Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. In Part I of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of benzo advocacy and outreach. We discuss ongoing work in the benzo community including guidance documentation, prescriber ed

Dr. Colin Bradley is a physician, professor, and a 2017 Fulbright Scholar. He has studied the opioid and benzodiazepine crises in both the U.S. and Ireland; and was appointed as an advisor to the Irish government on benzodiazepines. In Part II of our conversation, Dr. Bradley shares insights on tapering protocols and timing, discusses the ‘pill for every ill’ culture, and explores methods of easing the burden of withdrawal through counseling and tool development. His messages

Dr. Colin Bradley is a physician, professor, and a 2017 Fulbright Scholar. He has studied the opioid and benzodiazepine crises in both the U.S. and Ireland; and was appointed as an advisor to the Irish government on benzodiazepines. In Part I of our conversation, we compare the benzo situation in Ireland and the U.S., explore the effects of limitations and litigation on prescribing, investigate street use in urban populations, and share our concern for prescribed use among th

Robert J. Valuck, Ph.D., is a Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Epidemiology, and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) and the Director of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU. This is a conversation not to miss. In part 2 of our conversation, we explore benzodiazepine advocacy and the hurdles we face, the use of flumazenil for benzo detox, the mechanisms of benzodiazepines in the body, and so much more. We also share a story from Chris in Austr

Robert J. Valuck, Ph.D., is a Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Epidemiology, and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) and the Director of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU. This is a conversation not to miss. In Part 1 of our discussion, we compare the opioid and benzo crises, visit the age-old addiction vs. dependence debate, and explore the recent FDA warning on benzodiazepines among other topics. I also share a benzo story from San Franci

For the past 14 years, Baylissa Frederick has supported thousands of people affected by prescribed drug dependency and withdrawal both as a psychotherapist and through her books and online support website, “Bloom in Wellness”. Join us today for part two of our two-part conversation with Baylissa and learn about her counseling experience with psychiatric drug withdrawal, EFT, benzo activism in the United Kingdom, and much more. Video ID: BFP055 Listen on YouTube... This episod

For the past 14 years, Baylissa Frederick has supported thousands of people affected by prescribed drug dependency and withdrawal both as a psychotherapist and through her books and online support website, “Bloom in Wellness”. Join us today for part one of our two-part conversation with Baylissa and learn about her experience with benzos, commonalities she sees in her patients, her views on distraction and acceptance, and her personal relationship with Prof. Ashton. Video ID:

Angela Peacock, MSW, is a US Army veteran, benzo survivor, member of BIC’s medical board, and a tireless advocate for those who struggle with PTSD and psychiatric drugs. Her story is highlighted in the new film, "Medicating Normal." Premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 16th and 17th, 2020, “Medicating Normal” is a documentary feature film about the overprescribing of psychiatric drugs and its effects. Join us for our fascinating conversation

“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