Benzo withdrawal creates far more questions than answers, and today we address a few of them. We look at the loss of self-confidence withdrawal, deciding how long to pause during our taper, TMJ and muscle tension, and a few other topics. We also share some news of upcoming events. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP078 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 07:45 Benzo News 10:36 Mailbag 25:04 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. BENZO NEWS — Psychiatric Drugs: Post-Withdrawal Experiences Town Hall (May 14th) — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/psychiatric-drugs-post-withdrawal-experiences-tickets-150023595613 — “Medicating Normal” Screening and Panel (April 27th) — https://medicatingnormal.com/ MAILBAG — The Ashton Manual — https://easinganxiety.com/ashton. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross Moment of Peace Music — Title: “Legends in the Mist” — Artist: Unavailable PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

The Benzodiazepine Action Work Group of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention hosts a screening of Medicating Normal followed by a post-screening panel discussion/Q&A. The mission of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group is to increase benzodiazepine safety through education, patient support, and informed prescribing and deprescribing practices. The group joined the Consortium in November 2020. Event Sponsors: Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Film Synopsis: Medicating Normal follows the journeys of a newly married couple, a female combat veteran, a waitress and a teenager whose doctors prescribed psychiatric drugs for stress, depression, sleeplessness, focus and trauma. While these drugs can sometimes provide effective relief, they are prescribed far too often, frequently without discussing with patients the possible alternatives and potential adverse outcomes. Our subjects struggle with serious physical and mental side effects as well as neurological damage which resulted from taking the drugs as prescribed and also from attempting to withdraw. Medicating Normal is the untold story of the serious consequences that can occur when market-driven medicine intersects with human beings in distress. Schedule for April 27, 2021: 6:15 pm MT: Zoom Waiting Room Opens 6:30 pm MT: Welcome & Livestream virtual screening of Medicating Normal via Zoom (~74-minute run time) 7:50 pm MT: Brief Intermission 8:00 pm MT to 9:00 pm MT: Live Post-Screening Panel Discussion/Q&A The post-screening panel discussion/Q&A will feature the following panelists: Alexis Ritvo MD, MPH is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. She is the program director for the CU addiction psychiatry fellowship and associate medical director for the UCHealth outpatient psychiatry clinic. She has a passion for psychotherapy, teaching and improving health systems and policies. Her current professional goals are: (1) to increase psychiatry resident’s competency in evaluating and treating physical dependence to benzodiazepines and substance use disorders in general outpatient psychiatry and (2) to improve patient access to psychiatric treatment for physical dependence to benzodiazepines and substance use disorders co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders. Alexis is a co-founder and co-chair of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. Dr. Lesley Brooks serves as the Chief of Addiction Medicine for SummitStone Health Partners and as the Assistant Medical Director for the North Colorado Health Alliance in northern Colorado. Dr. Brooks, a board-certified family physician, has practiced full-scope family medicine including prenatal care, chronic pain, and substance use disorder/addiction in northern Colorado for more than a decade. Since her transition to SummitStone Health Partners in 2020, she specializes in substance use and mental health. As the Chief of Addiction Medicine at SummitStone, Dr. Brooks leads the design, development and implementation of Larimer County’s Behavioral Health Services facility, which is set to be open in 2022. Additionally, Dr. Brooks serves as the Co-Chair of the Consortium’s Provider Education Work Group, a position she has held for the past 5 years. Terri L. Schreiber is the CEO/Founder of The Schreiber Research Group (TSRG). Terri’s work is informed in-part due to her lived experience with the challenges associated with benzodiazepine tapering, withdrawal, and post-acute withdrawal. Her experience was dramatic and life-changing prompting her to collaborate with the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices, Benzo-Wise Colorado, and the Colorado Consortium’s Benzo Action Work Group to find solutions. She believes that the broader public needs to exercise caution with this class of medications, and that support structures could be needed and important when individuals are ready to taper. John Staight is a patient advocate who suffered through four years of chronic, unexplained physical and cognitive symptoms which resulted in multiple misdiagnoses. His search for answers led him to seek the advice of over 30 doctors, including a consult at the Mayo Clinic. Only through his own on-line research did he discover he was suffering from benzodiazepine tolerance and withdrawal after as-prescribed use. He is currently in the midst of a difficult multi-year benzodiazepine and antidepressant taper. His goal is to help others by raising awareness with patients and prescribers about the adverse effects of benzodiazepines and the severity of withdrawal. He brings the patient experience and perspective to the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group’s efforts. He worked professionally as an Open Space Manager, and lives in Eagle with his wife and two young children. Trina Faatz is the facilitator of the Boulder County Substance Use Advisory Group (SUAG) for Boulder County Community Services and Public Health. She is an advocate in the community bringing a shared leadership approach for stakeholders. The SUAG represents all areas of the community focusing on destigmatizing addiction and bringing education about, and access to, resources for those involved with SUD and OUD. In 2021, SUAG will encompass benzodiazepine prescribing and misuse in its scope of work. We hope to address educating the community, providers and those with lived experience on resources and information utilizing data and recent findings on misuse and mis-prescribing. Trina lost her dearest friend 4 years ago to an unsuccessful 2-year benzodiazepine withdrawal attempt. She works closely with others with lived experience in this situation. The post-screening discussion/Q&A will be moderated by D E Foster of Easing Anxiety. D serves as the co-chair of the Benzo Action Work Group of the Colorado Consortium and is a resident of Colorado. Learn more and buy tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/benzo-action-work-group-of-the-colorado-consortium-hosts-medicating-normal-tickets-148206851683

April 22, 2021 – An podcast interview with D Foster, host of The Benzo Free Podcast, is now available online. Brian Nigro of the podcast Mental Health Film Comment recorded the interview in February 2021. The episode is titled, “The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster” after the 2016 film by Shane Kenny which featured Heather Ashton and Malcolm Lader. The film was only one of several topics discussed in the hour-long interview. You can listen to the interview on the podcast’s website below. THE INTERVIEW — Titled: “The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster” https://redcircle.com/shows/mentalhealthfilmcomment

Is COVID more dangerous if you are on benzos? What if you are in withdrawal? What about the vaccine? Will it elevate my symptoms? In today’s episode, we explore some questions about COVID, listen to a hopeful story from New England, and discuss prescribing practices for long-term use. Please join us for our weekly discussion of all things benzo. Video ID: BFP080 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 10:40 Benzo Story 19:58 FEATURE: COVID and Benzos 32:15 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. BENZO NEWS Medicating Normal Website — https://www.medicatingnormal.com Medicating Normal YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/medicatingnormal Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine FEATURE: COVID and Benzos Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. NHS Camden and Islington, NHS Foundation Trust. “COVID-19 and Benzodiazepines.” https://www.candi.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/COVID-19%20and%20Benzodiazepines%20-%20CI.pdf. Ostuzzi, Giovanni et al. “Safety of psychotropic medications in people with COVID-19: evidence review and practical recommendations.” BMC Medicine 2020; 18:215. July 15, 2020. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12916-020-01685-9. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

How long does withdrawal last? Will I ever be normal again? Will I ever recover fully? These are questions so many of us have asked about benzo withdrawal time and time again. In today’s episode of the podcast, I share some thoughts from the road on my own protracted withdrawal and the recent progress I have noted. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP081 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:19 Progress in Protracted Withdrawal 20:35 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. FEATURE: Progress in Protracted Withdrawal Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Should I withdraw from benzodiazepines? Are there always complications from long-term use? Does everyone fully heal? Do others overreact, or become overly emotional during withdrawal? Is this withdrawal, or is it a brain injury? In today’s episode of the podcast, we return to the mailbag and share a variety of questions and comments from our YouTube Channel. We also discuss the recent hiatus from podcast releases and share some concerns about the severity of this experience. I hope you will join us. Video ID: BFP082 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 09:01 Temporary Brain Injury 11:44 Emotional Release 15:15 Why Should I Withdraw? 19:00 Do We Fully Heal? 21:33 Overreacting During Withdrawal 24:10 Long-term Use Without Complications 28:57 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. INTRODUCTION Suicide Prevention Resources (U.S.): https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources MAILBAG The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. https://www.benzoreform.org. Ashton, C. Heather. “Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual).” 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC). https://www.benzoinfo.com. Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. New York: Shine Classics, 2014. Foster, D E. “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal.” Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

I recorded a video for Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) about a month ago for their video series. This week, BIC posted it on their channels including Instagram and YouTube. You can check it out below. D 🙂 Watch the Video BIC’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_uDNwRWNmbEaZBENj-iFg. SUMMARY Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be an isolating experience. Many of us seek support from those who are closest to us, only to be met with frustration, rejection, and even disbelief. And that leaves us with the gnawing question: “How do we get them to understand?” In this video, D Foster (Benzo Free Podcast) presents “Six tips for talking to loved ones about benzos.” We hope you find it helpful. REFERENCES BIC Ashton Manual — https://www.benzoinfo.com/ashtonmanual BIC Pamphlet – “It’s time to Talk About Benzodiazepines” – https://www.benzoinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ItTime-to-Talk-About-Benzodiazepines.pdf BIC Resources — https://www.benzoinfo.com/resources/ Benzo Free Podcast: Episode #58 — “Tips for Talking About Benzos with Doctors, Therapists, Family and Friends” – https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/tips-for-talking-about-benzos-to-doctors-therapists-and-family-bfp058. Easing Anxiety (Home of The Benzo Free Podcast) — https://www.easinganxiety.com Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. — https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you W-BAD – “Family, Friends & Caregivers: Providing Support for Someone in Benzodiazepine Withdrawal” — http://w-bad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Dos-and-Donts.pdf

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 ID: BFP083 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:48 Situation with my Folks 12:15 Benzo News (W-BAD) 15:15 Post-Withdrawal: The Good and the Bad 26:03 Moment of Peace 29:05 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. BENZO NEWS World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) — https://www.w-bad.org The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

When the dark clouds of benzo withdrawal engulf you, how do you respond? Do you lock the door? Curse the world around you? Protect yourself and hide from life? Or is there another choice? One that takes time but may lead down a better path. In today’s podcast, I am back on the road again and on my favorite trail during a downpour. I used this experience as a metaphor for the choices we make during benzo withdrawal. Join me as we talk about facing our fears, discuss getting through each day, and announce an upcoming BAWG event for W-BAD. Video ID: BFP084 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:14 W-BAD Event 06:27 A Little Rain Must Fall 08:05 A Sense of Hope 09:53 Getting Through Each Day 11:14 Facing the Rain 14:02 Frozen by Fear 17:42 Inviting Change 20:00 Moment of Peace Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. W-BAD EVENT World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) — https://www.w-bad.org The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

How much do you know about benzos? About withdrawal? About anxiety and insomnia? Want to test that knowledge? Well, this is the place. It’s time to lighten the mood a bit and have some fun. Welcome to our first-ever Benzo Trivia episode. In today’s episode of the podcast, we ask the questions, and you provide the answers. I provide a series of questions in five separate categories related to benzos, allow you time to answer, and then provide the answers with a little background on each. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP085 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:18 BENZO TRIVIA – Intro 08:49 Benzos, the Drug 16:50 Anxiety, Insomnia, and Benzos 21:30 The Benzo Community 24:51 Benzo Withdrawal 33:15 True or False: Rapid Fire 39:28 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. . FEATURE – BENZO TRIVIA American Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th ed. text rev. (DSM-IV-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychi-atric Association, 2000. Ashton, C. Heather. “Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual).” 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Ashton, C. Heather. “Benzodiazepines: The Still Unfinished Story.” (Speech at Beat the Benzos Launch Conference, Croyden, London, England). https://www.benzo.org.uk/ashspeech.htm. Bachhuber, Marcus A., Sean Hennessy, Chinazo O. Cunningham and Joanna L. Starrels. “Increasing Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1996-2013.” American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) (April 2016). Accessed April 7, 2018. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303061. Bowden, John. “CIA considered use of anti-anxiety drug in terror suspect interrogations: report.” The Hill. November 13, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2018. https://thehill.com/policy/defense/416485-cia-considered-potential-truth-serum-for-terror-suspects. Byrne, A. “Benzodiazepines: The End of a Dream.” Australian Family Physician 23(8)(Aug 1994):1584-5. Accessed April 17, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7980158. Foster, D E. “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal.” Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you/. Kripke, D. F., R.D. Langer and L.E. Kline. “Hypnotics’ Association with Mortality or Cancer: A Matched Cohort Study.” BMJ Open 2(e000850)(2012). Accessed June 21, 2017. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-000850. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). City Health Information: Judicious Prescribing of Benzodiazepines 35(2)(2016). https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/990dad_167113513c9445f8bc77a77370ce649f.pdf. Porter, Mark, “Addicted to Sleeping Pills? Try This Instead,” The Sunday Times, October 25, 2016, accessed March 4, 2017, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dr-mark-porter-how-to-avoid-sleeping-tablet-addiction-shsrnpwsm. Riechmann, Deb. “CIA considered potential truth serum for terror suspects.” Associated Press. November 13, 2018. Accessed November 14, 2018. https://apnews.com/e4bc055b4fee4e0d9f47ab14adc2c173. Sharbaf Shoar N, Bistas KG, Saadabadi A. “Flumazenil.” [Updated 2020 Sep 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470180/. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Do you have questions about benzos? About withdrawal? About how fast you should taper? Or if your exercise is making things worse? Wonder if you can sue? Or do you just want some tips on managing your fear? Either way, this is the episode for you. In today’s episode, we open our mailbag for questions, comments, and feedback from you the listener. You are the heart of this podcast, and our best episodes are the ones where I can share your concerns and insights. I also share some successes and struggles from my week in the mountains and announce our upcoming interview. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP086 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 09:37 MAILBAG Intro 11:28 Flumazenil Correction 15:26 How Fast Should I Taper? 22:22 Addiction, Dependence, and Fear 25:38 When Can People Sue? 29:58 Exercise and Muscle Symptoms 33:45 Managing the Fear 41:12 MOMENT OF PEACE Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. MAILBAG Ashton, C. Heather. “Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual).” 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Foster, D E. “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal.” Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. King, M.B. “Is There Still a Role for Benzodiazepines in General Practice?” British Journal of General Practice 42 (358): 202–5. Accessed March 6, 2017. PMC 1372025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1372025/pdf/brjgenprac00056-0028.pdf. Waters, Jo, “Why Are 250,000 Lives Still Being Ruined by Mother’s Little Helpers? Doctors Finally Admit Too Many Patients Are Hooked on Tranquilisers.” Daily Mail. November 7, 2016. Accessed December 22, 2016, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3915114/Why-250-000-lives-ruined-mother-s-little-helpers-Doctors-finally-admit-patients-hooked-tranquilisers.html#. White, Caroline. “Be Careful When Prescribing Benzodiazepines, Doctors Warned.” OnMedica. October 26, 2016. Accessed October 26, 2016. http://www.onmedica.com/newsArticle.aspx?id=bc9d74e2-4bd2-4792-b1d3-e154f4fe4bb5. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross Meditation Music — Title: “Music Design (Yesterday)” — Artist: Jason Inc. PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

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 the elderly among other topics. There’s a lot here. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP087 Listen to the Podcast This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 2 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/insights-from-ireland-conversation-with-dr-colin-bradley-part-2-bfp088 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 07:52 INTERVIEW Intro 11:33 About Dr. Bradley 14:10 Fulbright Scholarship 16:58 Irish vs. U.S. Addiction Problems 19:38 Irish Benzo Awareness / Restrictions 23:08 Medication Accessibility for Tapering 24:12 Litigation Effects on Prescribing 28:05 Finding a Doctor 31:21 The Ashton Manual 33:30 U.S. Catching Up to Ireland 37:36 Benzos and the Elderly 39:04 Street Use in Cork 40:34 Closing Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. MAILBAG Ashton, C. Heather. “Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual).” 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual. Byrne, Katie. “The hidden epidemic: How Ireland has become addicted to benzodiazepines.” Independent. February 27, 2018. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/the-hidden-epidemic-how-ireland-has-become-addicted-to-benzodiazepines-36636721.html. Dunphy, Liz. “Benzos are ‘little ticking time bombs’ on the streets of Cork.” Irish Examiner. May 24, 2021. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40293176.html. Foster, D E. “Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal.” Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book. University College Cork. “Research Profile: Colin Bradley.” Accessed August 8, 2021. http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/2001/c.bradley@ucc.ie. Guest Bio Colin Bradley is professor of general practice at University College Cork in Southern Ireland and leads the Department of General Practice in the UCC School of Medicine. He was also fortunate to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2017, which enabled him to travel to the US to study the opioid crisis. Around 2000, Colin was appointed to a group set up to advise the Irish government on benzodiazepines. This group published a report on benzodiazepine prescribing at that time and made a number of recommendations on how prescribing of these medicines could be improved and made safer. He is now working with a group of academics and people who have experienced issues with benzodiazepine use, and withdrawal to co-design some strategies to help better manage benzodiazepine related issues in primary care. The Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata). WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx DISCLAIMER All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer. CREDITS Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio — https://www.storyblocks.com Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved