Episodes

The heart and lungs embody the essence of human life. Benzo withdrawal can affect their normal functioning and create a cascade of symptoms such as heart palpitations, flushing, sweating, hot flashes, shortness of breath, and air hunger. In today’s episode, we explore benzo withdrawal symptoms of the heart and lungs. We also talk a bit about dealing with family, answer some questions on tapering plans and the vagus nerve, and share a benzo story from Ontario, Canada. https://www.easinganxiety....

Akathisia is one of the most common symptoms of benzo withdrawal. It is often defined by the feeling of inner restlessness and the urgency to keep moving. It can be exhausting, overwhelming, and even debilitating for some — but it can be managed. In today’s episode, we examine excitability symptoms. We learn some of the causes, identify some of the signs, and even share a few tips on how to deal with this condition. We also have some feedback on our Facebook change, share a story from Canada, a...

Steven Wright, M.D. is a leading expert in benzodiazepines and serves on the board of the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. That, along with his 31 years of addiction medical experience, makes this a conversation you won’t want to miss. In Part II of our discussion, we investigate research and funding, look at determining taper rates, compare evidence-based and personalized medicine, explore kindling, pregabalin, and physician education, and end with an apology. https://www.easinganx...

Steven Wright, M.D. is a leading expert in benzodiazepines and serves on the board of the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. That, along with his 31 years of addiction medical experience, makes this a conversation you won’t want to miss. In Part I of our discussion, we examine the mechanisms of benzodiazepines, look at the doctor/patient relationship, examine prescribing practices, and explore withdrawal anxiety, GABA, and the peripheral nervous system. https://www.easinganxiety.com/p...

Dizziness. Migraines. Slurred Speech. Loss of Balance. These are just a few of the benzo withdrawal symptoms which affect the head and neck region of the human body. Learn more and pick up some tips on how to manage them. In today’s episode, we continue our series on benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms with the physical symptoms of the head and neck. We also hear a success story of detox from high dosages, answer a question about the classes of benzos, and catch up on the news from last week. h...

Intimacy is essential to a healthy, happy life. And yet, during benzo withdrawal it is often one of the earliest casualties. How can a loving relationship — let alone a healthy sex life — survive the trials of benzo dependence and withdrawal? In today’s episode, we explore how to nurture a loving relationship and avoid the pitfalls of anger, isolation, and hypersensitivity. We also hear a benzo story from Christchurch, New Zealand and catch up on last week’s news. https://www.easinganxiety.com...

How do benzodiazepines work? What do they do in the body? Why do they initially calm us, but then stop working? And why are they so incredibly hard to stop? When we take a look at the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate, we find a few answers. In today’s episode, we examine two key chemicals in the brain and discover a few insights into why withdrawal is so difficult for so many. We also answer a couple questions about support groups, spotlight two regional organizations, and hear a story from...

Do you know much about the cognitive effects of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs? Perhaps you should. Memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and intrusive memories are all possible symptoms of benzo use and withdrawal. In today’s episode, we talk about the damage benzodiazepines and Z-drugs can inflict on our mental capacity. We also hear a benzo story from England, answer a question about GABA receptors, and learn what it really feels like to heal. BTW, it feels good. https://www.easinganxiety.com/po...

Have you heard the term ‘sensory hypersensitivity,’ but don’t really know what it means? Perhaps you should ask someone in benzo withdrawal. Sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can be common. Learn the causes and a few tips on how to cope. In today’s episode, we talk about the withdrawal symptoms of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. These include light and sound sensitivity, blurred vision, dry mouth, thrush, difficulty swallowing, and tinnitus among others. We also hear a benzo st...

More senior citizens take benzos than any other age group. And yet, they are also the group most at-risk for complications. What are the effects of this dangerous combination? And what can be done to buck the overprescribing trend? In today’s episode, we look at the stats, the warnings, and the consequences of benzodiazepine and Z-drug use in the elderly. We also shine the spotlight on the website benzo.org.uk, share a story from Grand Junction, Colorado, and discuss anti-depressants and sleepl...

Can a unique blend of neuroscience, compassion, and spirituality be the secret to success in benzo withdrawal? Jennifer Leigh seems to think so. And so do many of the people she has coached. Our interview guest today is Jennifer Leigh, PsyD. In this enlightened conversation, Jennifer shares neurological insights she has acquired from her doctorate studies in psychology along with lessons from her own personal journey through withdrawal. You don’t want to miss this one. https://www.easinganxiet...

Have you ever heard of Benzo Rage? What about other withdrawal symptoms like depression, aggression, or violent tendencies? All these behaviors can be escalated by benzos and learning how to deal with them just might be the key to success. In today’s episode, D explores the behavioral symptoms of benzo withdrawal and shares a few resources which might help manage them. He also shines a light on Benzo Buddies, shares a comment about yeast overgrowth and candida, and tells a caregiver story from ...

The underappreciated angels of the benzo community are the caregivers. What’s it like to take care of someone going through benzo withdrawal? What are the key hurdles? What are the burdens? And most of all, what are the secrets that no one told you? In today’s episode, D interviews his very own wife and caregiver, Shana Foster, who shares her insights from 17 years of experience. We also have a benzo story from Indonesia and shine our spotlight on W-BAD and their benzo awareness efforts. https...

Have you ever heard of “benzo belly?” How about abdominal distension? The gut-brain connection? Since our digestive and central nervous systems are so closely linked, our gut can take a big hit during benzodiazepine withdrawal. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the symptoms of the gut and reveal some of their causes. We also have a benzo story from Switzerland which spans 44 years, have some great feedback in our mailbag, and highlight Benzodiazepine Information Coalition and the work they do. ...

Elizabeth McCarthy, MA, LPC hits the benzo community trifecta. She is a benzo survivor, an activist in the benzo community, and a therapist with a decade of experience working with dependence and withdrawal. In today’s episode, we have an in-depth interview with Liz where we learn valuable insights about resilience, survival, and hope. We also take a brief look at the dark side of an idle mind, discuss the difficulty of finding support in non-English speaking countries, and shine a fresh spotli...

When it comes to benzo withdrawal, all roads lead to anxiety. Anxiety is not only the most persistent and pervasive symptom of withdrawal, but it’s also the catalyst which makes all the others worse. In today’s episode, we learn about this mysterious emotional juggernaut called anxiety. What is it? What causes it? Why is it worse in withdrawal? And most of all, what can be done to help ease it? We also have two benzo stories, several news items, and a welcome message to the caregiver. https://...

What are the common symptoms of benzo withdrawal? How many are there? What do they all have in common? And, will any of them be permanent? In today’s episode, we take a brief tour through the persistent parade of possible symptoms which accompany benzo withdrawal syndrome. We also introduce a new documentary film in the works, discuss media coverage of BWS, and share a story of successful withdrawal. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/an-introduction-to-benzo-withdrawal-symptoms-bfp008 Video I...

Have you read the Ashton Manual? Do you know what it is? Do you know who Prof. Ashton is? Well, if you or anyone you know is dependent on benzos, you should. In today’s feature, we focus on Professor C. Heather Ashton, her work with benzo withdrawal patients, and her life-saving manual. And we say a heartfelt thank you, for all she has done. We also touch on some news, discuss GABA receptors and the doctor dilemma, and share the first benzo story from one of our listeners. https://www.easingan...

Do you feel all alone in your dependence on benzos? Do you feel like no one believes you? Not even your doctor? Well, you’re not alone — thousands of others feel exactly as you do. In episode 6 of the podcast, we’re going to shake things up. Today we will talk about the difficulties many of us face in finding qualified, educated medical assistance. We’ll share differing opinions on the subject and provide a few suggestions on how to find the compassionate support you deserve. https://www.easin...

Many see benzo withdrawal as an epic, exhausting, never-ending battle — but what if it doesn’t have to be? In the final part of this three-part series, you’ll learn how to step back, get out of your own way, and let your body heal. Kindness — both to yourself and to those around you — is a hidden secret to recovery. Anger and resentment have never been a recipe for healing. And finding acceptance of your condition and compassion for all involved is the surest way to have peace and finally disco...

Are you in benzo withdrawal? Do you feel stuck? Hopeless? Do you wish you could be more positive? More active? In part two of this three-part series, you will learn tips for improving your physical and mental health. Maintaining a positive mindset during withdrawal may sound like a near impossibility — but it’s a goal worth fighting for. And keeping active — while a continuous struggle – can be equally as challenging but just as key to your sanity and success. https://www.easinganxiety.com/pos...

Experts agree that reducing fear and anxiety is critical to success during benzo withdrawal. But how do you do that? In part one of this three-part series, I introduce five key areas of focus for creating a stable mindset during withdrawal. The first of these is taking responsibility. It’s your body and your recovery — you should be in charge. Learn how to work with your doctor as a partner and take control of your own health and healing. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of...

What’s it really like to withdraw from anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills? For some of us, the experience is beyond words — but I will try anyway. Today, I share my personal story of benzo withdrawal — warts and all. I do this now to help raise awareness and hopefully become more relatable as your host. I was on clonazepam (Klonopin) for over 12 years and I’m now four years benzo-free. Even though I still have some symptoms, I consider my withdrawal a success. There is hope — if I can make it...

What are benzos and why should you care? If you’ve been taking anti-anxiety medication or sleeping pills, chances are it’s a benzo. Learn about the downside to benzos, where to turn for help, and what it’s like to withdraw. In our inaugural episode, D E Foster, author of the book, "Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal," discusses the basics that everyone should know about benzos whether you’ve taken the drug for years or never even heard of them before. Topic...