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

Five Years and still going strong! Join Easing Anxiety in wishing the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices a wonderful 5th anniversary! If you haven't heard of the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices (Alliance) before, it might be time you checked them out. Their work in the areas of benzodiazepine awareness, education, and patient support is ground-breaking and so varied that it is difficult to list in a single post. They continually make progress in the areas

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

The latest blog post from D E Foster and updates on the website and podcast.

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

Introduction Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) is a chronic health condition that some individuals experience after long-term use of the benzodiazepine class (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc.) of prescription medications. This article provides a solid introduction to BIND including the scientific literature backing its discovery. Contents Important Disclaimers Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs BIND Terminology BIND Definition BIND Origin Withdrawal vs. BIND

Prof. C. Heather Ashton wrote what many medical professionals — and even more patients — consider the “bible” for benzo withdrawal (BIND). If you are considering tapering from a benzodiazepine, please work with your doctor and read this manual. Where to Find It BENZODIAZEPINE INFORMATION COALITION (BIC) Overview / Table of Contents PDF Version Kindle Version Nook Version BENZO.ORG.UK (Original Source) Online Manual About the Manual Benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND) is ripe wi

Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) affects more than just the patients suffering from it. Although not in the same way or to the same extent, family members and friends — I’ll call caregivers — are impacted by it as well. As a caregiver, you may find yourself unexpectedly comforting your loved one, dealing with personality changes, talking through symptoms and ways to mitigate them, altering routines, and canceling plans. Along the way, you and the person