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Questions lead us to answers. Comments provide us insight. And stories connect from all corners of the globe. Your input is the heart of the Benzo Free Podcast, and it’s about time we dedicated an entire episode to that wonderful resource. In today’s episode, we explore the effects of benzos on our sense of taste, we learn about the benefits of yoga nidra for sleep, and we evaluate the use of sauna therapy for withdrawal. We also hear three wonderful stories from New York, New Zealand, and Japan. Video ID: BFP046 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 11:53 Mailbag 24:43 Benzo Stories 43:00 Moment of Peace 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. MAILBAG “Are saunas good or bad for you?” Medical News Today. October 22, 2005. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/32367.php. 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. Brody, Karen. “How Yoga Nidra Can Help You Get More Sleep.” Yoga Journal. November 1, 2017. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/your-brain-on-yoga-nidra. Connaboy, Kelly. “Infrared Saunas Will Not ‘Detoxify’ You.” The Atlantic. June 1, 2017. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/06/infrared-saunas-will-not-detoxify-you-toxins-sweat/528813/. 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. Jaraci, Allison Ray. “5 Benefits of Yoga Nidra.” Yoga International. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-benefits-of-yoga-nidra. Miller, Richard. “10 Steps of Yoga Nidra.” Yoga Journal. January 27, 2013. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/10-steps-of-yoga-nidra. Schiffman, Susan S. “Influence of medications on taste and smell.” World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 2018 Mar; 4(1): 84-91. Accessed November 25, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2018.02.005. “What is the function of the various brainwaves?.” Scientific American. December 22, 1997. Accessed November 25, 2019. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-22/. Introduction In today’s intro, I talk briefly about being back from the road trip, a bit about the weather, a bit about Thanksgiving, and a few other things. Mailbag QUESTION: Taste Sensitivity in Benzo Withdrawal– Frank, from White Plains, New York, asked about foul tastes in benzo withdrawal. QUESTION: Sauna Therapy – Rubaiyat, from Denmark, asked about Sauna Therapy for withdrawal. COMMENT: Yoga Nidra for Sleep – Denise, from New Mexico, mentions the benefits of yoga nidra for sleep. Benzo Stories Today we had three stories to share from: Cathy (Phoenix, Arizona) David (japan) Linda (Christchurch, New Zealand) 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

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. Welcome to part 1. In today’s episode, D shares a more positive take on benzo mornings, discusses setting boundaries with family, looks at a few benefits of slowing down, struggles with benzo brain, and shares a few other topics which arise. Video ID: BFP047 Listen on YouTube... This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 2 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/on-the-road-with-benzos-part-2-of-2-not-1-bfp048 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 06:55 On the Road in Kansas 09:58 Benefits of Slowing Down 17:15 Flying vs. Driving – An analogy (or metaphor) 20:23 Mobile Gas Station – A Tale from a Different Journey 25:55 Eisenhower Presidential Library 27:52 On the Trail / Chronic Anxiety Pressure 30:54 Benzo Brain (Part 1) 32:27 Allowing Yourself to Feel Good 37:41 Find Your Place for Peace 38:34 Benzo Moring w/ a Positive Twist 41:13 Family Boundaries and Successes 44:49 Pleasures of the Season 46:57 Family / Yesterday was a Good Day 52:12 The Good Days and Bad Days 54:20 Moment of Peace 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. THE ROAD TRIP — Road Trip Photos: (no longer available) — BOOK: "In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed" by Carl Honore — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0060750510/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_YkY5DbZF9WV7E Introduction In today’s intro, I talk briefly about the road trip and the one or two-part series which it generated, allowing the listeners to decide if there would be part two of this episode. We also discussed the server issues with the website and a few other opening topics. Feature: Road Trip Today is part one, of possible two parts, of our 4,400-mile road trip from Colorado to Florida and back. Lots of thoughts, ideas, struggles, difficulties, joys, successes, and any other thing you can image combined into almost three weeks on the road. I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think. 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

The holiday season is often a time to reflect and be grateful for all the good things in life. When we are struggling with prescription drug dependence and withdrawal, being grateful may be the furthest thing from our minds. But perhaps it doesn’t have to be. I would like to ask you to share a few of your gratitudes with me… Gratitudes are one of the best tools for finding positivity during dark times. And it’s a practice which many of you have embraced and shared with me during your withdrawal. No matter what state our lives are in, there is always something to be grateful for. And sometimes, by focusing on those things, our lives get just a little bit better. Over the next week, I would like to ask you to share a few of your gratitudes with me so that I can share them with others. Family, friends, food, places, events, loves, laughs, sunrises, sunsets, dogs, cats, canaries, successes, trips, music, memories… whatever it is that lifts your spirit. Maybe the exercise of trying to come up with a few gratitudes might brighten your day all on its own. I will collect your gratitudes through Saturday, December 21st and share them on a special podcast episode on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2019. How to Send Them There are two ways to send us your gratitudes. FEEDBACK FORM: Fill out our feedback form at https://easinganxiety.com/feedback and check the permissions checkbox so we can share them. COMMENT DIRECTLY ON THIS BLOG POST: Comment directly on this blog post and I will include them with the others for the podcast. Thank you for your participation and I hope you find joy, love, and some much-needed peace this holiday season. Happy Holidays, D :)

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. In part 2 of the adventure, D narrates highlights from his time in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky while sharing his thoughts on lingering abdominal issues, our anxious need for control, and other unique perspectives only a road trip can reveal. Video ID: BFP048 Listen on YouTube... This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/on-the-road-with-benzos-part-1-of-1-or-2-bfp047 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 07:18 Nature Trail Hike and Ambient Sounds (KCMO) 12:30 Missing Family (Kimble, TN) 13:50 Hiking Along Tennessee River (Meet JB) 14:50 Summary of Theme Park Fun (Orlando) 16:43 Morning at WDW 17:58 Road Trip: Cure for Insomnia? 19:38 Backstage / Urinary Issues / Limitations 27:00 Letting Go of Our Need for Control 33:43 “I Don’t Mind What Happens” 43:27 Morning in Downtown Gatlinburg, TN 47:12 Sounds from Great Smokey Mountain NP 48:07 Foggy Morning / Travels with Charley (Louisville, KY) 53:26 Back with the Family (Lenexa, KS) 54:53 Last Day / Back Home / 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. THE ROAD TRIP — Road Trip Photos: (no longer available) — BOOK: "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck — https://www.amazon.com/dp/0140053204/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_eEh8DbK46KYF8 — SAYING "I Don't Mind What Happens" by Jiddu Krishnamurti as referenced in an article from the Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/aug/10/stop-minding-psychology-oliver-burkeman Introduction In today’s intro, I keep it short and mention the votes which favored part 2 of the road trip and also ask for gratitudes for our upcoming episode. Feature: Road Trip Today is part two of our 4,400-mile road trip from Colorado to Florida and back. Lots of thoughts, ideas, struggles, difficulties, joys, successes, and any other thing you can image combined into almost three weeks on the road. I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think. 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

Our gut takes a big hit in benzo withdrawal, but digestive difficulties are only part of it. Pelvic pain, cramps, aching, urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and many other complications of the lower abdomen can be part of the overall picture. In today’s episode, we focus on symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis including pelvic floor dysfunction. We also explore the difficulties of poor reading comprehension, discuss a mother’s quest to help her son with violent tendencies, and hear a story of success from the United Kingdom. Video ID: BFP049 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 08:31 Mailbag 20:10 Benzo Story 28:37 Feature 51:03 Moment of Peace 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. FEATURE: The Pelvic Problem 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. Silviera, Matthew and Deborah S. Keller. Charles J. Yeo ed. Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 8th Edition: Chapter 150 – Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Netherlands: Elsevier Inc. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-40232-3.00150-3. Introduction In today’s intro, I talked about my improved mood since I returned from the road trip and embracing the joy of the holiday season. I also asked for more submissions for the podcast episode on gratitudes. Mailbag COMMENT: Difficulty with Reading Comprehension– Someone who prefers to remain anonymous shared his difficulties with reading comprehension during withdrawal and we explored this topic. QUESTION: Benzos and Violent Tendencies – Another person who also prefers to remain anonymous, but we called her Madison for the episode, shared her struggle dealing with her son who is tapering from benzos and is exhibiting rage and violent behavior. Benzo Stories Today we shared a story from Graham, in the United Kingdom Feature: The Pelvic Problem Today’s feature was dedicated to benzo symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis, including urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, aches, pain, cramping, and many others. We explore three examples from our listeners and one story from your host. And we take a look a the possible causes and treatments. 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

It’s that time of year again. Time to review, reminisce, and remember how far we have come. Even if you are in the middle of benzo withdrawal, there are always things to be grateful for. In today’s episode, the Benzo Free Community shares its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the good things in life. Wishing you all peace, love, and healing, now and for many years to come. D 😊 Video ID: BFP050 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 14:27 Gratitudes 32:52 Moment of Peace 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

Call: 0800 068 4141 (UK) Text: 07860 039967 Web: papyrus-uk.org PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. We believe that suicide is preventable. PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents, who had each lost children to suicide. Our founding parents shared core beliefs that suicide is preventable, and that those of us with lived experience of suicide have a valuable and unique contribution to make to the wider conversation around suicide. Since then, PAPYRUS has grown into a UK-wide charity with offices in north west England, south west England, West Midlands, London, Northern Ireland, north Wales, south Wales, and Scotland. Today, we are a leading youth suicide prevention charity in the UK. Our suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINEUK, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINEUK is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available from 9am to midnight, every day of the year. We deliver our suicide prevention education and training packages to thousands of people each year, to create suicide-safer communities across the UK. We also press for change to current legislation around suicide prevention on a regional and national level. The work we do centres around three key principles; Support Equip and Influence.

Anxiety Canada™ is a leader in developing free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety. We are the developers of the award-winning free MindShift™ CBT app for iOS and Android devices, which helps Canadians manage anxiety using scientifically proven strategies. We also serve Canadians by developing services and programs they can trust, including our online directory (Finding Help), and our online courses (My Anxiety Plans). A registered charity and non-profit organization, Anxiety Canada was established more than twenty years ago to raise awareness about anxiety, and to support access to proven resources and treatment. We have many volunteers from coast to coast who bring expertise to Anxiety Canada, including a Scientific Advisory Committee, a Youth Committee, and a Board of Directors. Visit this Resource Website: https://www.anxietycanada.com Free PDF Resources https://www.anxietycanada.com/free-downloadable-pdf-resources

benzo.org.uk is dedicated to sufferers of iatrogenic benzodiazepine tranquilliser addiction and is the original home of the Ashton Manual. Launched on July 6, 2000, this web site has always been a work in progress consisting of articles, information, expert medical documents, news stories and personal accounts. You can navigate this site by category on the Archive page or using the A-Z site index. A good place to begin is the FAQ Document. Visit this Resource Website: benzo.org.uk

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Visit this Resource Website: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html

A Film by Holly Hardman Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan – all belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos). News and entertainment media portray them in terms of addiction and abuse or as innocuous medications that relax nerves. AS PRESCRIBED documents a strikingly different narrative, following eye-opening stories of invisible illness and disability. Boston-based survivor Geraldine Burns leads a grassroots army of “good patients” that help other victims and advocate tirelessly for benzodiazepine harm awareness. But resistance is strong. Geraldine and her cohorts are opposed by powerful forces that include pharmaceutical giants and a medical culture that has denied the problem for decades. Visit this Resource Website: https://www.asprescribedfilm.com Podcast Interview Check out our conversation with filmmaker Holly Hardman https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-filmmaker-holly-hardman-part-1-of-2-bfp039

“Medicating Normal,” a documentary feature film about the overprescribing of psychiatric drugs, premiers at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 16th and 17th. We had the distinct privilege to speak with two of the filmmakers this week. In part one of our two-part series, D had a wonderful conversation with director/producer Lynn Cunningham. Lynn candidly shares the struggles and successes of making this film, the inspiration behind it, and the insights gained from their private screenings and panels. Video ID: BFP051 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:57 Introduction 05:18 INTERVIEW: Lynn Cunningham 50:08 Moment of Peace 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. MEDICATING NORMAL Film’s Website: https://medicatingnormal.com/ Film’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/medicatingnormalfilm/ Film’s Youtube Channel (with Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh-enG_cv0MbGoU4XdT9mxA Screenings and How to Host a Screening: https://medicatingnormal.com/watch/ BIO - Lynn Cunningham Lynn began her filmmaking career editing films in the late 1980s and 1990s, for PBS, Middlemarch Films, Michael Blackwood, and the History Channel. Editing credits include: Walter Reuther and the Rise of the Auto Workers’ Union, a one-hour documentary for American Experience, Behind the Scenes, a children’s series about the arts for PBS, as well as Butoh: Body on the Edge of Crisis, Tadao Ando, and Mel Bochner: Thought Made Visible. In the late 1990s, as an Asahi Shimbun fellow, Lynn directed and produced A Quiet Revolution: The Emergence of Alternative Education in Japan, about Japan’s ‘School Refusal’ movement, that won the 1997 Japan Times Award for films and videos about Japan. Lynn holds a BA in Architecture from Yale University in 1983. 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