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

According to a press release in Digital Journal from March 17, 2023, the "market for benzodiazepine medications is expected to reach US $3.1 billion by the end of 2032." This is an increase of approximately $800 million since 2022. The compound annual growth (CAGR) is expected to be 2.8% globally for benzodiazepines, and as high as 3.0% for alprazolam (Xanax) specifically. The article attributed the increase in demand to "the rising frequency of anxiety disorders and elevated

What happens when COVID meets BIND? What happens when someone in protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal gets long COVID? Does it set off a wave? Does it make their benzo symptoms worse? Tune in for answers and more. In today’s episode, we explore COVID and benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND). We also look at endogenous benzodiazepines, hear two benzo stories of success, and visit the launch of our new website and social media feeds. I hope you find it helpful. Video ID: BFP113 Lis

March 1, 2023 – After two years of work and many delays, I am proud to announce the launch of the new Easing Anxiety Website. There are many advancements and workflow improvements with this new site. I've listed some of the advancements and benefits below. Here are some benefits of the new site: More Frequent, Timely Content — The biggest gain from the new site is that it will simplify my life. By doing this, I can focus more on content. Improved Processing Speed — The new s

In today’s episode, we explore the mailbag — in particular, your YouTube comments.

The Z-drugs: Ambien. Lunesta. Sonata. What are these? Can they cause dependence?

Are benzos effective for treating anxiety? Insomnia? Seizures? If they aren’t safe, what is the evidence? How many BIND symptoms are there? Could these be permanent? And what about COVID? Tune in for the surprising answers. In today’s episode, we ask some key questions about benzos and provide real answers, with evidence to back them. We also share questions from our international listeners on CBD and probiotics, and we hear a powerful story of one woman’s struggle with her t

Founded in 2020, the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) has rapidly become one of the most influential and active benzodiazepine advocacy groups in the nation, encompassing a unique blend of medical professionals, global support groups, and individuals with lived experience. Its co-chairs are Dr. Alexis Ritvo from the University of Colorado, Anschutz School of Medicine and D E Foster, founder of Easing Anxiety and host of the Benzo Free Podcast. BAWG is part of the Colo

What are the basics about anti-anxiety drugs? What are they for? Where did they come from? How do they work? How many people take them? What are the side effects during use? Definition of Benzos The term “benzos” is short for benzodiazepines, a class of anti-anxiety medication also known as minor tranquilizers, sedatives, BZDs, BZRAs, and others. These drugs are typically prescribed for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Nonbenzodiazepine