What is mindset, and why is it so important in benzo withdrawal? Are setbacks common, and how do you work through them? Are benzos too limited now? Is it okay to wait to withdraw? Is this permanent? These questions and so much more. In today’s episode, I dive into our mailbag again and listen to you. Your questions. Your comments. Your stories. You are the heart of this podcast, and these are my favorite episodes. I also share progress in the benzo community and my personal struggles with stress, self-care, and grieving. I hope you’ll join us. Video ID: BFP098 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 02:07 How We Grieve 06:36 I’m Back 07:12 Progress at BAWG 10:02 Hard to Move On 12:27 BENZO STORIES 13:48 Deanna’s Story 18:36 Trevor’s Story 27:35 MAILBAG 28:40 When to Withdraw 30:58 Access to Benzos 34:07 Head Pressure in WD 36:51 Setbacks in WD 41:01 A New You in WD 45:13 Does Everyone Heal? 49:45 Lies Our Brains Tell Us 52:50 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 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Best Practices (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com — Benzo Warrior Group: https://benzowarrior.com — Bloom into Wellness (Baylissa Frederick): https://baylissa.com RECOVERY TRAINING — Choices Recovery Training: https://www.choicesrecoverytrainings.com — Embark PCA Recovery (Training): https://www.embarkpca.net/classes OTHER REFERENCES — The 5 Stages of Grief (University of Washington): https://www.washington.edu/counseling/2020/06/08/the-stages-of-grief-accepting-the-unacceptable 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: “Dreaming of Floating” — Artist: Neil Cross PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

What do we call this condition so many of us have been dealing with for so long? Benzo withdrawal? Protracted Withdrawal? Persistent Benzo Withdrawal? Benzo Toxicity? Benzo Brain Injury? Or something completely different? In today’s episode of the podcast, we introduce a new term to many of you — Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND). We look at what it means, where it came from, and why we believe it’s important? We also answer a couple of questions and share a benzo story. Hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP099 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 02:24 The Overwhelm 05:57 Podcast Schedule 06:19 Benzo Newsletters 08:53 MAILBAG 08:56 More Symptoms After Last Dose? 13:48 Pins and Needles Common? 17:21 BENZO STORY 25:18 FEATURE: What Is BIND? 25:59 Definitions, Terms & Confusion 30:01 Benzo Survey Publication 33:14 Alliance Sponsorship 35:10 The Nosology Paper 37:36 Why this Term? Will it Stick? 40:44 BIND vs. Withdrawal 43:02 Physiological Changes 44:16 Changing Terminology 46:14 Doctors See WD, not BIND 47:02 Progress Being Made 48:16 Helping Out Helps 53:20 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 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com SUPPORT INFO — The Ashton Manual — https://easinganxiety.com/ashton — BIC: “What Is Benzodiazepine Protracted Withdrawal?” — https://www.benzoinfo.com/protracted-withdrawal-syndrome MEDICAL REFERENCES — Ashton, H. (1995). Protracted withdrawal from benzodiazepines: The post-withdrawal syndrome. Psychiatric Annals, 25(3), 174-179. https://doi.org/10.3928/0048-5713-19950301-11/.— Ashton H. Protracted withdrawal syndromes from benzodiazepines. J Subst Abuse Treat. 1991;8(1-2):19-28. doi: 10.1016/0740-5472(91)90023-4. PMID: 1675688. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1675688. — Pétursson H. The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction. 1994 Nov;89(11):1455-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x. PMID: 7841856. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856. 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

CONGRATULATIONS! We made it! Episode 100! Thank you all for getting us here. Pour the champagne (non-alcoholic of course), gather around, reminisce a bit, and let’s celebrate. And how do we do that? Well, with stories of success, of course. In today’s episode, we share several positive stories from individuals who have struggled with BIND (benzo withdrawal) and who have found success. We also look back at our past 99 episodes, share a new research publication, and provide a few updates about the podcast and website. Please join us for a bit of nostalgia, a bit of sincerity, and a bit of fun. NOTE: This episode was previously published. It has since been taken offline, edited, and re-posted. Video ID: BFP100 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Episode 1 Opening 01:59 INTRODUCTION 03:55 Benzo Survey Paper Published 06:19 Uploading Archived Episodes 06:46 Our 100th Episode 07:54 The Past 99 Titles 19:33 What’s Next for EA 21:22 CME Lunch and Learn 23:57 FEATURE: Success Stories 25:15 Cam’s Story (Finding Hope) 31:12 Susanna’s Story (Time to Heal) 34:47 Connie’s Story (Doing So Well) 39:01 D’s Story (I’m Happy) 41:34 Plan B: A New You 44:11 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 Survey Research Paper — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-survey-research-published Finlayson, Alistair J. Reid, Jane Macoubrie, Christy Huff, D. E. Foster, and Peter R. Martin. “Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet Survey.” Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. January 2022. doi:10.1177/2F20451253221082386. — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) / CME Lunch and Learn Sessions (D Foster & Christy Huff are presenting the 3rd session on May 17th) — https://corxconsortium.org/bz-webinars. — Easing Anxiety YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx BENZO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com SUPPORT INFO — The Ashton Manual — https://easinganxiety.com/ashton — D’s Book (Benzo Free) — 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

Do we truly recover from protracted benzo withdrawal (BIND)? What does that look like? What about from other psych medications? Can we realistically get back to “normal” after all of this? And if so, how? Join D and Dr. Jenn for this intimate conversation. In today’s episode, we welcome therapist and benzo coach Jennifer Leigh back to the podcast. Dr. Jenn has helped many individuals recover from withdrawal and BIND and we’ll get her take on several pressing questions. We’ll share a few updates, talk a bit about her story, and hear from a few of you. I hope you enjoy it. Video ID: BFP101 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Update Announcement 02:08 What’s New with Dr. Jenn 08:53 Doctor, Therapist, and Peer Training 11:17 So Much Going On 11:56 BIND Definition 14:34 Today’s Format 15:41 MAILBAG 15:47 What About Other Psych Meds? 19:47 Online Support 32:18 FEATURE: Chat with Jenn 32:25 Jenn’s Benzo Story 41:52 A New and Better You 44:02 Are You Symptom Free? 46:03 Finding That Connection 46:37 Are Benzos Different in BIND? 48:19 Is Klonopin (clonazepam) Different? 48:57 D’s Current Status in BIND 50:36 Finding Acceptance 51:40 5 Stages of Grief 52:56 Getting Back to Normal? 55:19 A New and Better You (Take 2) 57:54 Why Don’t Doctors Know This? 59:25 CLOSING Episode 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 — CME Lunch and Learn Videos: https://corxconsortium.org/bz-webinars FEATURE (Jennifer Leigh) — Benzo Withdrawal Help (w/ Jennifer Leigh): https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com BENZO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com 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

What’s it like being sick while in protracted benzo withdrawal, or BIND? Do you rest or push through it? Do you take medication? Antibiotics? Steroids? What if you’re away from home? And what do you do to avoid getting sick next time? In today’s episode, D shares his experience on the road battling a respiratory virus, along with a wave of symptoms from BIND. He also explores self-care, setting priorities in life, and finding some positivity in the entire experience. I hope you find it helpful. Video ID: BFP102 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Preface 03:31 Welcome 04:18 Road Trip & Illness 07:06 Benzo Chats 07:37 Back in KC 08:56 About this Episode 10:37 Crazy Two Years 13:50 Postponing Self-Care 15:10 Prioritizing Life 18:32 Good Morning 20:00 Antibiotics and BIND 23:02 Sick and Depressed 26:04 Running Out of Kleenex 28:32 A Different Fear of Commitment 32:24 Panic at a Wedding 38:33 Still Here, Still Sick 40:44 Still, We Are Blessed 43:00 The Importance of Self-Care 48:00 Back Home in Colorado 49:05 Finding the Positive 54:27 Closing Episode 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 SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://benzoaction.org — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com 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

Enough about me — it’s time to hear from you. Welcome to our very first “Benzo Chat.” An in-person, casual conversation with you, the champions living day in and day out with benzo dependence, withdrawal, and BIND. In our inaugural episode, we sit down with Rob in the great state of Oklahoma. We talk online forums, exercise, insomnia, diet, detox, cognitive dysfunction, and so much more. His story is a difficult one at times, but at its core, it’s about hope — and we all could use a bit more of that now, couldn’t we? I hope y’all enjoy it. 😊 Video ID: BFP103 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 WELCOME 01:09 Benzo Chat Format 02:05 Carolina Road Trip 04:00 About Chat 1 and 2 08:14 BENZO CHAT 08:58 Intro to Rob’s Story 11:20 Detox / Rehab / 21 Drugs 15:29 Learning About Benzos 19:04 What Works for You? 20:32 Online Support 21:09 Exercise and Insomnia 24:45 Diet / Sugar 27:28 Sleeplessness 30:58 Downsides of Forums 32:43 Hitting the Mental Wall 36:35 Getting Back into Life 38:40 Forums and Negativity 41:06 Venting Our Anger 42:20 Support System / Communication 47:55 What’s Your Current Outlook? 50:31 Getting Outside 51:34 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. REFERENCES FROM ROB’S TALK — The Withdrawal Project (Laura Delano): https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org — Benzo Buddies: http://www.benzobuddies.org BENZO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://benzoaction.org — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com 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

So, you’ve withdrawn from benzodiazepines. You still have symptoms. You still have struggles. You still have life-altering changes. And you still ask yourself daily, when will I get back to normal? Well, maybe D can help. In “A New You”, D E Foster discusses life after that last dose. He talks about BIND (benzo withdrawal), the healing journey, and shares his 10 tips for building a new life. He blends recent research with his own experiences and those of his friends at the Benzo Free Podcast. We hope you’ll check it out. This event was recorded live on July 26, 2022, at a virtual event for Benzo Warrior. Video ID: BWPres2022 Watch the Video …on YouTube Chapters 00:00 Welcome 00:23 Overview 00:51 A Bit About Me 04:23 A Bit About BIND 11:58 The Healing Journey 15:22 10 Tips for Building a New Life 16:50 1) It’s Your Journey 18:49 2) Acceptance 21:02 3) Healing 23:44 4) Move Forward 25:56 5) Seek Support 28:00 6) Build a Better You 31:03 7) A Body and Mind in Motion 32:51 8) Balanced Boundaries 35:02 9) Let the Good Times Roll 38:45 10) Finding Meaning 39:19 Resources Episode Resources The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Benzo Free of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein. WHERE TO FIND ME — Easing Anxiety (EA) – https://easinganxiety.com — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group: https://benzoaction.org OTHER LEAD BENZO ORGANIZATIONS — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com — Benzo Warrior: https://benzowarrior.com COACHING / THERAPY — Jennifer Leigh, PsyD – https://benzowithdrawalhelp.com — Baylissa Frederick, BMSc, MA – https://baylissafrederick.com PEER SUPPORT — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group – https://benzoaction.org — Benzo Warrior: https://benzowarrior.com PODCAST — The Benzo Free Podcast – https://easinganxiety.com/podcast REFERENCES —The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. Benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND). May 2022. https://benzoreform.org/bind. — Ashton C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). Newcastle University 2002. https://www.benzoinfo.com/ashtonmanual. — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC). Withdrawal & Post Withdrawal Symptoms. Accessed 2018. https://www.benzoinfo.com/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-post-withdrawal-symptoms. — Blanco C, Han B, Jones CM, Johnson K, Compton WM. Prevalence and Correlates of Benzodiazepine Use, Misuse, and Use Disorders Among Adults in the United States. J Clin Psychiatry. 2018;79(6):18m12174. Published 2018 Oct 16. doi:10.4088/JCP.18m12174. — Finlayson A, Macoubrie J, Huff C, Foster D, Martin P. Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022;2:1-10. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20451253221082386. — 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. — Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth. On Death & Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy & Their Own Families. New York: Scribner; 1969. — National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). Research suggests benzodiazepine use is high while use disorder rates are low. 2018. https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/science-highlight/research-suggests-benzodiazepine-use-high-while-use-disorder-rates-are-low. — Trickett, Shirley. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines. Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 33(254)(September 1983):608. Accessed April 17, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1973010/. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. Published September 23, 2020. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class. Site Links VISIT US ONLINE — WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST — https://easinganxiety.com/subscribe PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK — COMMENT: On this video in YouTube — COMMENT: On this blog post — EMAIL: feedback@easinganxiety.com SUPPORT US — MAKE A DONATION: https://easinganxiety.com/donate 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. Produced by Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved

Two benzo survivors. Two caregivers. Pizza. Cookies. And a covered porch in a rainstorm. What else could you want? Join us for this very special and revealing conversation about living with benzos from two couples who know it intimately. In today’s episode, we share our second benzo chat recorded on our recent road trip. On June 5th of this year, Shana and I joined Steve and Heather on a porch at their home in the great state of Iowa. The evening was delightful. We talked about benzos for over an hour and learned so much from each other. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Video ID: BFP104 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 0:00:00 Intro 0:04:52 BENZO CHAT 0:06:10 Steve’s Benzo Story 0:11:58 Caregivers 0:12:52 Heather’s Story 0:16:11 Caregiver Self-Care 0:18:21 It’s OK to Not Be OK 0:20:20 Discovering the Cause 0:21:47 Wave Attacks 0:23:51 Snipe Hunting 0:24:19 Pushing Through 0:25:39 Communication 0:27:58 Drug Potency 0:29:17 Advice Roundtable 0:38:37 Communication 0:42:48 Dinner in the Rain 0:43:16 Support Systems 0:45:32 Self-Care / Meditation 0:46:39 We Get Better 0:48:42 Happy Moments (Dad Jokes) 0:55:15 Frustration / Irritation 0:55:59 Enough Guilt to Go Around 0:57:34 Setbacks & Limits 0:59:15 Lowering the Bar 1:01:10 More Info Available 1:03:01 Last Words 1:06:06 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. BENZO FREE / VIDEO PRESENTATION — “A New You: Life After Benzo Withdrawal” — https://youtu.be/Nm3EwJFeRTA REFERENCES FROM CHAT — Baylissa Frederick — https://baylissafrederick.com/ — Jennifer Leigh — https://thrivewithdrjenn.com/ — Medicating Normal — https://medicatingnormal.com/ RECOMMENDED BENZO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group: https://benzoaction.org — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://benzoreform.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC): https://benzoinfo.com 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

COVID and BIND. Symptoms and setbacks. Isolation. Distraction. Memory loss. Relationships and loss. And of course, acceptance and success. What do these all have in common? Well, they all are related to benzos, and we will cover them today. In today’s episode, we revisit our mailbag and hear your comments, your questions, and your feedback. D also shares his 8-year anniversary and even invents a new word — contentness — without knowing it. More on that later. I hope you will join us for this latest episode. NOTE: There is a lot of good content here, but some of the stories may be difficult to hear if you are easily triggered by stories of struggle in BIND. Video ID: BFP105 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRO 01:41 Our Old Format 03:00 Feeling Better 03:29 Mourning / Emotions 05:45 My Benzo Anniversary 06:55 Carolina Road Trip 08:50 Setting Priorities at EA 10:08 Back in the Basement 10:54 Our Format 11:34 That Silver Lining 13:27 FEATURE: Mailbag 15:02 Repeat Prescribing / Loving Oneself 19:58 Isolation / Expanding the Bubble 23:04 More Success Stories 25:45 COVID, Symptoms, and Setbacks 35:03 Cognitive Difficulties / Memory 36:28 Relationships / Acceptance 40:53 Podcast Stats 42:28 Finding Contentment 48:00 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. — Benzo Free Podcast #9: Anxiety the Beast of Benzo Withdrawal —https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anxiety-the-beast-of-benzo-withdrawal-bfp009 — CDC COVID Symptoms — https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html — Book: Benzo Free — 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

Have you ever been afraid to turn on the news? To check your social media feed? To visit your favorite discussion group? Have you ever been so afraid of your own emotions and reactions that you isolate completely? Well, so has D. In today’s episode, D tries something different…again. He hits the record button with absolutely no idea what he is going to talk about. No script. No topic. No agenda. What evolved is an open and honest discussion about struggle and success, media and emotions, and the lingering effects of benzos and BIND. I hope you’ll check it out. Video ID: BFP106 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 Morning in the Office 03:38 INTRODUCTION 07:44 Hitting the Wall / Benzo Brain 09:09 Emotions, News, and Social Media 15:26 How We Process Emotions 17:56 I Don’t Know Anything 20:02 Online, Offline, and BIND 28:32 Road Trip Recap 32:50 An Extremely Emotional Journey 34:52 Abdominal Distension 36:15 I’ve Come So Far 38:15 When Did I Feel Healed? 40:43 How Do You Help? 43:27 All You Need is Love 44:19 Everyone is Fighting a Great Battle 47:20 I Should Wrap This Up 48:20 No Recordings from the Trip 50:13 Amazed at the Podcast Reach 53:01 Wanna Play Parcheesi? Drums? 54:24 Maybe a Little Fear 55:21 Final Closing Episode 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. — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.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

Are benzos effective for treating anxiety? Insomnia? Seizures? If they aren’t safe, what is the evidence? How many BIND symptoms are there? Could these be permanent? And what about COVID? Tune in for the surprising answers. In today’s episode, we ask some key questions about benzos and provide real answers, with evidence to back them. We also share questions from our international listeners on CBD and probiotics, and we hear a powerful story of one woman’s struggle with her third attempt at withdrawal. This one if chock full of information, and I hope you’ll join us. Video ID: BFP107 Listen to the Podcast The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 0:00:00 INTRODUCTION 0:01:16 About the Last Episode 0:02:17 Behind the Scenes Work 0:03:18 Hurricane Ian 0:05:38 MAILBAG 0:05:54 Benzo Belly and Probiotics (Jon) 0:11:48 CBD and Withdrawal (Julie) 0:17:29 BENZO STORY (Jessica) 0:26:48 Response from D 0:31:20 FEATURE: Benzo Facts 0:32:48 Are Benzos Effective? 0:35:23 Are Benzos Safe? 0:43:49 Can You Be Addicted to Benzos? 0:44:46 Is BIND an Official Term? 0:47:21 How Many BIND Symptoms Are There? 0:52:05 Is BIND Permanent? 0:56:42 Are Z-drugs the Same as Benzos? 0:57:22 Do Benzos Have an Effect on COVID? 1:00:58 MOMENT OF PEACE Episode 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. SITE RESOURCES — Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org — Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com — The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org — Blazing Benzos Facebook Group — https://m.facebook.com/groups/1205287192817668/ MAILBAG Grinspoon, Peter. Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health Publishing. September 24, 2021. Accessed September 27, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476. FEATURE 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. Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC). Withdrawal & Post Withdrawal Symptoms. Accessed September 29, 2022. https://www.benzoinfo.com/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-post-withdrawal-symptoms/. Breilmann J, Girlanda F, Guaiana G, Barbui C, Cipriani A, Castellazzi M, Bighelli I, Davies SJC, Furukawa TA, Koesters M. Benzodiazepines versus placebo for panic disorder in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD010677. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010677.pub2. Accessed 27 September 2022. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010677.pub2/full. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prescribing Guidelines for Pennsylvania: Safe Prescribing Benzodiazepines for Acute Treatment of Anxiety & Insomnia. Updated May 15, 2017. Accessed April 7, 2018. http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/M-P/opioids/Documents/PA%20Guidelines%20on%20Benzo%20Prescribing.pdf. Easing Anxiety. BIND Symptoms. https://easinganxiety.com/symptoms. 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/. Guina J, Merrill B. Benzodiazepines I: Upping the Care on Downers: The Evidence of Risks, Benefits and Alternatives. J Clin Med. 2018 Jan 30;7(2):17. doi: 10.3390/jcm7020017. PMID: 29385731; PMCID: PMC5852433. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5852433/. 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. Lakhani, Nina, Drugs Linked to Brain Damage 30 Years Ago, Independent, November 7, 2010, accessed March 4, 2017, https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/drugs-linked-to-brain-damage-30-years-ago-2127504.html. 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. Park, H.Y., Kwon, J., An, S.K. et al. A nationwide cohort study of the association of benzodiazepines with SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes. Sci Rep 12, 15947 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20335-z. U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Office of Diversion Control; Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section: Benzodiazepines (January 2013). Accessed March 6, 2017. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/benzo.pdf. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. September 23, 2020. Accessed September 27, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class. 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

What happens when you need surgery during protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND)? How do you manage the anxiety? Do you take meds? Benzos? Opioids? How do you handle recovery? Join D on his personal 14-day journey. In part 2 of this 2-part series, the surgery is completed and D reviews his decision to be given a benzodiazepine for sedation. He monitors its effect on his symptoms, discusses his recovery and use of pain meds, and explores his improved outlook on life after his successful procedure. Video ID: BFP109 Listen on YouTube... This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-and-surgery-a-journey-of-anxiety-recovery-medication-and-success-part-1-of-2-bfp108 The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on... Apple Podcasts / Audible / iHeart / PodBean / Spotify / Stitcher Chapters 00:00 INTRODUCTION 02:07 Listing Benzos As an Allergy (Day -1) 07:11 Morning of Surgery (Day 0) 09:28 Back Home Recovering 10:41 Deciding to Take a Benzo 14:14 Comedy of Errors (Day +1) 18:29 Post-Op Meds 20:09 Putting Weight on Foot (Day +2) 21:18 Positivity from Success 25:20 Symptoms Mild 26:10 Feeling Better (Day +3) 27:41 “The Midnight Library” / Perspective 31:05 Recovery Setback (Day +5) 32:38 Feeling Better Again (Day +6) 35:30 A Little Bit of Normalcy 37:42 Benzos, Hope, and Timelines 41:14 Better Life on the Other Side 43:39 Relaxation Videos (Day +7) 45:10 In Search of Something Profound 46:07 Success Breeds Success 48:50 Gratitudes 50:26 Final Benzo Update 51:07 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. SITE RESOURCES Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org REFERENCES 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 PRODUCTION Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press https://www.denimmountainpress.com ©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved