Once we withdraw from benzodiazepines, then what? What are we left with? What are the triumphs and what are the pitfalls? How do we handle the new challenges life throws at us? Where do we go from here? In todays’ podcast, I share another road trip recording from a wooded trail in Kansas. We explore the complexities of life after withdrawal, talk a bit about W-BAD, and by request, I disclose the details of the situation with my folks, as requested. I hope you enjoy it. Video

Most major medical associations, including the American Geriatric Society (AGS), caution against the prescribing of benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in the elderly. And yet, this age group consumes these drugs at a higher rate than any other. The numbers are staggering. Over four million senior citizens in the U.S. alone were prescribed a benzodiazepine over the course of a single year. And 25% of all elderly who start taking a benzodiazepine — even if prescribed for sh

More senior citizens take benzos than any other age group. And yet, they are also the group most at-risk for complications. What are the effects of this dangerous combination? And what can be done to buck the overprescribing trend? In today’s episode, we look at the stats, the warnings, and the consequences of benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in the elderly. We also shine the spotlight on the website benzo.org.uk, share a story from Grand Junction, Colorado, and discuss anti-dep

That’s a picture of my father. Three years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear, but it’s a fact-of-life for so many. My mother has become his full-time caregiver. It’s a thankless job and her health has deteriorated in tandem. Soon after my father’s diagnosis, a doctor prescribed him a benzodiazepine. As you might imagine, this didn’t go over well with his son who has spent the past five years in protracted withdrawal f

Today is the start of “Senior Week” at Benzo Free. This week, we will focus much of our attention on the group of people most at-risk when it comes to benzodiazepines — the elderly. If you know of someone — a parent, a grandparent, a neighbor, a spouse — who is taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs long-term and is having problems with dementia, falls, confusion, or other complications — perhaps benzos are a factor. Be on the lookout for blog articles and a special podcast episod