What is the best method for reducing symptoms in benzo withdrawal? Why do we cling to a need for control? Is a slow taper still the way to go? These questions along with three quintessential benzo stories create a fully loaded show. In today’s episode, D returns to the podcast after a 2 ½ month hiatus. He discusses some of the key questions of withdrawal, shares a few stories of struggle and success, and closes out with the moment of peace. Video ID: BFP068 Watch the Podcast

Are my breathing problems caused by benzos?How about my chest pain? Do probiotics help with benzo belly? Can I take herbal supplements during withdrawal? These and several other common questions beg for answers. In today’s episode, we look inside our mailbag and share a variety of questions, comments, and insights from you, the listeners. We also share two benzos stories from Oklahoma and California, talk about stepping back from anger and rage, and discuss a tentative return

Hello friends… it’s been a while. I’ve had a few people ask about the Benzo Free Blog recently. Most of them were wondering if it will return. I must admit, I’ve had similar questions myself. While the podcast has been going strong and gaining listeners each month, the blog appears to be mostly…well…dead. The fact is, the rumors of the death of our blog are a bit premature. Yes, it has been over two months since I posted a new article. And yes, that is a very long time in Int

Have you, or someone you know, been affected by benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, or thienodiazepines? Do you feel you have a story to tell but nobody to listen? Would you like to share your benzo journey with others on the Benzo Free website or podcast? Well, we’d love to hear it. If you have listened to the podcast, then you know that we share a benzo story almost every episode and I encourage our listeners to submit them for this purpose. Unfortunately, our reservoir of stories ha

OPINION When the FDA released its latest warning on Z-drugs, I quickly wrote up a blog post on the subject and even published it. But, before I posted it on Facebook, I re-read it as I often do, and something concerned me. I immediately removed the post and decided to re-write it in a different context. Here’s the recent announcement from the FDA on Z-drugs. I’ll follow with my opinion. New FDA Boxed Warning for Z-drugs On April 30th, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administrati

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

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

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

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