What Is Caregiver Week? This week is Caregiver Week at Benzo Free. No, it’s not a national holiday or anything like that. Although, it should be. It definitely should be. You know, that’s not a bad idea. Not just for benzo caregivers, but for all caregivers. An international holiday for those who take care of others. Perhaps there already is one. If there is, great. If not, there needs to be one. But I digress. Whether it’s the person taking care of you now while going throug

Finding a New Normal One of the great things about hosting a blog and podcast is that I don’t have to think up all of the topics by myself. The ongoing correspondence with each one of you gives me plenty of ideas for my next post or episode. And yet, I still sit here and ponder, sometimes for hours, on what to talk about. At some point, I just have to pick something. Today, that something is “returning to normal.” So many who find themselves trapped in the throes of benzo wit

Summary A 40-year-long benzo story of a mother of two in Switzerland who battled her dependence on benzos (Valium, Clorazepate, Librium, Xanax) for years and is now 17 months benzo-free. Details Key Topics: Anxiety, Benzos, Dependence, Withdrawal, Doctors, Polydrug, Valium (diazepam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Tranxene (clorazepate), Xanax (alprazolam), Symptoms, Antidepressant, Detox, Clinic, Finding Support, Job Loss, Success, Healing Listen on the Podcast: https://www.ea

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

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