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 to both physicians and patients are educated and insightful. Check it out. Video ID: BFP088 Listen to the Podcast This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/insights-from-ireland-conversation-with-dr-colin-bradley-part-1-bfp087 Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 07:42 Alliance / BIC Activity 13:00 INTERVIEW Intro 13:47 Understanding the Severity 18:35 Knowing When to Taper 21:08 Substitution Tapering 22:45 Learning From Patients 23:36 Most Common Symptoms 24:48 Developing Tools 26:05 Learning Deficit 27:40 A Pill for Every Ill 28:57 Polydrugging 33:30 Message to Physicians 34:46 Message to Patients 35:30 Counseling 37:06 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

Looking to make the best of benzo withdrawal? Want others to understand the severity some of us face? Trying to find calm within it all? Facing emotions and intimacy for the first time in years? This one has a little bit of everything. We recorded today’s episode live! No script. No editing. No plan, really. Just D talking about benzos, withdrawal, and the struggles so many of us face. We also share a few comments from our YouTube channel and catch up with recent benzo and weather events. It’s a bit different. I hope you like it. Video ID: BFP089 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 04:54 Hurricane Ida 06:05 Benzo Work Group Progress 08:10 FEATURE: Hidden Parts of Withdrawal 09:22 The Severity of Withdrawal 11:32 The Benefits of Withdrawal 14:30 Keeping Busy 16:09 Finding Calm / GABA 22:18 Making the Best of Benzos 23:17 MAILBAG: Intro 25:03 Experiencing Intimacy 31:17 Insights from Ireland 32:22 Living in Fear 33:56 Website Updates 35:51 No Edits Allowed 36:32 Thank You 39:05 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. 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. 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

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 of reform initiatives, scientific research and articles, prescriber education, regulatory reform, and much more. Their website is a valued resource and provides "easily-accessible evidence-based information" for the patient, in addition to helpful medical information for prescribers. I have had the privilege of working with the Alliance on a variety of projects — in particular with Bernie Silvernail (founder) and Dr. Alexis Ritvo (medical director) who is also my fellow co-chair at the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. I am also on a research team supported by the Alliance. I must admit that it has been a true pleasure to work with this team these past few years and that I am truly grateful for the experience and knowledge gained. Here is the mission of the Alliance to learn more about their focus: The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices’ primary objective is to significantly reduce the number of benzodiazepine withdrawal sufferers by reducing the number of new prescriptions for benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, limit the duration of use, and provide an evidence-based pathway for deprescribing. Our focus is to illustrate the problems associated with benzodiazepines, illuminate alternatives to their use, and provide tools for clinicians to assist benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome sufferers. A complementary objective is to develop and promote best practices in benzodiazepine prescribing and problem management. As part of their anniversary celebration, the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices will be offering a 100% match on all donations made to the organization until April 21st. If you've ever considered donating to support the work they do, now is a great time. Our deepest thanks to the Alliance for all of their work in the benzo community over the past five years. Learn more about this celebration and find details about donating at: https://benzoreform.org/celebrating-5-years-of-benzo-reform/. REFERENCES The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. Website. Accessed March 21, 2023. https://benzoreform.org/. "Celebrating 5 Years of Benzo Reform." The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. March 18, 2023. Accessed March 21, 2023. https://benzoreform.org/celebrating-5-years-of-benzo-reform/.

What is it like living in protracted withdrawal, seven years out? What are the joys? What are the pains? What are the triggers? What thoughts ruminate in the mind? Join your host as we pull back the curtain and visit a day in the life. For today’s podcast, I carried the recorder around with me all day so I could share the good, the bad, the fun, the mundane, the contemplations and struggles of living life in protracted benzo withdrawal. We touch on a wide variety of subjects and close out with a special version of our Moment of Peace. I hope you’ll join us. Video ID: BFP091 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Good Morning 02:26 Favoring Fall 03:55 Night Guard 05:04 Everyone is Different 09:15 Episode Format 12:18 Morning Walks 14:00 Akathisia Evenings 18:02 Rough Family Week 19:52 Anger in Withdrawal 22:24 Walking in Withdrawal 23:50 Finding Peace 28:42 Finding Joy 34:17 Breakfast 36:13 Laundry 39:20 Office / Task List 43:06 Drum Set 44:53 A Bit of Aromatherapy 45:52 Dealing with Triggers 47:30 FOMO 51:52 Making the Most of It 53:30 Moment of Peace / Goodnight 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 Sound Effects — Title: “Shores of Corfu” — Artist: Graham PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

This presentation was recorded live at the 2021 Annual Meeting for the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, and is presented here on our channel courtesy of that organization. Please visit their website via the links below. Presented at… Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention – 2021 Annual Meeting October 28, 2021 Presented by… Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) Watch the Video …on YouTube Chapters 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:54 Presentation: D E Foster 0:08:55 Presentation: Nicole Lamberson, PA 0:30:17 Presentation: Alexi Ritvo, MD 0:51:20 Presentation: John Staight 1:03:50 Q&A Event Description There is a growing crisis of patient harm from prescribed benzodiazepines, a class of medications traditionally prescribed for anxiety, sleep and anesthesia. While benzodiazepines have some limited indications, they are often prescribed in the absence of adequate research and for far longer than the recommended time limitation of 2-4 weeks. In September 2020, the FDA added a black box warning to prescription benzodiazepines. This warning states that “Physical dependence can occur when benzodiazepines are taken steadily for several days to weeks, even as prescribed.” And that “Stopping them abruptly or reducing the dosage too quickly can result in withdrawal reactions, including seizures, which can be life-threatening.” Unfortunately, much of the public and many healthcare providers are unaware of this warning. Studies report 10-44% of chronic benzodiazepine users experience moderate to severe protracted withdrawal symptoms upon cessation lasting months to years; some have suggested calling this phenomena “Benzodiazepine Induced Brain Injury” or “Benzodiazepine Injury Syndrome”. This session looks at the benzodiazepine crisis from the perspectives of medical professionals, affected patients, and community organizers. The goal of this session is to increase knowledge about safer prescribing and deprescribing of benzodiazepines. Presenters Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) D E Foster (BAWG Co-Chair, Founding Member, Host of The Benzo Free Podcast) — A Bit About Benzos, Dependence, and Withdrawal Nicole Lamberson, PA (BAWG Founding Member, BIC Medical Advisor, Co-Founder of the Withdrawal Project) — Lived Experience, Tolerance, “Detox” and Protracted “Withdrawal” Syndromes Alexis Ritvo, MD (BAWG Co-Chair, Founding Member, Board-Certified Psychiatrist, Program Director for the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, University of Colorado School of Medicine) — Benzodiazepines: The Hidden Prescription Epidemic John Staight (BAWG Founding Member, Patient Advocate) — Inside the Struggle: A Tapering Journey Presentation Links — Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention (https://corxconsortium.org/) — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) (https://benzoaction.org) — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices (https://benzoreform.org) — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) (https://www.benzoinfo.com) — The Ashton Manual (https://easinganxiety.com/blog/ashton) Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this video in YouTube — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com Disclaimer All content provided on this YouTube channel is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical or health advice. The author of the content provided on this channel is not engaged in rendering medical, health, psychological, or any other kind of personal or professional services. 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.

Far too often, we think we are all alone during benzo withdrawal and that no one understands what we are going through. But we’re not alone. The benzo community is active, thriving, and full of people just like you. And we’re making a difference. In today’s episode of the podcast, we share some of the progress being made, visit a few of the key organizations behind this progress, and share some of their plans for the future. There’s so much to be done, but we have a great start, and the future is looking brighter every day. Video ID: BFP092 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:07 FEATURE: Intro 11:05 Benzo Community Terminology 16:45 Stress and Protracted Withdrawal 21:03 Benzodiazepine Action Work Group 30:41 Alliance for Benzo. Best Practices 34:44 Benzodiazepine Info. Coalition 37:40 Massachusetts Legislation 38:16 Benzo Buddies 39:37 Benzo Coaches 41:00 Feature Closing 44:30 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. ORGANIZATIONS — Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention — https://corxconsortium.org — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://www.benzoinfo.com — Benzo Buddies — http://www.benzobuddies.org — Baylissa Frederick (Bloom in Wellness) — https://baylissa.com — Jennifer Leigh (Benzo Withdrawal Help) — https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com CONSORTIUM ANNUAL MEETING – Benzo Presentation Benzodiazepine-Induced Brain Injury: The Hidden Prescription Epidemic — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzodiazepine-induced-brain-injury-the-hidden-prescription-epidemic-recorded-live-oct-28-2021 PODCAST EPISODES (Dr. Steven Wright) Dialogue with a Doctor: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Wright — Part I: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/dialogue-with-the-doctor-a-conversation-with-dr-steven-wright-part-1-of-2-bfp021 — Part II: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/dialogue-with-the-doctor-a-conversation-with-dr-steven-wright-part-2-of-2-bfp022 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

The holidays can be very difficult for those struggling with benzo withdrawal. So, we decided to dedicate our holiday podcast to you. Your questions, your comments, your concerns. And we’re doing it live — twice! If you can’t make it, or if you prefer to listen to the recorded audio version on one of our podcast carriers, you can do so starting Friday. I hope you will join us, and Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Video ID: BFP093 Watch the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher 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

The holidays can be very difficult for those struggling with benzo withdrawal. So, we decided to dedicate our holiday podcast to you. Your questions, your comments, your concerns. And we’re doing it live — twice! If you can’t make it, or if you prefer to listen to the recorded audio version on one of our podcast carriers, you can do so starting Friday. I hope you will join us, and Happy Holidays to everyone!!! Video ID: BFP094 Watch the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:45 Welcome 08:25 The Ashton Manual 15:50 The Colorado Consortium 18:05 Finding a Doctor 21:15 Mailbag Live 29:19 Sinus Issues 31:05 Muscle Issues 36:12 Nerve Pain 38:10 Upper Back Pain 40:14 Vision Issues 42:01 Physical Therapy 44:04 Migraines 44:29 Things Change 45:46 Change the Medical Culture 50:46 It's Okay to Take a Benzo 53:08 Obsessive Thoughts 56:24 Long-term Damage 57:54 OCD 59:14 Body Healing 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 have questions about benzos? About your symptoms? About finding a doctor to help you survive this thing we call benzo withdrawal? Questions plague the benzo experience, and some questions are more common than others. In today’s podcast, we look at the top five most frequently asked questions about benzos and benzo withdrawal. We also talk about plans for the new year, find some positivity amongst the difficulties, and close out with the return of our Moment of Peace. I hope you’ll join us. Video ID: BFP095 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Introduction 14:15 TOP 5 QUESTIONS – Intro 17:58 Can I Sue My Doctor? 23:14 Is This Symptom Part of Withdrawal? 26:50 Is this Permanent? 29:34 How Do I Find a Doctor? 34:10 How Do Survive Withdrawal? 40:00 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. ORGANIZATIONS — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://www.benzoinfo.com — BIC’s List of Doctors — https://www.benzoinfo.com/doctors 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

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 $800 million since 2022. The compound annual growth (CAGR) is expected to be 2.8% globally for benzodiazepines, and as high as 3.0% for alprazolam (Xanax) specifically. The article attributed the increase in demand to "the rising frequency of anxiety disorders and elevated levels of stress among the world's population," and that the North American market is "expected to be the most advantageous for benzodiazepine drug producers in the future years." For those of us focused on the overprescribing of benzodiazepines and the detrimental effects these drugs can have on those who have taken them long-term, this is very concerning news. While we continue to focus on education and awareness — both in the medical and public sectors — the increase in anxiety, panic attacks, and stress-induced mental disorders is a difficult tide to stem. While the article identifies fast-paced lifestyles, poor work-life balance, and rapid urbanization as the primary causes of this increase, other factors such as the pandemic, social media, and geo-political instability have been noted and may be equally responsible for the increase. We will continue to monitor the benzodiazepine and Z-drug markets and keep you informed. REFERENCES "Sales Of Benzodiazepine Drugs Are Anticipated To Reach US$ 3.1 Billion By 2032." Digital Journal. March 17, 2023. Accessed March 17, 2023. https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/sales-of-benzodiazepine-drugs-are-anticipated-to-reach-us-3-1-billion-by-2032. Sarangi A, McMahon T, Gude J. Benzodiazepine Misuse: An Epidemic Within a Pandemic. Cureus. 2021 Jun 21;13(6):e15816. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15816. PMID: 34306882; PMCID: PMC8294026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294026/.

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 education, peer support training, and so much more. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP096 Listen to the Podcast This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 2 here: : https://easinganxiety.com/blog/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-2-of-2-bfp097/ The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 15:30 INTERVIEW Intro 17:51 Dr. Ritvo’s Background 21:05 Learning About Benzo Dependence 23:58 Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) 28:33 Guidance Documents 31:07 Prescriber Education 36:28 Peer Support Training 41:10 Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices 43:20 Alliance Projects 48:23 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. INTRODUCTION — Benzo Warrior (Website): https://www.benzowarrior.com — Benzo Warrior (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BenzoWarriorGroup INTERVIEW WITH DR. RITVO — The University of Colorado School of Medicine: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://www.benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine 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

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 II of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of the benzo experience that so many of us face as patients. We discuss how to find a doctor, the return of emotions, finding confidence and a stable mindset, therapy, mindfulness, and even the mammalian diving reflex. Lots of great info. Please check it out. Video ID: BFP097 Listen to the Podcast This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://easinganxiety.com/blog/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-1-of-2-bfp096/ The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 04:45 INTERVIEW Intro 06:30 Finding a Doctor 10:40 Prescribing by GPs 14:15 Moving Past the Anger 15:54 Return of Emotions 18:19 Self Confidence 19:37 A Stable Mindset 22:55 Therapy, Medication, Etc. 25:37 Mindfulness 27:04 Mammalian Diving Reflex 30:06 Polydrugging 35:53 When to Prescribe Benzos 40:46 Science of Benzo Dependence 44:30 Benzos and Alcohol 47:08 Words of Advice 51:54 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. INTERVIEW WITH DR. RITVO — BIC’s Benzo Cooperative Doctors: https://www.benzoinfo.com/doctors — VA – Mindfulness Awareness: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/mindful-awareness.asp — Mammalian Diving Reflex (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC376809 — Mammalian Diving Reflex (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-reality-gen-z/202106/1-quick-way-stop-panic-attack-in-its-tracks 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