The Benzo Free Podcast

The BIND Legacy: When Difficult Days Derail Us | Benzo Free 145

I'm 11 years benzo-free, yet I still get waves on occasion. BIND is a roller coaster ride, and devilishly unpredictable. In today's podcast, I discuss my recent battles with BIND and how I find hope during the darker days. CHAPTERS0:00:00 It's Been A While0:02:06 Our Uneven Life Community0:06:00 Tinnitus Kicks In / My Wave0:06:49 Update on Podcasts0:08:30 Podcasts Fell to Back Burner0:09:41 I'm Sorry You Have to Go Through This0:11:41 I Still Get Setbacks & Waves0:14:33 Lunch, Friends, & Anxiety0:24:30 Benzos, Setbacks, & Jordan Peterson0:30:59 It Gets to You Sometimes0:32:50 I Want to Acknowledge Your Courage0:33:51 There's a Reason I Still Struggle0:37:11 The Life We Think We Should Have Had0:39:53 There's Always Something We Can Do0:46:08 Planning a Road Trip0:47:15 It's Rarely Just BIND0:49:57 I'm Really Sorry This Happened to You0:52:40 Focus on the Light0:53:56 Wrapping Things UpREFERENCESThe Uneven Podcast— https://unevenLife.com/podcasts— A more personal take on living with anxiety and anxiety meds.Uneven Life— https://unevenLife.com— Visit our community, coaching, and content on anxiety and anxiety meds.Uneven Life Coaching— https://unevenLife.com/coaching— Learn about our coaching programs.RECODING INFO— RECORDED: Sunday, October 5, 2025— LOCATION: ColoradoPODCAST SITELINKS— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.unevenLife.com/podcast— UNEVEN WEBSITE: https://unevenLife.com— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@theUnevenLife— X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@theUnevenLifePODCAST SUMMARYThis podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.PODCAST DISCLAIMERThe Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://unevenLife.com/disclaimer.SUICIDE PREVENTIONIf you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.PODCAST MUSICAll music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)Benzo Free Theme Music— TITLE: Walk in the Park— ARTIST: Neil CrossPODCAST PRODUCTIONThe Benzo Free Podcast is part of Uneven (https://unevenLife.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

5 Keys to BIND Success | Benzo Free 144

Discover five essential elements for successfully managing BIND (Benzodiazepine-Induced Neurological Dysfunction). Join us in today's episode as D explores key findings and practical insights to support your healing journey.CHAPTERS0:00:00 Introduction0:01:31 The Uneven Community (uneven.life)0:03:54 Visit Us on Social Media (@theUnevenLife)0:05:16 Guided Meditations Coming Soon0:05:39 The Benzo Free Podcast LIVE @ Uneven0:09:21 Benzo Info / Everyone Is Different0:13:18 Confusion Around Benzos & BIND0:15:58 This Experience Is Hard0:18:01 Key Elements for BIND Success0:19:49 1) It's a Mental Game0:24:25 Keep Yourself Occupied0:25:32 There Is No Short Cut / Acceptance0:28:27 2) The Anxiety Tool Belt0:31:18 3) Helping Others0:34:01 4) The Natural Approach0:38:39 5) Signs Your Body Is Healing0:43:06 Mindset Matters0:44:13 Find Support0:46:12 Wrapping Things UpREFERENCES"Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes— https://a.co/d/2yY8c1EBenzo Free Podcast: Managing the Fear (Part 1 of 3)— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-1-bfp003— First of our 3-part podcast series on Managing the Fear of benzo withdrawal.The Uneven Community— https://uneven.lifeUneven Website— https://theUnevenLife.comRECODING INFO— RECORDED: Tuesday, June 3, 2025— LOCATION: ColoradoPODCAST SITELINKS— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganxPODCAST SUMMARYThis podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.PODCAST DISCLAIMERThe Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.SUICIDE PREVENTIONIf you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.PODCAST MUSICAll music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)Benzo Free Theme Music— TITLE: Walk in the Park— ARTIST: Neil CrossPODCAST PRODUCTIONThe Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

BIND, Fatigue, Tolerance, and Terminology | Benzo Free 143

What really is tolerance? How does it differ from withdrawal? From BIND? When does one start and the other finish? Today, we clear up some confusion around benzo terminology and timing. We also examine the recent uptick of fatigue and pain. Join us.CHAPTERS0:00:00 Getting Everything Ready0:00:42 Welcome / Catching Up0:03:14 The Uneven Community (uneven.life)0:08:02 ASAM Benzo Guidelines0:10:36 Learning from Working with You0:11:22 Benzo Community as a Model for Others0:13:18 Our Team at Uneven0:14:42 Terminology in the Benzo Community0:17:00 Why BIND is the Proper Term0:21:56 Benzo Belly vs. GABA Belly0:24:40 Are These Symptoms Tolerance?0:28:23 Too Focused on Terminology?0:30:19 Looking for Answers / Obsession0:34:20 The Rationality of Acceptance0:36:19 There's No One Way to Do This0:38:35 Fatigue, Aches, Pain, and COVID0:43:15 Symptoms May Not Be Just Benzos0:45:50 Wrapping Things UpREFERENCESASAM Benzo Guidelines— https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-taperingBasics of BIND— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/basics-of-bindLong COVID: Lasting effects of COVID-19 (Mayo Clinic)— https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351Podcast Episode on the ASAM Guidelines (#142)— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-benzo-guideline-pros-cons-top-10-takeaways-benzo-free-142Understanding Drug Tolerance (Healthline)— https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-toleranceRECODING INFO— RECORDED: Friday, April 18, 2025— LOCATION: ColoradoPODCAST SITELINKS— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganxPODCAST SUMMARYThis podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.PODCAST DISCLAIMERThe Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.SUICIDE PREVENTIONIf you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.PODCAST MUSICAll music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)Benzo Free Theme Music— TITLE: Walk in the Park— ARTIST: Neil CrossPODCAST PRODUCTIONThe Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

New ASAM Benzo Guideline (Pros, Cons, & Top 10 Takeaways) | Benzo Free 142

The new ASAM Benzo Guideline is finally here! Join panel member, D E Foster, as he takes us on an unfiltered tour of "The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering," sharing his thoughts and experiences along the way.CHAPTERS0:00:00 Welcome0:02:31 My Involvement / Disclaimer0:04:00 The Uneven Life (uneven.life)0:06:52 ASAM Guideline (unscripted review)0:08:51 Introduction to the ASAM Guideline0:14:13 Patients with Lived Experience Panel (PWLE)0:17:42 Physical Dependence vs. SUD0:19:13 Do Not Discontinue Abruptly / No Cold Turkey0:20:02 Public Comments on Guideline0:20:52 Key Takeaways0:22:01 1) Ongoing Assessment of the Risks0:22:45 Benzos & Pregnancy0:23:16 Discontinuation Decision in Older Adults0:26:29 2) Shared-Decision Making Strategies0:27:41 3) Do Not Discontinue Abruptly0:28:54 Physical Dependence Can Start in Weeks0:29:32 4) Inpatient Care / Rehab0:32:26 5) Taper Rate0:34:07 6) Tailor Tapering Strategies to the Patient0:34:16 6a) Substitution Concerns / clonazepam0:37:03 6b) Slow or Pause Taper Based on Symptoms0:38:20 6d) Some May Not Fully Taper0:39:14 7) Recommending Therapy Support (CBT)0:41:07 8) Provide Treatment for Other Conditions0:41:41 9) Provide Harm Reduction Strategies0:42:41 10) It May Take Months to Years0:45:59 We Need Your Questions & Comments0:46:29 More on Physical Dependence vs. SUD0:48:11 Increased Risk of Self-Harm0:48:58 Reporting of Benzo Harms0:49:32 What About Z-Drugs?0:50:49 No One Size Fits All Approach0:52:05 Reviewed All Public Comments0:52:55 Benefits of Support0:53:41 Maudsley Deprescribing Guideline0:54:22 Peer Support Specialists0:55:02 Protracted Withdrawal / Benzo Survey0:57:23 Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)0:58:37 Adjunctive Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)1:03:40 More Coverage of the Guideline to Come1:04:26 My Summation / "A Huge Step Forward"1:09:43 In ClosingREFERENCESASAM Benzodiazepine Tapering Guidelines— https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering— Free Downloadable PDFBLOG POST: ASAM Benzo Guideline Publication— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-guideline-for-benzodiazepine-tapering-just-releasedThe Uneven Life (an online community)— https://uneven.life— Join us now for a 14-day free trial.RECODING INFO— RECORDED: Sunday, March 9, 2025— LOCATION: ColoradoPODCAST SITELINKS— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganxPODCAST SUMMARYThis podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.PODCAST DISCLAIMERThe Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.SUICIDE PREVENTIONIf you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.PODCAST MUSICAll music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)Benzo Free Theme Music— TITLE: Walk in the Park— ARTIST: Neil CrossPODCAST PRODUCTIONThe Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

A Psychiatrist's Perspective w/ Dr. Alexis Ritvo (Part 1 of 2) | Benzo Free 141

Alexis Ritvo MD, MPH is a board-certified psychiatrist at the University of Colorado School Medicine, co-founder of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group, and lead author on the research study that introduced BIND. Join us for this illuminating conversation.Part 2 of this discussion was released on our sister podcast, "uneven." Listen to it here:https://uneven.podbean.com/e/a-psychiatrists-perspective-w-dr-alexis-ritvo-part-2-of-2-uneven-70/CHAPTERS0:00:00 Introduction0:03:26 Dr. Ritvo's Bio0:06:30 Tell Us a Bit About Your Family0:08:13 What Interested You in Psychiatry0:10:07 What Brought You to the Alliance?0:12:37 Exploring Benzodiazepine Prescribing Practices0:13:19 The Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG)0:14:53 Benzodiazepine Legislation in Colorado0:18:03 Documentation on Benzo Prescribing / Deprescribing0:19:19 BAWG's Peer Support Training0:19:53 What's New at the Alliance?0:22:35 What About Benzo Research?0:22:58 Research on Benzodiazepine Use0:24:07 The Science and Timing of BIND0:29:59 Other Benzo Effects?0:32:03 Benzos & Akathisia0:35:55 Determining Which Medication to Taper First0:38:34 What About Taper Plans?0:40:41 Can We Become Too Obsessive About Our Taper?0:43:56 Wrap UpALEXIS RITVO, MD, MPHAlexis Ritvo MD, MPH is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist. She is the Program Director for the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine where she is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. She earned her Medical Degree and a Master’s in Public Health in Health Policy from Emory University in 2012. She completed her general psychiatry residency and addiction psychiatry fellowship at CU before joining faculty in 2017. Since then, she has been a supervising attending of general psychiatry residents in the CU Medicine Outpatient Psychiatry clinic where she directs a co-occurring disorder subspeciality clinic. Her growing interest in the safe prescribing and deprescribing of prescription benzodiazepines led her to co-found the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse in late 2020. In 2022, she became medical director for the national non-profit the Alliance for Benzodiazepines Best Practices. She is the current chair of the Education Committee for the American Association of Addiction Psychiatry. She has a passion for psychotherapy, teaching trainees, improving health systems, and advocacy.RECODING INFO— RECORDED: Monday, January 13, 2025— LOCATION: ColoradoPODCAST SITELINKS— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganxPODCAST SUMMARYThis podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.PODCAST DISCLAIMERThe Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.SUICIDE PREVENTIONIf you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.PODCAST MUSICAll music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)Benzo Free Theme Music— TITLE: Walk in the Park— ARTIST: Neil CrossPODCAST PRODUCTIONThe Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).