What’s it really like to withdraw from anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills? For some of us, the experience is beyond words — but I will try anyway. Today, I share my personal story of benzo withdrawal — warts and all. I do this now to help raise awareness and hopefully become more relatable as your host. I was on clonazepam (Klonopin) for over 12 years and I’m now four years benzo-free. Even though I still have some symptoms, I consider my withdrawal a success. There is hope

What are benzos and why should you care? If you’ve been taking anti-anxiety medication or sleeping pills, chances are it’s a benzo. Learn about the downside to benzos, where to turn for help, and what it’s like to withdraw. In our inaugural episode, D E Foster, author of the book, “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal,” discusses the basics that everyone should know about benzos whether you’ve taken the drug for years or never even heard

Prof. C. Heather Ashton spent 12 years working with benzo recovery patients in her clinic and fought tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue and help those who are struggling with benzo dependence. She is retired now but is praised by many as the world’s leading expert on benzo withdrawal. Her guide to withdrawal, commonly called “The Ashton Manual,” has become a universal guide to thousands of people around the world. No other resource has helped more people through this

The use of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in the elderly is of very serious concern, especially when it comes to driving. Not only have benzos been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (by 32% to 84% depending on the study) and hip fractures from falls (by as much as 40% in some groups) along with other side effects and risks in the elderly, they also can inhibit senior citizens ability to drive motor vehicles. A study released in November 2018 by the AAA

Finally, the courts have reached a settlement for the family of John Patrick Walter to the sum of $4.25 million. Please help us spread this story. The more people who hear about Walter and others who have shared is fate, the sooner our justice system will realize the true dangers of benzo withdrawal and take this situation seriously. For those who have read my book, you may remember Walter’s story. If not, please read the excerpt from my book below. Please note, this story ma

The Associated Press reported yesterday that between 2002 and 2007 the CIA investigated the use of benzos, in particular, midazolam (Versed), in the interrogation of terror suspects. In a recently declassified report provided to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), details of this drug research program were revealed. Versed was considered possibly worth a trial if unequivocal legal sanction first were obtained. There were at least two legal obstacles: a prohibition agai

Thank you for your interest in “Benzo Free.” Today’s message is focused on the website and the Benzo Free community. I’ll admit, it’s pretty small right now. The book was published in late August and the website followed on the 1st of September. I’ve spent the past few weeks grinding my teeth as I struggled with a trial and error method of marketing both. Marketing is not my forte, not by a long-shot. I had some minor successes, but since I’m a rookie in the world of SEO and

I was chatting with someone yesterday who was very distressed and hopeless. It was heart-breaking. I soon realized that so many others are in the same boat as she is. I wish I had an answer to make her pain and suffering go away, but I didn’t. The factors that can affect our experience through withdrawal are endless. How is our attitude? Do we have a positive outlook? What’s our anxiety level? How about our physical health? Do we have a good doctor to help us taper? Do we hav

The Benzo Free Website officially launches today, September 1st, 2018! About the Website The Benzo Free Website is dedicated to anti-anxiety drugs and those who suffer their effects. Benzos and benzo-like drugs have had their fair share of media attention over their 50+ years of existence. Unfortunately, much of that attention has been positive and has elevated benzos to reach a sort of “miracle pill” status. Those of us who have experienced benzo withdrawal first-hand know t