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You may have noticed recent hashtags: #SuicidePreventionMonth, #SPM23, #BeThe1To, or #TalkAwaytheDark. It’s September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month, and we just entered Suicide Prevention Week on September 10. I’m inviting everyone in the Easing Anxiety community and beyond to be aware of signs of people struggling with thoughts of ending their lives — often expressing feelings of being trapped or being a burden. There are times when I have been concerned about this with people in the benzodiazepine community. I’ve been on Facebook support groups or on-line Zoom calls and heard people talking about their hopelessness during benzodiazepine tapering or dealing with BIND. I have reached out through direct messages, but then I wondered what exactly should I do. I’m here to say that not only is it fair to worry about someone who may want to end their life, but to talk to them. What I want to say is straightforward: Suicide is preventable. If you are worried about someone, it is OK to talk to them directly. It is that care and connection that creates hope. At a minimum, I would urge you or them to call 988 or text 741741 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Prevalence of Suicide and Warning Signs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention know the numbers. Suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes (1). The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.7 million attempted suicide (2). The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) describes the suicide warning signs for adults as follows: Talking about or making plans for suicide Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Talking about being a burden to others Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or feeling isolated Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Displaying extreme mood swings The risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Action Steps You Can Take There are concrete action steps you can take if you believe someone may be in danger of suicide: Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to talk to a caring professional. Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide. Listen without judging and show you care. Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help. Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. NAMI Provides Guidance The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) gives important guidance. Here's what they have to say: Let the person know they can talk with you: If someone is struggling with suicidal ideation day-to-day, let them know you will listen to what they’re going through. NAMI advises against “arguing” or trying to disprove any negative statements they make (“Your life isn’t that bad!”), but suggest active listening techniques such as reflecting their feelings and summarizing their thoughts. Let them know that mental health professionals are trained to help people understand their feelings. While some people may worry about reaching out to a mental health professional, encouraging them to get this kind of support is key. One of the most important directions that NAMI provides is that... Suicidal thoughts are a symptom, just like any other — they can be treated, and they can improve over time. NAMI tells us that comments or thoughts about suicide, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin small — for example, “I wish I wasn’t here” or “nothing matters.” But over time, they can become more explicit and dangerous. Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. Unlike other health emergencies, mental health crises don’t have instructions or resources on how to help or what to expect (like the Heimlich Maneuver or CPR). That’s why NAMI created Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency, so people experiencing mental health emergencies and their loved ones can have the answers and information they need when they need it. Talking Can Help Heal While there may be fear of bringing up the topic, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) “Talk Away the Dark Campaign" reminds us: We might worry that saying the wrong thing will make it worse. So, we end up not saying anything – even though a few kind words can make the difference in connecting someone to help or supporting someone who experienced a suicide loss. — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) AFSP provides great resources: Conversation Starters: https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org/#starters Real Conversation Guides: https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org/#convos Real Stories: https://talkawaythedark.afsp.org/#convos In Appreciation I want to end with my appreciation for anxiety and benzodiazepine focused support groups and forums. Certainly, they are also a place where some members express a loss of hope. They are also the place, though, where community members express concern and care, and where others gain hope and perspective. View Easing Anxiety's Resources Page for a list of resource groups and organizations. More Information If You are Concerned about Someone Who is Suicidal "BE THE ONE TO" ...shows how 5 steps can help someone who is suicidal. https://www.bethe1to.com/bethe1to-steps-evidence/ As always, please let us know what you think about this topic. Suicide Prevention Resources 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org Easing Anxiety Suicide Prevention Resources - https://easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: (https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html) National Alliance for Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - https://www.samhsa.gov American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2023. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Jan 11, 2023. http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report. For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing human. Please read our site disclaimer for more information. #SuicidePreventionMonth #SPM23 #BeThe1To #TalkAwaytheDark

Benzos and grief, diet, and distension. Benzos and pets, laughter, and levity. Benzos and indecision and lack of memory. Benzos and research, internet, and advocacy. So many topics, so much to discuss. In today’s episode, we dive into our mailbag again to hear from you. D shares some comments, answers some questions, and even reads some critical feedback. Join us for a few insights and friendly discussion. Video ID: BFP126 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 02:25 The Gift of Caregiving 04:13 Our New Puppy 05:48 The Social Benefit of Dogs 07:50 Recent Blog Posts at EA 09:41 1,000 YouTube Subscribers 11:53 Graham, Jimmy, & Robin 17:07 Lightening the Load 21:45 A.I. and Being Genuine 24:20 MAILBAG 24:33 Indecision and Control 28:11 Five Stages of Grief 29:25 No One Path 31:11 Connection So Important 32:45 Benzo Belly 35:58 What Is a Healthy Diet? 38:00 Way Too Much About Me 39:04 Angie at Burning Man 42:00 Internet for Awareness 43:38 Research Is Important 45:19 Internet Limitations 46:09 Content Vying for Coverage 47:27 Has My Memory Improved? 50:51 Thanks for the Comments 52:12 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. INTRODUCTION — Easing Anxiety Blog Posts: https://www.easinganxiety.com/posts/categories/blog — Our New Puppy Blog Post: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/meet-murphy-our-new-mascot MAILBAG — Indecision — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anxiety-and-indecision-6-tips-to-help-you-decide — 5 Stages of Grief — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-bind-and-the-5-stages-of-grief — Who Am I Now? — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/who-am-i-now-confidence-and-self-esteem-in-benzo-withdrawal-bind-bfp122 — Benzo Belly (Take 2) — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-belly-our-gut-in-withdrawal-take-2-bfp060 — Lazy Morning on the Patio — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/lazy-morning-on-the-patio-updates-community-compassion-and-coaching — Angela Peacock — https://apeacockconsulting.com — BIND Roundtable — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-bind-roundtable-benzodiazepine-survey-research-team — Benzo Brain — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-brain-cognitive-symptoms-in-withdrawal-bfp073 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

In a recent blog post ("Coping Day-to-Day"), I detailed some of the coping strategies I and others use when we need to distract ourselves from a tough day. I am a little embarrassed to admit that one of the ways I distract myself when I am having a bad day is by viewing Instagram and Facebook snippets or reels. These work for me, especially when I am having trouble concentrating or feel edgy. They may work for you as well. I can be captivated by beautiful scenery, vacation photos, or Zen moments. The video reels on Facebook or Instagram can distract me - for more time than I want to admit. They fall into three categories: Weddings I love witnessing a groom first seeing his bride as she walks down the aisle, especially when he can’t hold back his tears. I also can't see enough of parents walking their children down the aisle. These are emotional and loving moments that take me to another place. And there is nothing more lovely than watching a first dance. Romance gets me every time and it helps to take me to another time and place. Newborns, babies and little children. Laughing babies get me every time, from newborns with their first smiles to babies who can’t contain their laughter. I'm sure it helps that endorphins are released when you laugh. It is the innocence and hilarity of these little babies that captivate me. New babies and their dads, especially big burly men who look gob smacked by the preciousness of their newborns (Yes, I am aware that these same new parents have many sleepless nights and poopy diapers ahead of them). Something about the wonder and unanticipated depth of love just makes me feel better. Cute children saying sweet, loving, or funny remarks. I have to admit I laugh out loud when I hear little kids swearing and we know they are imitating their parents. Little kids having an attitude or dancing without a care in the world. The sense that no one will judge them just charms me. Puppies and babies or dogs and little kids cuddling or playing together. What’s not to love? It is especially precious to see older dogs reacting to a newborn brought home. I love watching the innate protectiveness of a dog with a baby. People in the military greeting their families from a long deployment There is something so poignant about the relief and hope that reuniting families seem to experience that gets me every time. I relish the hopefulness and moment of reuniting that you see in these videos. So what does this say about how I cope? I have already admitted to listening to and reading fiction, especially romance novels, as a way to escape. I think it means that I get carried to another place and time when I see emotional and meaningful moments in the lives of families or others. I love seeing the innocence and promise of an untarnished future. I feel less edgy and more settled. It is a way to get out of my here and now. Of course, any one coping strategy doesn’t work for everyone or even for me every time. However, I want to be sure to communicate that it is OK to find what helps or settles each of us and use that strategy. Tell us: What do you use to distract yourself when you are having a tough day? For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing human. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

Welcome back to the Easing Anxiety blog series, "What We Learned from the Benzo Survey." In our 2nd post, we continue with the key demographics from the Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018/2019. Our first post from August 17 explored age groups. Today, we wrap up the key demographics with gender and country. Scroll to the end of this post for details about the survey and research team. GENDER The benzodiazepine survey reported that 71.3% of all survey respondents were female, 25.7% were male, with 2.0% either "other gender identity" or "prefer not to say." Considering that 98% of all respondents identified themselves as male or female, we will focus there for now. To simplify the above numbers, one could say that almost three times more women took the survey, than men. Which then begs the question, are women prescribed benzodiazepines more often than men? According to a 2021 JAMA Open cohort study based on data from one of the largest commercial health insurance databases in the U.S., women are prescribed benzodiazepines at a rate almost double that of men. The records of 17,255,033 adults (51.3% female) were analyzed, and for March 2020 females were prescribed benzodiazepines at a rate of 4.91% and males at 2.66%. One side note from this research — a bit of good news — is that for both women and men the prescribing rate has decreased since 2018 (females 5.61%, males 3.03%). But, this still leaves us with the biggest question of all. Why are more women prescribed benzodiazepines as compared to men? I will admit, I spent some time researching this topic for this post. Unfortunately, the answers were not nearly as definitive as I had hooped. Doctor visit frequency, requests for medication, prescriber/patient biases, mental health support, and social media use were just a few of the proposed causes in a long list of possibilities. It quickly became clear to me that this discussion is well beyond the scope of this blog post here. So, I determined it was wise to move on. If this discussion is of interest to you, please let us know and we will tackle it in a future article. Question (n=1,207): Would you please give your gender? It may be important to know. COUNTRY Over 3/4 of the respondents to the survey were from the United States (76.6%). Canada followed with 8.8%, the United Kingdom at 3.8%, and Australia at 1.9%. The remainder of the countries contributed less than 1% each of the respondents to the survey. Those who selected the "Other [country]" option below (5.6%) were asked by the survey to select there specific country. Those results are not reported here in this post. Why are most of the respondents to the survey from the U.S.? We don't have data to accurately identify the reason, but there are some logical speculations. Access to the survey was promoted mostly via U.S. based support groups and other websites. Also, advocacy for those dealing with benzodiazepine withdrawal and BIND is more active in the U.S. than other countries, thus those populations are more likely to attribute their symptoms to this class of drugs. The survey was also an English-based survey, so language barriers may have existed for non-English respondents. The country question does not appear to provide unique insight into the BIND experience, but instead is more a bellwether highlighting limitations of the survey and the state of benzodiazepine awareness and advocacy in each country. Question (n=1,207): What country do you live in? References Milani SA, Raji MA, Chen L, Kuo Y. Trends in the Use of Benzodiazepines, Z-Hypnotics, and Serotonergic Drugs Among US Women and Men Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2131012. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.31012. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785392. Faust DT, Lin LA, Blow, FC. Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States. Psychiatric Services. 17 Dec 2018. Accessed September 1, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800321. Survey papers are listed below. About the Benzodiazepine Survey About the Research The largest survey of its kind, "The Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018/2019" was created and administered by Jane Macoubrie, PhD and Christy Huff, MD. Over 1,600 individuals took the survey, resulting in 1,207 qualified respondents. The survey constituted 20 questions, including demographic inquires. Some of these questions had multiple sub-questions and/or allowed multiple answers. The survey generated three published research papers in scientific journals (as noted below) between April 25, 2022 and June 29, 2023. The research team is still together working on new benzodiazepine-related research projects. Special thanks to the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices for sponsoring and organizing this research. Published Papers PAPER 1 — April 25, 2022 Reid Finlayson AJ, Macoubrie J, Huff C, Foster DE, Martin PR. Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2022;12. doi:10.1177/20451253221082386. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20451253221082386. PAPER 2 — February 6, 2023 Huff C, Finlayson AJR, Foster DE, Martin PR. Enduring neurological sequelae of benzodiazepine use: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2023;13. doi:10.1177/20451253221145561. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20451253221145561. PAPER 3 — June 29, 2023 Ritvo AD, Foster DE, Huff C, Finlayson AJR, Silvernail B, et al. (2023) Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey. PLOS ONE 18(6): e0285584. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285584. Research Team Research Team / Authors (alphabetical) A. J. Reid Finlayson, MD, MMHC — Vanderbilt University Medical Center D E Foster — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group Christy Huff, MD — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition Peter R. Martin, MD, MSc — Vanderbilt University Medical Center Alexis Ritvo, MD, MPH — University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Bernard Silvernail — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices Acknowledgements The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — Sponsoring Organization Jane Macoubrie, Ph.D. — Survey originator Jo Ann LeQuang — Medical Writer Limitations SOURCE: Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey This study has several limitations. The study reported on ‘suicidal thoughts’, which can range from fleeting notions of self-harm to passive desperation, preparatory planning, and disinhibition. Suicidal thoughts may be underreported, even in an anonymous online survey, as respondents might hesitate or be embarrassed to report self-destructive thoughts. There was no control group. Much of the survey dealt with symptoms presented in multiple-choice lists, and it is possible that patients may have been suggestible to the list presented, may not have correctly remembered past symptoms, or may incorrectly attribute certain symptoms or feelings to benzodiazepines. We did not account for a nocebo effect. The large number of write-in comments suggests that many respondents felt the survey did not allow them to fully describe the extent of their experiences and emotions. Another limitation of our survey is that it recruited respondents from social media and online sources that deal with benzodiazepine use and withdrawal. Respondents were self-selected, forming a convenience sample that may not represent the population of benzodiazepine users as a whole because visitors may have sought sites such as these specifically because they have experienced problems. Moreover, those who use the Internet for health information tend to be younger, and those who join online support groups for medical conditions tend to be in generally worse health. Our results thus may not be generalizable to the population of all people taking benzodiazepines. Data Analysis A medical statistician produced the initial results of this survey utilizing SAS Software. Subsequent data analysis was performed in greater detail by an experienced data scientist who imported the survey data into a custom SQL Server data model. Customized queries were employed to obtain correlations among the data. In particular, this analysis examined conditions for which benzodiazepines were prescribed and compared them to symptoms and adverse life effects reported by patients who were tapering or had discontinued benzodiazepine use. All analyses were delivered via a structured reporting process and validated against the original SAS reports. The survey was made available online through websites and internet benzodiazepine support groups and general health and wellness groups. The data scientist mentioned above is D E Foster, who is also the author of this blog series and the founder of Easing Anxiety. D has been a member of the Benzodiazepine Survey Research Team since 2019, providing general benzodiazepine knowledge and lived-experience in addition to formal data analysis and reporting. Prior to his withdrawal from benzodiazepines, D worked as a database developer and data scientist for over 25 years. For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing, human person. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

Sometimes you just have to write about something happy. This is especially true, and necessary, when most of one's work focuses on hardship — as does mine. Which brings me to the topic of today's post. This is a story about two dogs. My Buddy, Bear For those of you who have followed Benzo Free and Easing Anxiety for longer than a couple of years, you may remember a fuzzy fella named "Bear." Bear was an Aussie Shepherd mix and was my best buddy for over 12 years, including the hardest days dealing with severe benzo withdrawal and BIND. Without him by my side, I don't know that I would have made it. But I did, and he helped me every step of the way. Two years ago this month, we had to say goodbye to Bear. He was 15 years old and his body was failing him. This is the third dog Shana and I have had to say goodbye to since we've been married, and it definitely does not get any easier. Little did I know at the time that this was only the beginning of another incredibly difficult period of my life. A period that rivaled my early years off Klonopin. Over the next 18 months, I cared for and lost my mother and father to dementia, and also lost two close cousins to COVID. I truly wish I had my buddy next to me during these times. But alas, he had moved on. It's been two hard years, but we're doing better. And, it's finally time to move on. So, we started looking. Meet Murphy About 11 days ago, my wife showed me a picture of a puppy at a foster home in Denver. We had been searching for a shelter dog for a couple of months, but the process was very lengthy and the dog we were interested in was usually gone by the time the paperwork was done. This time, though, things were different. On Friday morning, my wife showed me a picture and description of a dog, and by Saturday afternoon we had a puppy. Meet Murphy, a six month old Great Pyrenees / Border Collie mix. At least we think he is. We take him to the vet this afternoon and will run a DNA test just out of curiosity. He's about 50 pounds now, and will probably top out close to100 pounds full grown. We've had a Pyrenees before, so we are used to the size. We love all dogs, but have always had a particular fondness for the ones with really big hearts. My wife has been recovering from surgery and Murphy has been an amazing therapy dog for her. He's still a puppy and we still need a lot of training, but he's an amazing dog and perfect for us. Now, with Murphy added to the clan, our home feels right again. We don't have kids — at least not the human kind. We have dogs — and they make us very happy. Sharing Joy Why am I telling you this? To share the joy. To share the joy we feel as we welcome a new family member to the Foster clan. And, to include you, our friends, in that experience. This is pure joy. And sharing joy is perhaps one of the most powerful weapons against fear, pain, and hopelessness. But, there's another lesson here also. I lost five loved ones in a little over a year, in the middle of COVID, and all while dealing with long COVID and benzo symptoms myself. And yet, life moves on. Life gets better. There are sunrises and sunsets, friends and laughter, successes and achievements, s'mores and snickerdoodles, and yes, puppies, in all of our futures. This I know is true. I will sneak in a story about Murphy now and then to keep you updated. I hope each and everyone of you has a joyful thought or event in your life right now that can bring a smile to your face as Murphy is doing for us. With Love, D

NOTE: The topic of this article is suicide and suicide prevention. This topic may be difficult for some readers. Crisis and suicidal thoughts may be a concern for people in benzodiazepine withdrawal, with long-term symptoms after tapering or BIND (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction)? Just listen to people on support groups and hear the frustration and struggle in their stories. It comes as no surprise that for some, the day-to-day can feel like too much. But, I also know that if someone in crisis can just hold off for a day, or even an hour, a bit of relief, hope, or even a momentary respite helps. Here is why the “988” number is so important. By dialing these three numbers on the phone, anyone who is having a crisis or is suicidal can reach help through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7 and it is free and confidential. There are several ways to reach this help: Dial 988 on the phone Enter 988 in a browser and be connected to a chat or call Text “Help” to 988 Text “Ayuda” in Spanish to 988 Veterans text 838255 to Veterans Crisis Line Lifeline options are also available for deaf and hard of hearing Calling 988 also provides support for those concerned about a loved one or friend (more resources at https://988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/). The Lifeline provides support to professionals as well when they call 988 (more resources for professionals at https://988lifeline.org/professional-initiatives/). More about the Lifeline The Lifeline provides support for many types of situations: PRESS 1 - Callers who follow the “press 1” prompt are connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. PRESS 2 - A Spanish Language line is available by pressing 2 when calling 9-8-8, and more than 240 languages are supported through a tele-interpreters service. PRESS 3 - Callers also have the option of following a “press 3” prompt to be connected to a counselor specifically trained in supporting LGBTQI+ callers. In all situations, a trained crisis counselor answers the phone. This person listens to the caller, works to understand what the caller is experiencing, provides support, and collaborates with the caller on ways to feel better and connect with any needed help or resources. What is the Lifeline? The Federal Government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports the Lifeline, made up of a network of over 200 independently owned and operated local centers. The Lifeline network is designed to connect callers with local crisis centers by using a phone system that routes calls based on the caller’s phone number. In this network of centers, staff are trained and prepared to deal with people in crisis and those who may also be suicidal. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a 988 Lifeline counselor. Straightforward talk to start the conversation The people at the Lifeline recognize that when someone is struggling and in crisis, they may have trouble thinking or even beginning a conversation. These individuals often prepare pre-written messages to start the conversation with a trusted contact. The messages are as straight-forward as: When you get a chance can you contact me? I feel really alone and suicidal, and could use some support. I don’t want to die, but I don't know how to live. Talking with you may help me feel safe. Are you free to talk? This is really hard for me to say but I’m having painful thoughts and it might help to talk. Are you free? People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few. Why do I care so much about the Lifeline? For several years, I was privileged to serve as the Director of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The Action Alliance is a public/private partnership funded by SAMHSA. The public sector is represented by the Surgeon General’s office; many US Health and Human Services agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; US Departments of Education, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Defense as well as Congressional leadership. The private sector is represented by national leaders in communication, entertainment, behavioral health, health systems, policing, finance, ministry, construction, and even national sports leagues. All are concerned about suicide in the United States and come together to develop and implement a national strategy to prevent suicide. Doing this work highlighted the importance of the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Since its launch in July 2022 through May 2023 (the latest available data), 988 has received almost 5 million contacts, of which nearly 1 million are from the Veteran's Crisis Line—a part of 988—with the rest consisting of 2.6 million calls, over 740,000 chats, and more than 600,000 texts. All these efforts, organizations, agencies, and leaders recognize that too many people are in crisis and need support. 988 is an easy number to remember, to call, and to reach available, free resources. Like any support, the ultimate problem does not disappear but suffering, worry, and isolation can be lifted. Sometimes that is just what is needed to get to the next day. As always, we are interested in hearing your thoughts on this topic. References 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org Easing Anxiety Suicide Prevention Resources - https://easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention - https://theactionalliance.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - https://www.samhsa.gov For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing human. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

It's 8:30pm Sunday Night. I have every intention of keeping this short — and this time I just might succeed. Nine Years Benzo-Free August 20th, 2014 — On this date, I took my last dose of clonazepam (Klonopin). I've been benzo-free now for nine years. Yay! Yes, I still have symptoms. This I must admit. But I can also admit — quite honestly — that I am happy. My life is good, and I have so much to be grateful for. It gets better. I can't say it any simpler than that. It gets better. The Book and Websites August 20th, 2018 — Five years ago today, I published my book "Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal." We also launched the Benzo Free Website on the same day. This was the beginning of what we do here today, and a few people started to pay attention. February 20th, 2019 — Six months later, we launched the first five episodes of the Benzo Free Podcast. Earlier this month, we published episode 125. A few more individuals took notice. October 2020 — The Benzo Free website became Easing Anxiety, adding general anxiety content to our channel. March 2023 — The new, and current version of the Easing Anxiety website was published — and it is growing each and every day. Thank You! From the very beginning, the one cornerstone of Benzo Free and Easing Anxiety has been you. The listeners of the podcast, the visitors to the website, the terrified individuals desperately seeking information, validation, and connection. You are the heart and soul of what we do here. Without you — none of this would have ever existed. Thank You! More to Come... And, there is much, much more to come. So, stay tuned. With love and appreciation, D :)

Welcome to the new Easing Anxiety blog series, "What We Learned from the Benzo Survey." Now that we have published the 3rd and final paper on the Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018/2019, we wanted to share some of the findings and data that may not have been included in the three published papers. There was a lot here, and it would be a shame not to make it available to the public. As we progress through this series, we will discuss demographics, types of medication, taper, dosage, symptoms, and adverse life effects. Each post will be relatively short, covering only one or two analyses. At the bottom of each post, we will include details and links to learn more about the survey if you so choose. Despite the inherent complexity of data analysis and statistics, these posts will be written with the general audience in mind. In the first few posts, we will start out with the basics. There are three key demographics of the study: age, gender, and country. Let's start with age... AGE The age distribution of the survey respondents was not unexpected. Even though this was an online survey, which typically skews younger, the average age of affected individuals in the benzodiazepine community is older. Over half of all respondents in this survey were over the age of 50. There are some reasons for this. First off, benzodiazepines are more heavily prescribed in older populations. Reasons for this are varied. And second, many individuals do not recognize or exhibit tolerance symptoms until years, even decades, after starting the drug. In fact, a significant percentage never exhibit tolerance at all during use and do not face these hurdles until withdrawal. This may explain, in part, why the average age of someone seeking support for benzodiazepine withdrawal trends older. According to national estimates in a 2018 study, 8.7% of older Americans greater than age 65 were prescribed BZD [benzodiazepines] within the past year. Given the known adverse effects of this drug class [benzodiazepines], particularly in the elderly, efforts should be aimed at a rigorous assessment of the true need for a benzodiazepine, along with the implementation of deprescribing practices for existing benzodiazepine users. — Gress et al (2020) Unfortunately, the age group most frequently overlooked in modern society is also the one that is most affected by the complications of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. The overprescribing of these drugs for older adults is a significant problem and is one of the leading causes of falls and hip fractures, which increases the risk of mortality, poorer quality of life, and increased morbidity. Question (n=1,207): It could be helpful to track symptoms by age. Your age group currently is: References Donnelly K, Bracchi R, Hewitt J, Routledge PA, Carter B. Benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and the risk of hip fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 27;12(4):e0174730. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174730. PMID: 28448593; PMCID: PMC5407557. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5407557/. Gerlach LB, Wiechers IR, Maust DT. Prescription Benzodiazepine Use Among Older Adults: A Critical Review. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2018 Sep/Oct;26(5):264-273. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000190. PMID: 30188338; PMCID: PMC6129989. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6129989/. Gress T, Miller M, Meadows C 3rd, Neitch SM. Benzodiazepine Overuse in Elders: Defining the Problem and Potential Solutions. Cureus. 2020 Oct 19;12(10):e11042. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11042. PMID: 33214968; PMCID: PMC7673272. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7673272/. Survey papers are listed below. About the Benzodiazepine Survey About the Research The largest survey of its kind, "The Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018/2019" was created and administered by Jane Macoubrie, PhD and Christy Huff, MD. Over 1,600 individuals took the survey, resulting in 1,207 qualified respondents. The survey constituted 20 questions, including demographic inquires. Some of these questions had multiple sub-questions and/or allowed multiple answers. The survey generated three published research papers in scientific journals (as noted below) between April 25, 2022 and June 29, 2023. The research team is still together working on new benzodiazepine-related research projects. Special thanks to the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices for sponsoring and organizing this research. Published Papers PAPER 1 — April 25, 2022 Reid Finlayson AJ, Macoubrie J, Huff C, Foster DE, Martin PR. Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2022;12. doi:10.1177/20451253221082386. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20451253221082386. PAPER 2 — February 6, 2023 Huff C, Finlayson AJR, Foster DE, Martin PR. Enduring neurological sequelae of benzodiazepine use: an Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2023;13. doi:10.1177/20451253221145561. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20451253221145561. PAPER 3 — June 29, 2023 Ritvo AD, Foster DE, Huff C, Finlayson AJR, Silvernail B, et al. (2023) Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey. PLOS ONE 18(6): e0285584. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285584. Research Team Research Team / Authors (alphabetical) A. J. Reid Finlayson, MD, MMHC — Vanderbilt University Medical Center D E Foster — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group Christy Huff, MD — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition Peter R. Martin, MD, MSc — Vanderbilt University Medical Center Alexis Ritvo, MD, MPH — University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Bernard Silvernail — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices Acknowledgements The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — Sponsoring Organization Jane Macoubrie, Ph.D. — Survey originator Jo Ann LeQuang — Medical Writer Limitations SOURCE: Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey This study has several limitations. The study reported on ‘suicidal thoughts’, which can range from fleeting notions of self-harm to passive desperation, preparatory planning, and disinhibition. Suicidal thoughts may be underreported, even in an anonymous online survey, as respondents might hesitate or be embarrassed to report self-destructive thoughts. There was no control group. Much of the survey dealt with symptoms presented in multiple-choice lists, and it is possible that patients may have been suggestible to the list presented, may not have correctly remembered past symptoms, or may incorrectly attribute certain symptoms or feelings to benzodiazepines. We did not account for a nocebo effect. The large number of write-in comments suggests that many respondents felt the survey did not allow them to fully describe the extent of their experiences and emotions. Another limitation of our survey is that it recruited respondents from social media and online sources that deal with benzodiazepine use and withdrawal. Respondents were self-selected, forming a convenience sample that may not represent the population of benzodiazepine users as a whole because visitors may have sought sites such as these specifically because they have experienced problems. Moreover, those who use the Internet for health information tend to be younger, and those who join online support groups for medical conditions tend to be in generally worse health. Our results thus may not be generalizable to the population of all people taking benzodiazepines. Data Analysis A medical statistician produced the initial results of this survey utilizing SAS Software. Subsequent data analysis was performed in greater detail by an experienced data scientist who imported the survey data into a custom SQL Server data model. Customized queries were employed to obtain correlations among the data. In particular, this analysis examined conditions for which benzodiazepines were prescribed and compared them to symptoms and adverse life effects reported by patients who were tapering or had discontinued benzodiazepine use. All analyses were delivered via a structured reporting process and validated against the original SAS reports. The survey was made available online through websites and internet benzodiazepine support groups and general health and wellness groups. The data scientist mentioned above is D E Foster, who is also the author of this blog series and the founder of Easing Anxiety. D has been a member of the Benzodiazepine Survey Research Team since 2019, providing general benzodiazepine knowledge and lived-experience in addition to formal data analysis and reporting. Prior to his withdrawal from benzodiazepines, D worked as a database developer and data scientist for over 25 years. For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing, human person. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

I was recently reminded of the statement: "there is no way out of this but through it." So what are day-to-day, moment-by-moment strategies to get through it? I have been asked what I did to help with the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal and its after-effects. Here are some ideas that not only helped me feel calmer and deal with symptoms, but also helped me feel as if I was doing something productive. I have also asked others in the on-line Benzo Warrior Community what they do. Here is a compilation of ideas to consider. Remember that while some may not be possible right now they may work in a few months. When I just wanted to calm my inner world or deal with cognitive fog Taking warm baths in low lights Listening to the sounds of chimes, rainfall, or the ocean on apps Coloring in adult coloring books with markers or colored pencils Listening to audiobooks and podcasts, being careful to avoid topics that can provoke anxiety Sitting outside and feeling the sun or the breeze Taking walks, even if just to walk around the yard Binging on TV shows Petting or cuddling with a dog or cat When I was able to do something more active Using a loom to knit scarves that I gave to homeless people Crocheting dish clothes for clothes, prayer shawls, or gloves for others Baking and giving goods to neighbors (even starting with slice-and-bake cookies) Tending to a garden Playing word searches or solitaire on apps Doing puzzles, sudoku Collage making and scrapbooking Journaling Reading mostly fiction, romantic or historical often most helpful Daily snippets of Spanish (insert language here) lessons When I was ready to interact more with others Joining support group sessions During political campaigns, writing postcards to encourage people to vote and participating in campaign activities (all on-line) Taking classes on Zoom Being a healing buddy Volunteering on-line Do any of these ideas seem helpful? As always, we’d like to hear your feedback. For Informational Purposes Only 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. This article was written by a living, breathing, human person. Please read our site disclaimer for more information.

This past June in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), one of the most prestigious medical journals, the US Preventive Task Force [1] issued a recommendation that primary care physicians screen adult patients for anxiety. This recommendation applies to adults (19 years and older). This recommendation is good news. It acknowledges the burden of anxiety. It recognizes that many people who suffer from anxiety - whose condition has not been detected or treated - can be reached in the primary care setting. In promising fashion, the Task Force goes on to say that clinicians should be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of anxiety, listen to any patient concerns, and make sure that persons who need help get it. This is all good news. As a public health professional whose focus is prevention, I have always admired the US Preventive Services Task Force. They make evidence-based recommendations about preventive services such as screenings, behavioral counseling, and preventive medications. As they describe their work, these recommendations are “created for primary care professionals by primary care professionals.” How common is anxiety? People familiar with Easing Anxiety know what the challenges of anxiety are. But how many people are we talking about? According to large population-based surveys, up to 33.7% of the population is affected by an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. [2] Of course the COVID-19 pandemic made anxiety worse. KFF, an independent health policy research, polling, and news agency, assessed the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, and concluded that …many adults reported symptoms consistent with anxiety and depression, with approximately four in ten adults reporting these symptoms by early 2021, before declining to approximately three in ten adults as the pandemic continued. — U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.[3] A good recommendation isn’t enough So, I’m worried about this recommendation, not because it isn’t important or necessary but because screening isn’t enough. Several important considerations: What do busy, overtaxed primary care clinicians do when they find that an unexpected number of their patients screened positive for anxiety? What tools do they use to help these newly-diagnosed patients? What services are available for support and treatment? Where do they refer these patients? I suggest that it isn’t enough to screen for a potential issue without appropriate and available follow-up services. We know that anxiety is common, and therefore we need primary care clinicians to screen for this issue. That is the purpose of this new recommendation. However, to make this screening recommendation effective, clinicians must be provided with the tools to adequately treat their patients. Providers may not be familiar with effective treatments for anxiety such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness strategies. And even if they are aware of these services, there may not be enough providers to provide services soon enough for most people. An even worse outcome But there’s also an unintended and very troubling outcome that I see on the horizon. We don’t want primary care clinicians to wind up prescribing - what might be considered an easier solution for a large number of newly identified patients – benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium). The challenge that primary care clinicians and we face is trying to solve an immediate, pressing need – that of an increasing number of primary care patients identified with anxiety – without the ability of health and behavioral health care to adequately respond to these needs. The worst outcome would be another generation of people needing to taper off of benzodiazepines, continuing to struggle with anxiety, and perhaps suffering with BIND (benzodiazepine induced neurological dysfunction). FDA boxed warning highlights the dangers of benzodiazepines Many of us know that in 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about benzodiazepines: Physical dependence can occur when benzodiazepines are taken steadily for several days to weeks, even as prescribed. Stopping them abruptly or reducing the dosage too quickly can result in withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening. It isn’t clear whether most primary care clinicians know about FDA’s warning on the potential hazards of benzodiazepines. We certainly don’t want to solve one problem – identifying anxiety among primary care patients who could benefit from support and treatment – by creating another one. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas about this blog post. References Screening for Anxiety Disorders in Adults. US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement, US Preventive Services Task Force JAMA. 2023;329(24):2163-2170. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9301 Borwin Bandelow & Sophie Michaelis (2015) Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century,Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 17:3, 327-335, DOI: 10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/bbandelow Harvard Medical School, 2007. National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). (2017, August 21). Retrieved from https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/index.php . Data Table 1: Lifetime prevalence DSM-IV/WMH-CIDI disorders by sex and cohort .

A Message from D E Foster... I would like to welcome Dr. Doryn Chervin to the Easing Anxiety Team. I have had the unique privilege of working with Doryn for a few months now building out our EA Community, and she continually amazes me. Her background in public health, lived-experience with benzodiazepines, and endless compassion make her an ideal addition to our team. Thank you for joining us, Doryn, and I look forward to growing this site together. If you'd like to welcome Doryn in the comments below, I'm sure she'd love to see it. But, enough from me. Let's hear about Doryn in her own words. I know a lot of you, even though we have never met. I've known you because I've had many of the same experiences and struggles, and like you, am working to come out on the other side. My Story I'm Dr. Doryn Davis Chervin and have recently retired after a 40-year career as a public health program strategist and evaluator. If you were to look in on my life, you’d see I am a wife of 40 years, a mother to two adults in their 30’s, and a grandmother to two granddaughters who own my heart. My creative outlet is to cook and bake, my guilty pleasure is reading romance novels (yes, I admit it!), and my passion is traveling. More on this later. Working to Reduce Benzodiazepine Harm I am also a board member of the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices, working to prevent unnecessary benzodiazepine prescribing and avoiding harm to patients. I am delighted that D Foster has asked me to join him as a part of the team at Easing Anxiety. A bit about my benzodiazepine story: More years ago than I can even count, over at least 25 years, I was prescribed clonazepam – known best to me as Klonopin – for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia was debilitating and affected my work, my family life, and my ability to function. I was in severe pain and suffering from cognitive fog and was interested in doing whatever I could to feel normal and live the life I had hoped for. Not only was my identity caught up in being a high-functioning professional, but I needed to perform at a high level for the type of work and responsibility I had. I couldn’t function without help, and the help I got was medication. As many of you may remember, there was a time when pain was considered the 5th vital sign – meaning that doctors were focused on doing whatever was necessary to help patients deal with pain, including prescribing any medications necessary. My doctor, with the best of intentions and the best knowledge at the time, put me on Klonopin and muscle relaxers. Well, they worked—at first. And then, after a while, they didn't work. As I got older, I started reading the literature on benzodiazepines and older adults with troubling issues such as cognitive impairment, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other hazards. I got worried. What did taking benzos mean as I got older? I spoke to my doctors – my Internist and later a psychiatrist -- about the hazards of benzodiazepine use in older adults and they acknowledged the potential harms. I always took clonazepam as prescribed, and I never increased my dose. I started worrying about my vitality and my health over time. I also knew what would happen to my quality of life if I fell, hurt myself, or even worse, broke a hip. You know what they say about older women and broken hips! I found myself tripping more, being unsteady, and more foggy – so I went on this journey to get off of Klonopin. I had no idea what I was getting into. But I'm here to share that journey with you and what I've learned, some skills and tools, and most of all hope. I want you to know that journey we're on, while rarely easy, is one that can get better and better. I can’t say I am the person I thought I’d be, because who really has a clear image of who they’ll be at 70 when they are 30. But I can say that I am in a good place in my life after going through a taxing benzodiazepine taper. It’s been four years of my life: I have been free of Klonopin for two years. It took me over two years to taper from Klonopin in a very slow and deliberate process. The first clue that I was healing after tapering from Klonopin was when I was able to plan a trip, felt ready to get on an airplane, and deal with new environments. I am happy to share any of my experiences with you. I certainly recognize that many people have had a far worse, much more taxing, and longer-term process than me. I also know I had struggles and continue to have benzodiazepine-related struggles that I live with that others don’t have. It doesn’t matter if my struggles line up exactly with your struggles, what matters to me is that we can support and learn from each other. Practical, straight-forward, compassionate help What I like about Easing Anxiety is that it honors the experience of those of us who are going through benzodiazepine withdrawal and beyond. It also helps those of us who are struggling with anxiety and with the challenges of life in very practical ways . One of my strengths is to look at the scientific literature and see what those findings mean for us day-to-day. In the months ahead, I plan to delve into the topic of benzodiazepines and older adults, women and benzodiazepines, identity issues that arise by the tapering experience and BIND, and managing relationships with physicians when thinking about getting off of a benzodiazepine, tapering, and beyond. I would love your feedback and questions. I’m all in, and I look forward to more.

What’s new at Easing Anxiety? What’s new in the benzo community? What’s new in the world of BIND? And what should someone new to benzos do if they’re just getting started? Join D for an off-script conversation this lazy Sunday morning. In today’s episode, D records the podcast live on his back patio enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. He discusses the EA Community, a new team member, lingering symptoms, coaching, training, surviving, and a few tips for those just getting started. Video ID: BFP125 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:41 Sunday on the Porch 05:05 Replying to Your Emails 08:41 EA Community Update 09:56 Welcome Doryn Chervin 11:41 How to Be Notified 12:37 Podcast Update 13:59 My Health Status 15:39 9 Years Benzo Free 16:21 Managing the Crazy 17:26 Starting Out Afraid 18:48 Why I Still Have Symptoms 21:40 More Benzo Support Today 24:19 Advice for Beginners 25:37 Amazing Benzo Support Orgs 30:55 You Got This 31:38 Love Doing the Podcast 33:23 Blog, Subscribe, and Log In 35:08 Coaching and Training 40:46 We Heal 41:30 BIND and BIND Coverage 43:54 Our Approach at EA 46:20 Compassionate Responsibility 51:03 D Unscripted 52:04 Wish You Were Here 55:58 Thank You 57:03 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. — Easing Anxiety — https://easinganxiety.com — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org — Benzo Action Work Group — https://benzoaction.org — Benzo Peer Training — https://benzopeertraining.org — Baylissa Frederick — https://mccare.org — Jennifer Leigh — https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com — Benzo Warrior — https://benzowarrior.com — Geraldine Burns — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/benzodiazepine-awareness-with-geraldine-burns/id1358022441 — Angela Peacock — https://apeacockconsulting.com 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