Interminable Isolation: Social Symptoms in Benzo Withdrawal

Agoraphobia, androphobia, social phobia, glossophobia, philophobia…and on and on. Social anxiety disorders are numerous, and in benzo withdrawal, these burdens can escalate and become isolating. Learning tools to manage them can be essential.

In today’s episode, we examine the social symptoms of benzo withdrawal. We also explore muscle spasms, investigate the emotional disconnect many experience around loved ones, hear some inspirational words about moving on, and share an updated benzo story from Louisiana.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/interminable-isolation-social-symptoms-in-benzo-withdrawal-bfp036

Video ID: BFP036

00:57 Introduction

08:28 Mailbag

21:28 Benzo Story

26:25 Feature

41:37 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.

MAILBAG

• MUSCLE SPASMS — “Muscle Cramps (Charley Horse) and Muscle Spasms.” OnHealth.com. Reviewed on June 21, 2016. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/muscle_cramps_spasms.

FEATURE: Nerve Sensations of Benzo Withdrawal

• “10 Most Common Phobias.” WorldAtlas.com. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-most-common-phobias.html.
• “Agoraphobia.” MayoClinic.org. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987.
• Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
• Cherry, Kendra. “A to Z: List of Phobias, From the Strange to the Common.” VeryWellMind.com. Updated September 13, 2019. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453.
• Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
• Huff, Christy. “10 tips to help patients through benzodiazepine withdrawal.” KevinMD,com. March 20, 2018. Accessed July 17, 2018. https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2018/03/10-tips-help-patients-benzodiazepine-withdrawal.html.
• “Specific Phobias and Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).” MentalHelp.net. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://www.mentalhelp.net/anxiety/specific-phobias/#targetText=Social%20Anxiety%20Disorder%20(Social%20Phobia,%2C%20weak%2C%20or%20otherwise%20inadequate.
• Richards, Thomas A. “What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Treatment, Prevalence, Medications, Insight, Prognosis.” Social Anxiety Association. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://socialphobia.org/social-anxiety-disorder-definition-symptoms-treatment-therapy-medications-insight-prognosis.
• U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Fact Sheet. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.

Today, we return to our 14-part series on the symptoms and we take a look at the social symptoms of benzo withdrawal. We also discuss muscle spasms, emotional detachment, and moving on in addition to a wonderful story for Louisiana.

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).

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Benzo Free Theme

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