Episodes

Recorded Thursday, November 12th, 2020 Do you have questions about anxiety? About benzos and withdrawal? About your symptoms and possible remedies? About tips, tricks, and treatments to help you feel better? Or perhaps you just want to say hi. Whether you have been listening to the Benzo Free Podcast for months — or just recently discovered our Easing Anxiety videos — I hope you will stop by on Thursday and chat. Since this is our very first live video, I’m not really sure how this will go. We...

Benzo withdrawal is personal. It’s intimate. And most of all, it can be very isolating. Fear and loneliness are pervasive in withdrawal and we frequently crave understanding, compassion, and connection. But does it really have to be that way? In today’s episode, I share my thoughts and struggles with anxiety, symptoms, fear, and loneliness from a recent road trip to Kansas City. We also have a question about hypochondria, a story from California, and a brief discussion about the loss of social ...

Robert J. Valuck, Ph.D., is a Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Epidemiology, and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) and the Director of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU. This is a conversation not to miss. In part 2 of our conversation, we explore benzodiazepine advocacy and the hurdles we face, the use of flumazenil for benzo detox, the mechanisms of benzodiazepines in the body, and so much more. We also share a story from Chris in Australia and talk about...

Robert J. Valuck, Ph.D., is a Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Epidemiology, and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) and the Director of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU. This is a conversation not to miss. In Part 1 of our discussion, we compare the opioid and benzo crises, visit the age-old addiction vs. dependence debate, and explore the recent FDA warning on benzodiazepines among other topics. I also share a benzo story from San Francisco and talk a bit ...

What is the best method for reducing symptoms in benzo withdrawal? Why do we cling to a need for control? Is a slow taper still the way to go? These questions along with three quintessential benzo stories create a fully loaded show. In today’s episode, D returns to the podcast after a 2 ½ month hiatus. He discusses some of the key questions of withdrawal, shares a few stories of struggle and success, and closes out with the moment of peace. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/stories-successes-...

Anger, frustration, and even rage can be common during benzo withdrawal. When events trigger us, we react. But what happens when we are unable to calm down? Learn seven tips to help you step away from anger during benzo withdrawal. In today’s episode, D explores anger and rage during benzo withdrawal. He also shares a benzo story from Georgia, talks about supplements and reinstatement, and reminds us of an upcoming annual event this July. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anger-and-irritabili...

Are my breathing problems caused by benzos?How about my chest pain? Do probiotics help with benzo belly? Can I take herbal supplements during withdrawal? These and several other common questions beg for answers. In today’s episode, we look inside our mailbag and share a variety of questions, comments, and insights from you, the listeners. We also share two benzos stories from Oklahoma and California, talk about stepping back from anger and rage, and discuss a tentative return to social media. ...

What are the basics of benzo withdrawal? If you are new to the benzo community, you might want to know where to start. If you are a veteran, you might want a refresher. Either way, it never hurts to review the basics of something so important. In today’s episode, we look at 10 basics of benzos and withdrawal. We also share a correction on terminology, explore some lingering effects of COVID-19, and hear a story from California. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-101-a-return-to-the-basi...

Viral outbreaks, social phobias, benzo withdrawal — all these events can be isolating, and any combination can lead to extreme levels of fear, separation, and loneliness. Why do we suffer so when we are alone? And what can we do about it? In today’s episode, we look at isolation and loneliness in today’s chaotic times. We also shine our spotlight on a new benzo organization, discuss the dilemma of when to take your last dose, explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation centers, and hear a benzo...

Do you have benzo questions? Well, we’re here to help. Whether they’re questions about benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, withdrawal symptoms, the podcast, updosing, polydrugging, and more — our rapid-fire Q&A will attempt to provide some answers. In today’s episode, we return to the popular rapid-fire Q&A format for our feature. We also hear two short benzo stories from England and Denmark, talk about some positive effects of the current pandemic, and close out with a traditional breathing meditation t...

Benzo withdrawal can trigger a vast array of symptoms. Some of these are common and well-known, yet others like skin rashes, irritability, personality changes, and the loss of social skills can go by unidentified or even misdiagnosed. In today’s episode, we discuss seven little-known symptoms of withdrawal. We also hear a benzo story from South Carolina and introduce our new YouTube Channel dedicated to easing anxiety. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/7-little-known-symptoms-of-benzo-withdra...

Take a damaged nervous system from benzo dependence and withdrawal, mix in a worldwide viral outbreak, and you have the recipe for off-the-charts anxiety. Tune in as D chats off-script about benzos, anxiety, and a virus. In today’s episode, we dedicate the entire podcast to anxiety and the current situation with Covid-19. We also have our Moment of Peace and announce some changes taking effect for Benzo Free and the Podcast. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/anxiety-benzos-and-a-virus-bfp061 ...

Our gut can take a direct hit in benzo withdrawal. Pain, aches, cramps, digestive issues, inflammation, distention, and more. Why does this happen and what can we do about it? It’s time to revisit these symptoms and see what we can learn. In today’s episode, we take a second look at the symptoms of the abdomen and digestive system. We also hear a benzo success story, talk about the long game of withdrawal, and hear some original music from one of our listeners. https://www.easinganxiety.com/po...

How long will my recovery last? If I’ve taken these drugs periodically, can I be dependent? How do I convince my doctor? What is this condition of ours even called? These and several other common questions beg for answers. In today’s episode, we look inside our mailbag and discuss a variety of questions from the listeners. We also share a story from the United Kingdom and talk about maintaining healthy habits once we start to feel better. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/questions-comments-a...

Do you find it hard to talk with your physician or psychiatrist about benzos? How about with your counselor or family and friends? This is a far too common problem in the benzo community, and we’re here to help. In today’s episode, we share seven tips for talking about benzos with the people in your life. We also share a benzo story from New Mexico, discuss a comment about finding peace-of-mind, and talk about the willingness to make mistakes during our withdrawal. https://www.easinganxiety.co...

On February 24th, 1960, the very first benzodiazepine was approved in the U.S. 60 years later, they are still some of the most popular drugs on the planet. Join us as we explore the history of some of the world’s most fabled, and vilified drugs. In today’s episode, we look back at the past 60 years of benzodiazepines and hope that through knowledge we can finally learn from our past. We also have a benzo story from Florida, discuss the variations of mindful movement practices, and introduce a n...

Benzo dependence and withdrawal can seem hopeless at times — but it’s not. There is hope. There is healing. There is a better life on the other side. And today we dedicated an entire episode to positive messages and stories of success. In today’s episode, we share a whole series of encouraging facts, information, and most of all stories, which shine the light on the path to success and a better life. We also discuss some updates to the Benzo Free website and share a few other changes. https://...

For the past 14 years, Baylissa Frederick has supported thousands of people affected by prescribed drug dependency and withdrawal both as a psychotherapist and through her books and online support website, “Bloom in Wellness”. Join us today for part two of our two-part conversation with Baylissa and learn about her counseling experience with psychiatric drug withdrawal, EFT, benzo activism in the United Kingdom, and much more. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/hope-wellness-and-renewal-a-conv...

For the past 14 years, Baylissa Frederick has supported thousands of people affected by prescribed drug dependency and withdrawal both as a psychotherapist and through her books and online support website, “Bloom in Wellness”. Join us today for part one of our two-part conversation with Baylissa and learn about her experience with benzos, commonalities she sees in her patients, her views on distraction and acceptance, and her personal relationship with Prof. Ashton. https://www.easinganxiety.c...

In benzo withdrawal, we are often trapped in an insatiable quest for information, verification, and connection — much of which is done online. But can too much information be a bad thing? Can this search be part of the problem? In today’s episode, we look at online triggers during benzo withdrawal and the effect information and horror stories can have on our healing. We also hear a story from Montana and share a comment about natural treatments and supplements. https://www.easinganxiety.com/po...

Angela Peacock, MSW, is a US Army veteran, benzo survivor, member of BIC’s medical board, and a tireless advocate for those who struggle with PTSD and psychiatric drugs. Her story is highlighted in the new film, "Medicating Normal." Premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 16th and 17th, 2020, “Medicating Normal” is a documentary feature film about the overprescribing of psychiatric drugs and its effects. Join us for our fascinating conversation with Angie on today...

“Medicating Normal,” a documentary feature film about the overprescribing of psychiatric drugs, premiers at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on January 16th and 17th. We had the distinct privilege to speak with two of the filmmakers this week. In part one of our two-part series, D had a wonderful conversation with director/producer Lynn Cunningham. Lynn candidly shares the struggles and successes of making this film, the inspiration behind it, and the insights gained from their pri...

It’s that time of year again. Time to review, reminisce, and remember how far we have come. Even if you are in the middle of benzo withdrawal, there are always things to be grateful for. In today’s episode, the Benzo Free Community shares its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the good things in life. Wishing you all peace, love, and healing, now and for many years to come. D

Our gut takes a big hit in benzo withdrawal, but digestive difficulties are only part of it. Pelvic pain, cramps, aching, urinary difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and many other complications of the lower abdomen can be part of the overall picture. In today’s episode, we focus on symptoms of the lower abdomen and pelvis including pelvic floor dysfunction. We also explore the difficulties of poor reading comprehension, discuss a mother’s quest to help her son with violent tendencies, and hear a...