The underappreciated angels of the benzo community are the caregivers. What’s it like to take care of someone going through benzo withdrawal? What are the key hurdles? What are the burdens? And most of all, what are the secrets that no one told you? In today’s episode, D interviews his very own wife and caregiver, Shana Foster, who shares her insights from 17 years of experience. We also have a benzo story from Indonesia and shine our spotlight on W-BAD and their benzo awaren

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

I realize that celebrating the International Day of Happiness may be the furthest thing from your mind if you are dealing with benzo dependence and withdrawal, but I don’t think it should be. Finding something to be happy about just might be the little thing which can lift your spirits, at least for a day. In my research, in addition to benzos, anxiety, depression, mental health, and other similar topics, I also spent a lot of time investigating happiness and trying to learn

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