Intimacy is essential to a healthy, happy life. And yet, during benzo withdrawal it is often one of the earliest casualties. How can a loving relationship — let alone a healthy sex life — survive the trials of benzo dependence and withdrawal? In today’s episode, we explore how to nurture a loving relationship and avoid the pitfalls of anger, isolation, and hypersensitivity. We also hear a benzo story from Christchurch, New Zealand and catch up on last week’s news. Video ID: B

Summary An amazing story of success from a New Zealand woman who tapered successfully from Ativan (via a diazepam substitution) to find new feelings, new sensations, and a new outlook on life. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Alcohol, Doctors, Symptoms, Success, Positive outlook, Bipolar Disorder, Listen on the Podcast (Original Story): https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/relationships-intimacy-and-sex-in-benz

The Internet has been buzzing lately with news about lavender oil. This interest was generated by some recent studies and claims by some medical practitioners. One of these is Professor Hans-Peter Volz, medical director of the Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatic Medicine in Schloss, Germany. In a recent health article from the Daily Mail, Prof. Volz warned that doctors are too quick to prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. He said, “Medicating too quickly can le

How do benzodiazepines work? What do they do in the body? Why do they initially calm us, but then stop working? And why are they so incredibly hard to stop? When we take a look at the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate, we find a few answers. In today’s episode, we examine two key chemicals in the brain and discover a few insights into why withdrawal is so difficult for so many. We also answer a couple questions about support groups, spotlight two regional organizations, an

Summary A woman who suffers from fibromyalgia struggles with benzo withdrawal from Xanax after 30 years of use. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Xanax (alprazolam), Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Symptoms, Detox, Rehabilitation, Rapid Withdrawal, Financial Struggle, ER Visit Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-science-of-benzos-gaba-and-glutamate-bfp018 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content. If this

Questions plague every one of us who experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS). Incessant, unending questions. As for me, I am also ADHD, which created a perfect blend of fear, anxiety, and a hyperactive mind. All these questions, and so few answers. That’s why I wrote Benzo Free. I had all these questions and I was obsessive about research. Eventually, it became a book. Your path will most likely be different, and that’s good. You have to find your own way through

Summary A benzo story of withdrawal from Valium (diazepam) and the symptoms that accompany that experience. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Valium (diazepam), Dependence, Withdrawal, Symptoms, Depression, Isolation, Support Groups Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-assault-on-our-senses-benzo-withdrawal-symptoms-of-the-eyes-ears-nose-and-mouth-bfp016 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content. If this is

Do you know much about the cognitive effects of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs? Perhaps you should. Memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and intrusive memories are all possible symptoms of benzo use and withdrawal. In today’s episode, we talk about the damage benzodiazepines and Z-drugs can inflict on our mental capacity. We also hear a benzo story from England, answer a question about GABA receptors, and learn what it really feels like to heal. BTW, it feels good. Video ID: BFP0

OPINION When the FDA released its latest warning on Z-drugs, I quickly wrote up a blog post on the subject and even published it. But, before I posted it on Facebook, I re-read it as I often do, and something concerned me. I immediately removed the post and decided to re-write it in a different context. Here’s the recent announcement from the FDA on Z-drugs. I’ll follow with my opinion. New FDA Boxed Warning for Z-drugs On April 30th, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administrati