“Medicating Normal,” a documentary feature film about the overprescribing of psychiatric drugs, premiers at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 16th and 17th. We had the distinct privilege to speak with two of the filmmakers this week. In part one of our two-part series, D had a wonderful conversation with director/producer Lynn Cunningham. Lynn candidly shares the struggles and successes of making this film, the inspiration behind it, and the insights ga

A Film by Holly Hardman Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan – all belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos). News and entertainment media portray them in terms of addiction and abuse or as innocuous medications that relax nerves. AS PRESCRIBED documents a strikingly different narrative, following eye-opening stories of invisible illness and disability. Boston-based survivor Geraldine Burns leads a grassroots army of “good patients” that help other victims and a

It’s that time of year again. Time to review, reminisce, and remember how far we have come. Even if you are in the middle of benzo withdrawal, there are always things to be grateful for. In today’s episode, the Benzo Free Community shares its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the good things in life. Wishing you all peace, love, and healing, now and for many years to come. D 😊 Video ID: BFP050 Listen on YouTube... The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple P

Our gut takes a big hit in benzo withdrawal, but digestive difficulties are only part of it. Pelvic pain, cramps, aching, urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and many other complications of the lower abdomen can be part of the overall picture. In today’s episode, we focus on symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis including pelvic floor dysfunction. We also explore the difficulties of poor reading comprehension, discuss a mother’s quest to help her son with violent ten

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. In part 2 of the adventure, D narrates highlights from his time in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky while sharing his thoughts on lingering abdominal issues, our anxious need for control, and other unique perspectives only a road trip can reveal. Video I

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. Welcome to part 1. In today’s episode, D shares a more positive take on benzo mornings, discusses setting boundaries with family, looks at a few benefits of slowing down, struggles with benzo brain, and shares a few other topics which arise. Video ID: BF

Questions lead us to answers. Comments provide us insight. And stories connect from all corners of the globe. Your input is the heart of the Benzo Free Podcast, and it’s about time we dedicated an entire episode to that wonderful resource. In today’s episode, we explore the effects of benzos on our sense of taste, we learn about the benefits of yoga nidra for sleep, and we evaluate the use of sauna therapy for withdrawal. We also hear three wonderful stories from New York, Ne