Dr. Colin Bradley is a physician, professor, and a 2017 Fulbright Scholar. He has studied the opioid and benzodiazepine crises in both the U.S. and Ireland; and was appointed as an advisor to the Irish government on benzodiazepines. In Part I of our conversation, we compare the benzo situation in Ireland and the U.S., explore the effects of limitations and litigation on prescribing, investigate street use in urban populations, and share our concern for prescribed use among th

Do you have questions about benzos? About withdrawal? About how fast you should taper? Or if your exercise is making things worse? Wonder if you can sue? Or do you just want some tips on managing your fear? Either way, this is the episode for you. In today’s episode, we open our mailbag for questions, comments, and feedback from you the listener. You are the heart of this podcast, and our best episodes are the ones where I can share your concerns and insights. I also share so

How much do you know about benzos? About withdrawal? About anxiety and insomnia? Want to test that knowledge? Well, this is the place. It’s time to lighten the mood a bit and have some fun. Welcome to our first-ever Benzo Trivia episode. In today’s episode of the podcast, we ask the questions, and you provide the answers. I provide a series of questions in five separate categories related to benzos, allow you time to answer, and then provide the answers with a little backgrou

When the dark clouds of benzo withdrawal engulf you, how do you respond? Do you lock the door? Curse the world around you? Protect yourself and hide from life? Or is there another choice? One that takes time but may lead down a better path. In today’s podcast, I am back on the road again and on my favorite trail during a downpour. I used this experience as a metaphor for the choices we make during benzo withdrawal. Join me as we talk about facing our fears, discuss getting th

Once we withdraw from benzodiazepines, then what? What are we left with? What are the triumphs and what are the pitfalls? How do we handle the new challenges life throws at us? Where do we go from here? In todays’ podcast, I share another road trip recording from a wooded trail in Kansas. We explore the complexities of life after withdrawal, talk a bit about W-BAD, and by request, I disclose the details of the situation with my folks, as requested. I hope you enjoy it. Video

Should I withdraw from benzodiazepines? Are there always complications from long-term use? Does everyone fully heal? Do others overreact, or become overly emotional during withdrawal? Is this withdrawal, or is it a brain injury? In today’s episode of the podcast, we return to the mailbag and share a variety of questions and comments from our YouTube Channel. We also discuss the recent hiatus from podcast releases and share some concerns about the severity of this experience.

How long does withdrawal last? Will I ever be normal again? Will I ever recover fully? These are questions so many of us have asked about benzo withdrawal time and time again. In today’s episode of the podcast, I share some thoughts from the road on my own protracted withdrawal and the recent progress I have noted. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP081 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Sp

Is COVID more dangerous if you are on benzos? What if you are in withdrawal? What about the vaccine? Will it elevate my symptoms? In today’s episode, we explore some questions about COVID, listen to a hopeful story from New England, and discuss prescribing practices for long-term use. Please join us for our weekly discussion of all things benzo. Video ID: BFP080 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / Po

Is it safe to drive while taking benzodiazepines? Is it legal? Can benzos impair one’s ability to drive a motor vehicle? If so, which type of benzo has the greatest effect? We will provide some research, stories, and a few answers. In today’s episode, we look at driving and benzodiazepine use. We also hear a benzo story of success, talk about benzo belly and stomach distension, learn about a few upcoming events, and close out with our moment of peace. I hope you will join us.