The third and final paper from the benzodiazepine survey — which formerly introduces BIND terminology — is now published.

Video of my conversation on Angela Peacock's channel is now available. Please check it out.

A recent article in Forbes Health discusses medication classes commonly prescribed for anxiety. As with so many articles on benzodiazepines and antidepressants, this one includes some valuable information — but it also falls far short when it comes to dependence and withdrawal. In the May 18th Forbes Health article, "Anxiety Medication: Types and Side Effects," contributing author Becca Stanek explores four classes of psychiatric medication. These are selective serotonin reu

A recent article in Pharmacy Times highlights the concern of benzodiazepine use in medical settings, especially with older adults. In a May 11 article by Richard P. Dutton, MD, the author states that "minimizing unnecessary benzodiazepine use has become an important principle for patients and anesthesiologists hoping to have the clearest, quickest emergence from anesthesia, with the lowest risk for delirium or any other cognitive dysfunction." Alternatives for treating anxiet

According to a recently updated article in AARP, antianxiety drugs (benzodiazepines) top the list of memory-robbing medications. Benzodiazepines include drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and many others. In the article, Dr. Armon B. Neel, Jr. stated that "benzodiazepines dampen activity in key parts of the brain, including those involved with the transfer of events from short-term to long-term memory." He cautioned

When was the last time you took a vacation? Have you ever postponed, or cancelled a vacation? Have you done this repeatedly? We all need to take some time away. This is essential for everyone — and even more so for those of us dealing with anxiety, benzo withdrawal (BIND), and other psychological and neurological issues. In an article from Forbes magazine titled "Why Taking Vacation Time Could Save your Life," the author refers to a study that found 26% of respondents had ne

I'm hitting the road again...and this time, it's to a national drug conference. Over six months ago, a few of us at the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group applied to present a seminar at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, Georgia on April 10-13, 2023. To our pleasant surprise, we were accepted. The title of our presentation is "Benzodiazepine Safety: A Patient-Centered Approach" and it includes information on benzodiazepine prescribing, deprescribing, the patient experi

OPINION Monday, April 3rd, 2023 — The above article crossed my desk about a month ago — and it concerned me. I did a bit of research over the past few weeks which lead me to write this post. Let me give you a bit of background first, and then we can discuss my concerns. On Friday, March 3rd, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 23-1071 into law, which allows psychologists to prescribe mental health medication. According to the Denver Post, this bill "creates a proc

In a recent article published by Psychology Today, Brian A. Kinnaird, Ph.D., a former police officer, shared his battle with mental health diagnoses and benzodiazepine withdrawal. The March 24 article is titled "A Former Cop's Battle With Benzodiazepines" and it's a powerful story. In this personal perspective, Kinnaird shares how he was "thrust into the medical model (or 'disease-based' approach) of mental health," and that his treatment "consisted of multiple diagnoses alon