz/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2018/11/18-0709_AAAFTS-PIMS-Brief_r2.pdf. 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. Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you/. Pariente, Antoine, Sophie Billioti de Gage, Nicholas Moore and Bernard Bégaud. “The Benzodiazepine–Dementia Disorders Link: Current State of Knowledge.” CNS Drugs 30(1)(January 2016):1-7. Accessed December 12, 2016. doi:10.1007/s40263-015-0305-4. Saarelainen, Laura, Anna-Maija Tolppanen, Marjaana Koponen, Antti Tanskanen, Jari Tiihonen, Sripa Hartikainen and Heidi Taipale. “Risk of Death Associated with New Benzodiazepine Use Among Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease — a Matched Cohort Study.” International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (November 15, 2017). Accessed April 8, 2018. doi:10.1002/gps.4821. Sax, Lindsay. “Medications increase crash risk by 300%.” KOAA News 5. December 4, 2018. Accessed December 5, 2018. https://koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/2018/12/04/medications-increase-crash-risk-by-300/.

Prof. C. Heather Ashton spent 12 years working with benzo recovery patients in her clinic and fought tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue and help those who are struggling with benzo dependence. She is retired now but is praised by many as the world’s leading expert on benzo withdrawal. Her guide to withdrawal, commonly called “The Ashton Manual,” has become a universal guide to thousands of people around the world. No other resource has helped more people through this challenging experience. I can’t tell you the number of times when I had a question or concern and went to her manual for help. I found her writing not only educational but reassur­ing and comforting. While her manual is full of medical facts and valuable information, she finds a way to let you know that she believes you can succeed and motivates you to do just that. Please, sign the petition to help encourage the British government to honor Prof. Ashton for her amazing work and to help spread the word about these dangerous drugs. Sign the petition here… Learn more about the manual here… Thank you, D E Foster

What are benzos and why should you care? If you’ve been taking anti-anxiety medication or sleeping pills, chances are it’s a benzo. Learn about the downside to benzos, where to turn for help, and what it’s like to withdraw. In our inaugural episode, D E Foster, author of the book, “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal,” discusses the basics that everyone should know about benzos whether you’ve taken the drug for years or never even heard of them before. Topics will include the facts about benzos, the history of the drug, a few statistics about usage, and even benzo dependence and withdrawal. Video ID: BFP001 Watch the Video The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Teaser 03:02 Introduction 06:39 Q&A 12:03 Feature: Introduction to Benzos 25:07 Mindful Minute Episode Summary Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Benzo Free Podcast. In the opening of this episode, D provides a brief introduction to the podcast and then moves onto the Q&A section where he answers a few questions about himself, the Ashton Manual, and a bit about trust, opinion, and objectivity. Q&A This is the section where I would normally answer questions from the listeners. Unfortunately, since I pre-recorded the first several episodes for the podcast launch, I don’t have any feedback yet. Thus, the following questions are either based on questions I have experienced on the discussion boards, or just some basic information I think I would want to know if I was listening. I’ve provided some brief answers below, but I cover much more detail on the podcast. Who am I (the host)? I am 53 years old, live in Colorado in the U.S., and share my home with my wife of 22 years and my dog, Bear. I have been a writer, teacher, and database programmer among other jobs over the past 30 years. Do you support the Ashton Manual? Yes, definitely. The Ashton Manual is often thought of as the “Bible” of benzo withdrawal. If you have not heard of it, you can learn more on our website on our Ashton page. There is a link there to her online manual on that page. If you have never read the Ashton Manual, do so, end of story. There’s a lot of “false media” and “misinformation” out there about everything, especially benzos, recovery, and addiction. How can you expect us to trust you? I don’t. I really don’t. I hope I can gain your trust over time, but I too am a skeptical person and I would be hesitant to believe me if I was in your shoes. All I can say is this: I promise to try and be as objective and honest as I can. That’s all I can do. I will fail at times, but when I do, I will admit it. This podcast is not about me, it’s about you and your struggles. I don’t mind looking like a fool if it means I can help get the information to you that you need to help. Keep two key things in mind: 1) This is all my opinion. 2) Everyone’s experience in benzo withdrawal is different. FEATURED TOPIC Today’s featured topic: A Brief Introduction to Benzos Today’s discussion will include the basics that everyone should know about benzos whether you’ve taken the drug for years or never even heard of them before. D will discuss some basic facts about benzos, talk about the history of the drug, cover a few statistics, and even touch on benzo withdrawal. I’ve included an abridged version of the content below. Please listen to the episode for more detail. What are benzos? The term “benzos” is short for “benzodiazepines,” a class of psychoactive prescription drugs developed in the 1960s. Benzos often includes three separate classes of drugs including benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, and thienodiazepines. Also called “anti-anxiety medications” or “minor tranquilizers,” benzos were developed to combat a variety of issues including panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. What are the different types of benzos? Let’s look at the most common types in each class. Benzodiazepines – The most common benzodiazepines, starting with the most popular, are alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and temazepam (Restoril). Other common ones include chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam (ProSom), and triazolam (Halcion). Nonbenzodiazepines (Z-drugs) – As for z-drugs, they include eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), zolpidem (Ambien), and zopiclone (Zimovane). Brief History of Benzos On February 24, 1960, the FDA approved the drug chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and so started the era of benzos. Librium was considered safer than barbiturates since there were fewer side effects and fewer deaths from overdose. When Librium hit the market, it quickly outsold barbiturates and soon became the most prescribed drug in America. It remained that way until 1969 when it was replaced by another, perhaps better-known benzo: Valium. Valium was 2 1/2 times more potent than Librium and became the top-selling drug in the U.S. for 13 years, between 1969 and 1982. As benzos became increasingly popular, a backlash also gained momentum. By the middle of the 1970s, the FDA had collected numerous reports of benzodiazepine dependence…Many patients who had been on high dosages of Valium or Librium for long periods of time would experience excruciating physical and psychological symptoms when they stopped taking the medication: anxiety, insomnia, headaches, tremors, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, the feeling that insects were crawling all over them, and extreme depression — and, in some cases, seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, and paranoid delusions. — My Age of Anxiety by Scott Stossel (I highly recommend this book. Click the link above to check it out on Amazon) In 1979, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy led a Senate subcommittee hearing into suspected dangers of benzodiazepines where he said, “If you require a daily dose of Valium to get through each day, you are hooked, and you should seek help.” The backlash started, and drug companies released a new class of drugs for anxiety and depression, SSRIs. But the backlash didn’t last long. In 1981, pharmaceutical manufacturer Upjohn (now part of Pfizer) released alprazolam, and they marketed it under the catchy name of Xanax. While still a benzodiazepine, Xanax represented this new group of benzos that are even more potent than the ones in the 70s. Xanax is 20 times more potent than Valium. By 1986, Xanax had overtaken Miltown, Librium, and Valium to become the best-selling drug in history. And by 2013, prescriptions for benzos in the U.S. climbed to 5.6% of the population. The market demand for general anxiety medications was valued at $3.2 billion in 2014 and is expected to rise to $3.7 billion by the end of 2020. Benzos were back and with a vengeance. Benzo Stats According to IMS Health, the total number of U.S. adults taking anti-anxiety drugs in 2013 was over 34 million. This number includes all anti-anxiety medications including benzodiazepines, z-drugs, and others. Let’s close with two quotes about benzos and withdrawal… Benzos are very easy to get on, almost impossible to get off. Benzo withdrawal is a beast — often terrifying, sometimes dangerous, and almost always drawn out over a very long period of time. — Dr. Allen Frances, Professor Emeritus at Duke University, Chairman of the DSM-IV Committee (Read the full article in Rehabs.com Pro Talk) I’ve met people who’ve been addicted to benzodiazepines for 20 or 30 years — wrecked their lives, wrecked their jobs, wrecked their families. It’s a silent addiction. We all know about illegal drugs, we all know about alcohol, we don’t know about this group. — Anne Milton, Public Health Minister, United Kingdom (Transcribed from BBC Radio 4 Face the Facts, July 31, 2011 — Listen Here) 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. 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/. Ashton, C. Heather. “The Bridge Project, Bradford: Speech by Professor C Heather Ashton, DM FRCP: Annual Meeting, December 2011.” Benzo.org.uk. Accessed January 27, 2017. https://www.benzo.org.uk/chabradford.htm. Bachhuber, Marcus A., Sean Hennessy, Chinazo O. Cunningham and Joanna L. Starrels. “Increasing Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1996-2013.” American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) (April 2016). Accessed April 7, 2018. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303061. Balestra, Katie. “Critics Cite Serious Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Antidepressants.” Washington Post. June 30, 2009. Accessed April 7, 2018. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR2009062903105.html. Barrow, Martin. “Scandal of 1 Million Caught in Tranquiliser Trap.” The Times (UK). October 1, 2012. accessed March 1, 2017. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scandal-of-1m-caught-in-tranquilliser-trap-2glq2f0w5pr. British Medical Association (BMA). “Supporting Individuals Affected by Prescribed Drugs Associated with Dependence and Withdrawal.” Our Collective Voice. October 6, 2016. Accessed June 14, 2017. https://www.bma.org.uk/collective-voice/policy-and-research/public-and-population-health/prescribed-drugs-dependence-and-withdrawal. Face the Facts. “Prescribed Addiction.” BBC Radio 4. July 27, 2011. Last aired July 31, 2011. Produced by Kathryn Takatsuki. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012wxxw. Foster, D E. “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal.” Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. Fox, Jeremy C. “When Withdrawal is the hardest part.” The Boston Globe. September 8, 2014. Accessed October 10, 2018. https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2014/09/07/when-withdrawal-hardest-part/nyWtjexiyOWSpU1TkloVnK/story.html. Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you/. “Global General Anxiety Disorder Market Worth USD 3,775 Million and CAGR 2.4% by 2021.” Zion Market Research. November 18, 2016. Accessed November 19, 2016. http://www.medgadget.com/2016/11/global-general-anxiety-disorder-market-worth-usd-3775-million-and-cagr-2-4-by-2021.html. IMS Health. Vector One: National (VONA) and Total Patient Tracker (TPT) Database (2013). Extracted April 2014. Quoted in CCHR International. “Total Number of People Taking Psychiatric Drugs in the United States.” Accessed April 3, 2018. https://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-drugs/people-taking-psychiatric-drugs/. Stossel, Scott. My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind. New York: Vintage Books, 2013. Wikipedia. “Diazepam.” Last modified March 29, 2018. Accessed April 7, 2018. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diazepam. 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://www.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 ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

What’s it really like to withdraw from anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills? For some of us, the experience is beyond words — but I will try anyway. Today, I share my personal story of benzo withdrawal — warts and all. I do this now to help raise awareness and hopefully become more relatable as your host. I was on clonazepam (Klonopin) for over 12 years and I’m now four years benzo-free. Even though I still have some symptoms, I consider my withdrawal a success. There is hope — if I can make it, so can you. Video ID: BFP002 Watch the Video The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Teaser 01:42 Introduction 08:45 Feature: My Benzo Story 33:00 Moment of Peace Episode Summary Welcome to Episode Two of our new podcast. Today we keep the intro short and skip our Q&A so we can dive right into our featured topic. Today’s featured topic: My Benzo Story Although I know it may sound a bit pretentious, our feature today is solely focused on my experience with benzo withdrawal. I dedicated an entire episode to this topic not just to hear myself talk, but because I believe that sharing my story can truly help others feel a little less alone throughout this ordeal. If this topic is not for you, please just skip over it and go to the next episode. No hard feelings, I promise. Today, I share my journey through the past 15 years, a time that I refer to as the benzo chapter of my life. From 2002, when I was first prescribed clonazepam (Klonopin) by my primary care physician, through the roller coaster of tolerance, taper, and withdrawal, to finally discovering the beauty of life on the other side. It has been an arduous ordeal, but one that I conquered and survived. On August 20th, 2014, I took my last dose of benzos. It’s four and a half years later and although I am currently in a protracted state of withdrawal and still have symptoms every day, I am significantly better than I was and I will be forever grateful that I am finally benzo-free. Please remember that benzo withdrawal is manageable, especially with proper preparation, information, and support. My withdrawal experience is extreme and odds are your experience will be much easier than mine. 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. — 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. 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://www.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 ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Experts agree that reducing fear and anxiety is critical to success during benzo withdrawal. But how do you do that? In part one of this three-part series, I introduce five key areas of focus for creating a stable mindset during withdrawal. The first of these is taking responsibility. It’s your body and your recovery — you should be in charge. Learn how to work with your doctor as a partner and take control of your own health and healing. Video ID: BFP003 Watch the Video This episode is part of a 3-part series. Listen to Part 2 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-2-bfp004 Listen to Part 3 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-3-bfp005 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:15 Q&A 08:24 Feature: Managing the Fear of Benzo Withdrawal (Part 1) 20:15 Moment of Peace Episode Summary Welcome to the first segment of our 3-part series on Managing the Fear of Benzo Withdrawal. This series is derived from a chapter in my book titled, “Managing the Fear,” which focuses on reducing the fear, anxiety, and stress during benzo withdrawal. Before we dive too deep into our featured topic, we chat a bit and cover a couple of questions in our Q&A section on withdrawal. Feature Series SERIES: Managing the Fear of Benzo Withdrawal In my opinion, fear, and the stress and anxiety related to that fear, cause more distress and more complications during withdrawal than anything else. And this fear is not some natural psychological fear. It’s chemically enhanced. On top of the original anxieties we had before our dependence on benzos, we now have a damaged nervous system that can’t process fear correctly. A system that can send us into a panic state — both psychologically and physiologically — at the least sign of distress. Above all, stop worrying. Worry, fear and anxiety increase all withdrawal symptoms. Many of these symptoms are actually due to anxiety and not signs of brain or nervous system damage. People who fear withdrawal have more intense symptoms than those who just take it as it comes and think positively and confidently about recovery. — Prof. Ashton, The Ashton Manual This series is broken down into three separate parts: PART 1 (this video) — Series Introduction — 1) Taking Responsibility for Your Own Recovery PART 2 (https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-2-bfp004) — 2) Keeping Positive — 3) Maintaining Mental and Physical Activity PART 3 (https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-3-bfp005) — 4) Having Kindness for Yourself and Others — 5) Finding Acceptance of Your Condition Episode Description In today’s episode, we cover the series introduction and the first key area of focus: responsibility. INTRODUCTION The first step to finding a positive mindset for withdrawal is realizing that fear — and obsessing about that fear — makes your symptoms worse. It makes your withdrawal harder. Learning how to accept the fear but reduce the rumination is the real goal here. I found five key areas where I improved my ability to manage anxiety. They are responsibility, positivity, activity, kindness, and acceptance. RESPONSIBILITY I now have a say in what happens to me. I’ll never take another prescribed medication without doing my own thorough research. I’ll never go through another medical procedure without fully understanding all the risks and weighing the pros and cons. Once I realized that I was in charge, I also knew that I couldn’t do this alone. So, I built a support team to help me through this difficult time. Taking responsibility means taking the lead in your recovery. You’re in charge, and that’s a good thing. 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. — 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. 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://www.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 ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved