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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-1-of-2-bfp096

Video ID: BFP096

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

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