Have you ever heard of “benzo belly?” How about abdominal distension? The gut-brain connection? Since our digestive and central nervous systems are so closely linked, our gut can take a big hit during benzodiazepine withdrawal. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the symptoms of the gut and reveal some of their causes. We also have a benzo story from Switzerland which spans 44 years, have some great feedback in our mailbag, and highlight Benzodiazepine Information Coalition and

If you are new to the benzo community and just came across this site, that greeting is for you. Welcome! We are so glad you found us and hope that we can provide some support, connection, and even a few answers. But, I have to admit, that greeting wasn’t only for you — it was also for me. The more attention that the Benzo Free Podcast, Website, and Facebook Page, the more I learn what I don’t know. The truth is, I’m a newbie to this community. The benzo community has been aro

I realize that celebrating the International Day of Happiness may be the furthest thing from your mind if you are dealing with benzo dependence and withdrawal, but I don’t think it should be. Finding something to be happy about just might be the little thing which can lift your spirits, at least for a day. In my research, in addition to benzos, anxiety, depression, mental health, and other similar topics, I also spent a lot of time investigating happiness and trying to learn

Summary Benzo story of withdrawal from Klonopin as told through a series of emails spanning over 1 1/2 years. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Klonopin (clonazepam), Symptoms, Insomnia, Sleep apnea, Palpitations, Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/insights-on-withdrawal-a-conversation-with-elizabeth-mccarthy-bfp010 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may contain triggering content for certain segments of the

Elizabeth McCarthy, MA, LPC hits the benzo community trifecta. She is a benzo survivor, an activist in the benzo community, and a therapist with a decade of experience working with dependence and withdrawal. In today’s episode, we have an in-depth interview with Liz where we learn valuable insights about resilience, survival, and hope. We also take a brief look at the dark side of an idle mind, discuss the difficulty of finding support in non-English speaking countries, and s

Summary Story of a middle-aged man whose dependence and withdrawal from Xanax had severe negative effects on his health, career, and marriage. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Xanax (alprazolam), Doctors, Imipramine, Antidepressant, GAD, Counseling, Career Loss, Relationship Loss, Separation, Fear, Symptoms Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anxiety-the-beast-of-benzo-withdrawal-bfp009 Content Warning Stories presented on Ea

Summary Story of benzo withdrawal from a mother who was on Valium for 13 years and has tried a variety of specialists and other treatments to help. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Valium (diazepam), Doctors, Convulsions, Fluoroquinolone, Surgery, Hydromorphone, Shingles Vaccine, Tai Chi Listen on the Podcast: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anxiety-the-beast-of-benzo-withdrawal-bfp009 Content Warning Stories presented on Easing Anxiety may con

When it comes to benzo withdrawal, all roads lead to anxiety. Anxiety is not only the most persistent and pervasive symptom of withdrawal, but it’s also the catalyst which makes all the others worse. In today’s episode, we learn about this mysterious emotional juggernaut called anxiety. What is it? What causes it? Why is it worse in withdrawal? And most of all, what can be done to help ease it? We also have two benzo stories, several news items, and a welcome message to the

What are the common symptoms of benzo withdrawal? How many are there? What do they all have in common? And, will any of them be permanent? In today’s episode, we take a brief tour through the persistent parade of possible symptoms which accompany benzo withdrawal syndrome. We also introduce a new documentary film in the works, discuss media coverage of BWS, and share a story of successful withdrawal. Video ID: BFP008 Watch the Video The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on