The Benzo Free Podcast

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.  

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/our-mailbag-sickness-setbacks-symptoms-and-self-esteem-bfp105

Video ID: BFP105

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

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 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

©2023 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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/the-dinner-party-caregivers-relationships-and-living-with-bind-bfp104

Video ID: BFP104

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

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 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.

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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/on-the-road-with-benzos-stress-sickness-and-symptoms-bfp102

Video ID: BFP102

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

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 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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-community-healing-and-support-w-jennifer-leigh-bfp101

Video ID: BFP101

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

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 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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/our-100th-episode-success-stories-sincerity-and-some-fun-edited-bfp100

Video ID: BFP100

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

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 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 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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzodiazepine-induced-neurological-dysfunction-bind-an-introduction-bfp099

Video ID: BFP099

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

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 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 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.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/our-mailbag-setbacks-symptoms-stories-and-success-bfp098

Video ID: BFP098

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

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 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