Do we truly recover from protracted benzo withdrawal (BIND)? What does that look like? What about from other psych medications? Can we realistically get back to “normal” after all of this? And if so, how? Join D and Dr. Jenn for this intimate conversation. In today’s episode, we welcome therapist and benzo coach Jennifer Leigh back to the podcast. Dr. Jenn has helped many individuals recover from withdrawal and BIND and we’ll get her take on several pressing questions. We’l

May 12, 2022 – Exciting News! The first paper from the Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018-2019 was the subject of an article today in Psychology Today. Author Christopher Lane, Ph.D. reviewed and summarized many of the significant findings in the research, in addition to blending in some of the early findings from Hollister and Lader. The first paper on the survey was published on April 25, 2022, titled: “Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Inte

CONGRATULATIONS! We made it! Episode 100! Thank you all for getting us here. Pour the champagne (non-alcoholic of course), gather around, reminisce a bit, and let’s celebrate. And how do we do that? Well, with stories of success, of course. In today’s episode, we share several positive stories from individuals who have struggled with BIND (benzo withdrawal) and who have found success. We also look back at our past 99 episodes, share a new research publication, and provide a f

April 26, 2022 – The first paper on the Benzodiazepine Survey of 2018-2019 was just published on April 25, 2022, titled: “Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey.” Our team has been working on this research for three years now, and finally, we have the first paper published in the journal “Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.” And this is just the first, many more are slated to follow. I was grateful and humbled to be par

What do we call this condition so many of us have been dealing with for so long? Benzo withdrawal? Protracted Withdrawal? Persistent Benzo Withdrawal? Benzo Toxicity? Benzo Brain Injury? Or something completely different? In today’s episode of the podcast, we introduce a new term to many of you — Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND). We look at what it means, where it came from, and why we believe it’s important? We also answer a couple of questions and shar

What is mindset, and why is it so important in benzo withdrawal? Are setbacks common, and how do you work through them? Are benzos too limited now? Is it okay to wait to withdraw? Is this permanent? These questions and so much more. In today’s episode, I dive into our mailbag again and listen to you. Your questions. Your comments. Your stories. You are the heart of this podcast, and these are my favorite episodes. I also share progress in the benzo community and my personal s

Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. In Part II of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of the benzo experience that so many of us face as patients. We discuss how to find a doctor, the return of emotions, finding

Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. In Part I of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of benzo advocacy and outreach. We discuss ongoing work in the benzo community including guidance documentation, prescriber ed

Do have questions about benzos? About your symptoms? About finding a doctor to help you survive this thing we call benzo withdrawal? Questions plague the benzo experience, and some questions are more common than others. In today’s podcast, we look at the top five most frequently asked questions about benzos and benzo withdrawal. We also talk about plans for the new year, find some positivity amongst the difficulties, and close out with the return of our Moment of Peace. I hop