The Benzo Free Podcast

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 I of our conversation, Dr. Huff shares her personal battle with Xanax, the difference between dependence and addiction, and how being a...

Do we get sick more often during benzo withdrawal? Do we get more infections? Do we suffer more hormonal imbalances? Does benzo use and withdrawal affect our immune and endocrine systems, and if so, what can we do about it? In today’s episode, we discuss benzos’ effects on these two essential systems. We also hear a story from New England, answer a question on adjuvant medication, and talk a bit a...

Have you taken an anti-anxiety drug long-term? Do you think you might be dependent? Do you want to know what to do next? We collected some of the most respected information on benzo tapering and provided it here in this two-part series. In today’s episode, we look at possible complications, symptoms, when to take your last dose, and what it’s like when you’re finally benzo-free. We also answer a f...

Benzo withdrawal can seem like an insurmountable hurdle. But the expected struggles can be eased significantly with a little education and support. Grab a plate and visit our buffet of coping skills: you just might find exactly what you need. In today’s episode, we mourn the passing of Prof. C. Heather Ashton. We announce our tribute page to her and share a message from the Ashton family. We also...

“As Prescribed” is a highly anticipated, upcoming film about the benzo crises which documents personal accounts, legislative efforts, and a mountain of evidence. Listen as filmmaker Holly Hardman shares her experiences making this film. In today’s episode, we have part two of the insightful interview with Holly Hardman where she talks in-depth about her experiences with the film and the challenges...

“As Prescribed” is a highly anticipated, upcoming film about the benzo crises which documents personal accounts, legislative efforts, and a mountain of evidence. Listen as filmmaker Holly Hardman shares her experiences making this film. In today’s episode, we have part one of the insightful interview with Holly Hardman where she tells her personal benzo story and shares a few of her experiences as...

Benzo withdrawal can seem like an insurmountable hurdle. But the expected struggles can be eased significantly with a little education and support. Grab a plate and visit our buffet of coping skills: you just might find exactly what you need. In today’s episode, we mourn the passing of Prof. C. Heather Ashton. We announce our tribute page to her and share a message from the Ashton family. We also...

Benzo withdrawal can seem like an insurmountable hurdle. But the expected struggles can be eased significantly with a little education and support. Grab a plate and visit our buffet of coping skills: you just might find exactly what you need. In today’s episode, we look at the first half of coping skills from A to Z. We also catch up on a couple of events from last week, discuss light-headedness a...

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 a...

We’re taking our podcast on the road. In a short road trip to Kansas City, your host shares his personal experiences traveling with protracted withdrawal symptoms and a few tips about managing symptoms while outside of our comfort zone. Today’s episode is our very first Benzo Free Road Trip. Although it was cut short mid-trip, we still have plenty of content to share on topics such as isolation, g...

Have a quick question about benzo withdrawal? About the symptoms? About the duration of recovery? About anxiety, insomnia, or anything else which is keeping you awake at night? Listen in on our conversation and you just might learn something. In today’s episode, we provide a rapid-fire style format where we explore some common questions about benzos, withdrawal, and other related issues. We also h...

Hypersensitivity. In benzo withdrawal, we feel everything…more. Learn about the parade of nerve sensation symptoms such as itching, tingling, burning, paresthesia, numbness, and extreme sensitivities to light and sound among others. In today’s episode, we explore the nerve sensations of benzo withdrawal. We also learn a bit about upcoming episodes for Benzo Free and hear a comedy of errors story a...

Few things in life are more beneficial than a good night’s sleep. But for millions of people, especially those in benzo withdrawal, this is easier said than done. Learn some tips and tricks which may help you get the rest you so desperately need. In today’s episode, we’ll tackle the withdrawal symptoms of insomnia and nightmares. We’ll also answer a question on taper symptoms, discuss how long psy...

The information available for benzo withdrawal can be frightening, confusing, and overwhelming. To help simplify this, Benzo Free presents a two-part series on the 20 important things to remember during this difficult time. In today’s episode, we look at the remaining eleven. We also hear a benzo story from New Orleans, respond to a question about when to start tapering, and share a comment about...

The information available for benzo withdrawal can be frightening, confusing, and overwhelming. To help simplify this, Benzo Free presents a two-part series on the 20 important things to remember during this difficult time. In today’s episode, we look at the first nine. We also hear an audio story from Seattle, answer a question about substances to avoid, share a comment about gratitude, and discu...

Without our muscles, we’re nothing. We can’t sit, stand, walk, eat, see, hear, or even breathe. Unfortunately, these same muscles can take a beating during benzo withdrawal. Learn what to expect and how to manage this parade of muscular mayhem. In today’s episode, we explore the muscular symptoms possible with benzo withdrawal including tightness, spasms, cramps, twitches, tics, pulls, sprains, te...

Our central nervous system not only provides sensations of pleasure and pain, but it also interprets our perception of reality. In benzo withdrawal, that sense of reality can be altered creating an inescapable fog of detachment and illusion. In today’s episode, we explore perceptual symptoms of benzo withdrawal including derealization, depersonalization, hallucinations, and perceptual distortions....

Geraldine Burns has been a pioneer in the benzo community for over 20 years. She is the founder of the first support group of its kind on the Internet, is host of a benzo podcast, and was a key player in the publication of the Ashton Manual. In Part II of this interview, Geraldine discusses the legislative efforts in Massachusetts, takes a look at the story behind BenzoBookReview.com , explores th...

Geraldine Burns has been a pioneer in the benzo community for over 20 years. She is the founder of the first support group of its kind on the Internet, is host of a benzo podcast, and was a key player in the publication of the Ashton Manual. In Part I of this interview, Geraldine shares her personal experiences with benzos and her lessons learned about diet and healing; she looks back at her intro...

The Benzo Free Podcast has reached 25 episodes. Join us in a look back at the science, statistics, interviews, questions, comments, featured topics, news, spotlight organizations, and meditations which got us here. Thanks to everyone who has contributed, and we look forward to the next 25. https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-look-back-the-first-25-episodes-bfp025 Video ID: BFP025 Chapters 00:00 ...

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 p...

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 w...

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, exp...

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 ex...

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...