Many see benzo withdrawal as an epic, exhausting, never-ending battle — but what if it doesn’t have to be? In the final part of this three-part series, you’ll learn how to step back, get out of your own way, and let your body heal. Kindness — both to yourself and to those around you — is a hidden secret to recovery. Anger and resentment have never been a recipe for healing. And finding acceptance of your condition and compassion for all involved is the surest way to have peac

Are you in benzo withdrawal? Do you feel stuck? Hopeless? Do you wish you could be more positive? More active? In part two of this three-part series, you will learn tips for improving your physical and mental health. Maintaining a positive mindset during withdrawal may sound like a near impossibility — but it’s a goal worth fighting for. And keeping active — while a continuous struggle – can be equally as challenging but just as key to your sanity and success. Video ID: BFP00

Experts agree that reducing fear and anxiety is critical to success during benzo withdrawal. But how do you do that? In part one of this three-part series, I introduce five key areas of focus for creating a stable mindset during withdrawal. The first of these is taking responsibility. It’s your body and your recovery — you should be in charge. Learn how to work with your doctor as a partner and take control of your own health and healing. Video ID: BFP003 Watch the Video Thi

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