Naftal Benisty is the creator and host of the podcast, “Benzo Tired.” A social worker by trade, Naftal’s personal experience with kindling, seizures, and multiple prescriptions for benzodiazepines steered him into the world of benzo advocacy.

In our conversation, Naftal shares his benzo story and the reasons he decided to start a podcast. We also talk about seizures, the indefinite hold, BIND, deprescribing guidelines, medical education, remaining positive, and so much more.

Video ID: BFP123

CHAPTERS

0:00:00 INTRODUCTION

0:01:06 Feeling Good / Taking a Break

0:02:54 Peer Support Training

0:04:34 Checking in with You

0:08:54 FEATURE: Naftal Benisty

0:13:51 Welcome

0:14:36 A Bit About Naftal

0:16:15 Naftal’s Benzo Story

0:26:32 Benzos and Seizures

0:29:20 Tapering & the Indefinite Hold

0:35:18 How Are You Now?

0:36:18 Starting His Podcast

0:38:29 Making the Podcast Is a Gift

0:41:04 Benefits of Lived Experience

0:43:44 BIND Discovery

0:44:59 Consortium’s Deprescribing Guidelines

0:46:28 U.S. vs. International Benzo Support

0:50:31 Educating Medical Professionals

0:52:08 Are There Good Benzo Uses?

0:53:48 Haeley & Tom Episode

0:56:22 Our Caregivers

0:59:16 Future for Naftal / Podcast

1:00:47 Long COVID and Benzos

1:01:16 How Podcasts Help

1:03:48 Balancing Honesty and Positivity

1:06:09 Doing Great Work

1:06:58 One Piece of Advice

1:07:17 Deprescribing Guidelines

1:08:57 Shane Kenny’s Movie

1:09:20 Final Words

1:10:50 CLOSING

RESOURCES

— Benzo Tired on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HHdbrsbTpMMmlrL9TCWfi

— Benzo Tired: Haely & Tom Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VTFkXLVDrMVrHdHiaoMaV?si=P5_pecyKSyap3iSweKPwsg

— BAWG Documentation (scroll down to see “projects”): https://benzoaction.org

— Deprescribing Guidelines from BAWG: https://corxconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/Benzo-Deprescribing.pdf

— BIND Description: https://easinganxiety.com/BIND

SITE LINKS

VISIT US ONLINE

— Website: https://www.easinganxiety.com

— YouTube: https://youtube.com/@easinganx

— Twitter: https://twitter.com/@easinganx

— Facebook: https://facebook.com/easinganxfb

— Instagram: https://instagram.com/easinganx

SUBSCRIBE / SUPPORT US

— Join Our Mailing List: https://easinganxiety.com/subscribe

— Make a Donation: https://easinganxiety.com/donate

PODCAST SUMMARY

This podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.

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.

MUSIC CREDITS

— All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) 

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: "Walk in the Park"

— Artist: Neil Cross

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

Denim Mountain Press

https://www.denimmountainpress.com