The Benzo Free Podcast

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...

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 succe...

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...

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 Califor...

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, an...

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...

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 a...

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 dedica...

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...

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 wi...

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 he...

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, a...

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...

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 li...

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...

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 distra...

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 Mont...

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...

“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 a...

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...

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. In part 2 of the adventure, D narrates highlights from his time in Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky while sharing his thoughts on lingering abdominal issues, our anxious need...

We’re back on the road with a 4,400-mile round trip from Colorado to Florida. During this trip, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms along with some valuable lessons learned. Welcome to part 1. In today’s episode, D shares a more positive take on benzo mornings, discusses setting boundaries with family, looks at a few benefits of slowing down, str...

Questions lead us to answers. Comments provide us insight. And stories connect from all corners of the globe. Your input is the heart of the Benzo Free Podcast, and it’s about time we dedicated an entire episode to that wonderful resource. In today’s episode, we explore the effects of benzos on our sense of taste, we learn about the benefits of yoga nidra for sleep, and we evaluate the use of saun...

Christy Huff, M.D., is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, on the board of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC), and is herself, a benzo survivor. A tireless advocate in the benzo community, Dr. Huff has a wealth of information to share. In Part II of our conversation, Dr. Huff discusses her advocacy work with BIC, talks about the importance of finding a doctor, and provides some...