The Benzo Free Podcast

D E Foster

Launched in February 2019, the Benzo Free Podcast has become a lifeline of the benzo community providing information, support, and a personal connection to thousands struggling with benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal (BIND). Hosted by D E Foster, the podcast blends personal stories, interviews, and a variety of facts and studies from a decade of research and lived experience. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by anxiety medication, you might want to check it out. Learn more on our website at https://easinganxiety.com/podcast.

  1. 10/05/2025

    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.  CHAPTERS 0:00:00 It's Been A While 0:02:06 Our Uneven Life Community 0:06:00 Tinnitus Kicks In / My Wave 0:06:49 Update on Podcasts 0:08:30 Podcasts Fell to Back Burner 0:09:41 I'm Sorry You Have to Go Through This 0:11:41 I Still Get Setbacks & Waves 0:14:33 Lunch, Friends, & Anxiety 0:24:30 Benzos, Setbacks, & Jordan Peterson 0:30:59 It Gets to You Sometimes 0:32:50 I Want to Acknowledge Your Courage 0:33:51 There's a Reason I Still Struggle 0:37:11 The Life We Think We Should Have Had 0:39:53 There's Always Something We Can Do 0:46:08 Planning a Road Trip 0:47:15 It's Rarely Just BIND 0:49:57 I'm Really Sorry This Happened to You 0:52:40 Focus on the Light 0:53:56 Wrapping Things Up REFERENCES The 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: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.unevenLife.com/podcast — UNEVEN WEBSITE: https://unevenLife.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@theUnevenLife — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@theUnevenLife PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of Uneven (https://unevenLife.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    56 min
  2. 06/06/2025

    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. CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:31 The Uneven Community (uneven.life) 0:03:54 Visit Us on Social Media (@theUnevenLife) 0:05:16 Guided Meditations Coming Soon 0:05:39 The Benzo Free Podcast LIVE @ Uneven 0:09:21 Benzo Info / Everyone Is Different 0:13:18 Confusion Around Benzos & BIND 0:15:58 This Experience Is Hard 0:18:01 Key Elements for BIND Success 0:19:49 1) It's a Mental Game 0:24:25 Keep Yourself Occupied 0:25:32 There Is No Short Cut / Acceptance 0:28:27 2) The Anxiety Tool Belt 0:31:18 3) Helping Others 0:34:01 4) The Natural Approach 0:38:39 5) Signs Your Body Is Healing 0:43:06 Mindset Matters 0:44:13 Find Support 0:46:12 Wrapping Things Up REFERENCES "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" by Dr. Claire Weekes — https://a.co/d/2yY8c1E Benzo 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.life Uneven Website — https://theUnevenLife.com RECODING INFO — RECORDED: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    49 min
  3. 04/19/2025

    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. CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Getting Everything Ready 0:00:42 Welcome / Catching Up 0:03:14 The Uneven Community (uneven.life) 0:08:02 ASAM Benzo Guidelines 0:10:36 Learning from Working with You 0:11:22 Benzo Community as a Model for Others 0:13:18 Our Team at Uneven 0:14:42 Terminology in the Benzo Community 0:17:00 Why BIND is the Proper Term 0:21:56 Benzo Belly vs. GABA Belly 0:24:40 Are These Symptoms Tolerance? 0:28:23 Too Focused on Terminology? 0:30:19 Looking for Answers / Obsession 0:34:20 The Rationality of Acceptance 0:36:19 There's No One Way to Do This 0:38:35 Fatigue, Aches, Pain, and COVID 0:43:15 Symptoms May Not Be Just Benzos 0:45:50 Wrapping Things Up REFERENCES ASAM Benzo Guidelines — https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering Basics of BIND — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/basics-of-bind Long COVID: Lasting effects of COVID-19 (Mayo Clinic) — https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351 Podcast Episode on the ASAM Guidelines (#142) — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-benzo-guideline-pros-cons-top-10-takeaways-benzo-free-142 Understanding Drug Tolerance (Healthline) — https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-tolerance RECODING INFO — RECORDED: Friday, April 18, 2025 — LOCATION: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    48 min
  4. 03/11/2025

    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. CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Welcome 0:02:31 My Involvement / Disclaimer 0:04:00 The Uneven Life (uneven.life) 0:06:52 ASAM Guideline (unscripted review) 0:08:51 Introduction to the ASAM Guideline 0:14:13 Patients with Lived Experience Panel (PWLE) 0:17:42 Physical Dependence vs. SUD 0:19:13 Do Not Discontinue Abruptly / No Cold Turkey 0:20:02 Public Comments on Guideline 0:20:52 Key Takeaways 0:22:01 1) Ongoing Assessment of the Risks 0:22:45 Benzos & Pregnancy 0:23:16 Discontinuation Decision in Older Adults 0:26:29 2) Shared-Decision Making Strategies 0:27:41 3) Do Not Discontinue Abruptly 0:28:54 Physical Dependence Can Start in Weeks 0:29:32 4) Inpatient Care / Rehab 0:32:26 5) Taper Rate 0:34:07 6) Tailor Tapering Strategies to the Patient 0:34:16 6a) Substitution Concerns / clonazepam 0:37:03 6b) Slow or Pause Taper Based on Symptoms 0:38:20 6d) Some May Not Fully Taper 0:39:14 7) Recommending Therapy Support (CBT) 0:41:07 8) Provide Treatment for Other Conditions 0:41:41 9) Provide Harm Reduction Strategies 0:42:41 10) It May Take Months to Years 0:45:59 We Need Your Questions & Comments 0:46:29 More on Physical Dependence vs. SUD 0:48:11 Increased Risk of Self-Harm 0:48:58 Reporting of Benzo Harms 0:49:32 What About Z-Drugs? 0:50:49 No One Size Fits All Approach 0:52:05 Reviewed All Public Comments 0:52:55 Benefits of Support 0:53:41 Maudsley Deprescribing Guideline 0:54:22 Peer Support Specialists 0:55:02 Protracted Withdrawal / Benzo Survey 0:57:23 Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND) 0:58:37 Adjunctive Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.) 1:03:40 More Coverage of the Guideline to Come 1:04:26 My Summation / "A Huge Step Forward" 1:09:43 In Closing REFERENCES ASAM Benzodiazepine Tapering Guidelines — https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering — Free Downloadable PDF BLOG POST: ASAM Benzo Guideline Publication — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-guideline-for-benzodiazepine-tapering-just-released The 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: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    1h 13m
  5. 01/23/2025

    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/ CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Introduction 0:03:26 Dr. Ritvo's Bio 0:06:30 Tell Us a Bit About Your Family 0:08:13 What Interested You in Psychiatry 0:10:07 What Brought You to the Alliance? 0:12:37 Exploring Benzodiazepine Prescribing Practices 0:13:19 The Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) 0:14:53 Benzodiazepine Legislation in Colorado 0:18:03 Documentation on Benzo Prescribing / Deprescribing 0:19:19 BAWG's Peer Support Training 0:19:53 What's New at the Alliance? 0:22:35 What About Benzo Research? 0:22:58 Research on Benzodiazepine Use 0:24:07 The Science and Timing of BIND 0:29:59 Other Benzo Effects? 0:32:03 Benzos & Akathisia 0:35:55 Determining Which Medication to Taper First 0:38:34 What About Taper Plans? 0:40:41 Can We Become Too Obsessive About Our Taper? 0:43:56 Wrap Up ALEXIS RITVO, MD, MPH Alexis 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: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    46 min
  6. 12/22/2024

    Conversation with Jake Ressler (Life Beyond Benzos) | Benzo Free 140

    Jacob Ressler is a licensed social worker, head moderator for the benzorecovery community on Reddit, and author of the book and founder of the support site, "Life Beyond Benzos." This is a great discussion. Join us. CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Introduction 0:01:15 About the Chair 0:01:56 Theater Background 0:04:00 Jake's Benzo Story 0:10:10 Jake's Book: "Life Beyond Benzos" 0:16:45 Working in the Support Groups 0:19:51 Reddit Subgroup 0:29:01 Open Expression vs. Censorship in Support 0:30:19 There's No One Path 0:31:03 "Amy" the Amygdala 0:35:24 The Hero of Your Own Recovery 0:36:37 Intermission: A Technical Interruption 0:37:05 Intermission: A Bit About Our Community (uneven) 0:39:19 Intermission: A Brief Meditation 0:44:31 Intermission: And I'm Still Talking / Studio Tour 0:46:13 And Jake Returns! 0:48:33 Jake's Website and Coaching 0:52:46 It's About Giving Back 0:56:09 Jakes Clients & Their Caregivers 0:58:31 Free vs. Paid Support 1:04:23 Where You Can Find Jake 1:11:57 Jake's Closing Words of Advice REFERENCES BOOK: "Life Beyond Benzos" — https://a.co/d/6TRdv3m — by Jacob Ressler Life Beyond Benzos Recovery Coaching Services — https://lifebeyondbenzos.com — Founded by Jacob Ressler r/benzorecovery — https://www.reddit.com/r/benzorecovery/?rdt=44730 — Benzo Recovery Reddit Group RECODING INFO — RECORDED: Monday, December 9, 2024 — LOCATION: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    1h 9m
  7. 11/21/2024

    Conversation with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring | Benzo Free 139

    Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring is a psychiatrist who has worked at the FDA, numerous pharmaceutical companies, and now operates a virtual taper clinic helping indivdiuals deal with adverse reactions to psychiatric drugs. Our conversation addresses psychiatric drug issues, benzos, antidepressants, tapering, finding hope, dietary interventions, protracted withdrawal (BIND), ASAM Guidelines, and so much more. This is one you don't want to miss! CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Introduction 0:00:53 Bio for Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring 0:02:27 A studio under construction 0:02:58 Where are you located? 0:03:54 Chatting about Dr. Ritvo 0:05:46 When did you start TaperClinic? 0:07:07 What medications did you work on? 0:08:10 What got you interested in psychiatric drug issues? 0:10:45 Insights on the FDA and Big Pharma? 0:15:58 Any interest/money in researching protracted conditions? 0:17:37 Adverse Condition Reporting in the FDA 0:18:39 Antidepressants and the PSSD petition 0:20:00 Frustration with the pace of change 0:20:56 Coming changes with politics and the FDA 0:21:25 Which drugs are you working with? 0:22:08 How do you support someone on multiple psych meds? 0:24:05 Dietary interventions / Obesity 0:25:57 Deprescribing from multiple meds 0:28:15 Deprescribing is about feeling better 0:31:49 Duration and Dosage / Doctor Warnings 0:32:08 What lead you to start TaperClinic? 0:34:20 Protracted benzo withdrawal / BIND 0:35:58 ASAM Deprescribing Guidelines 0:37:00 Prescribing awareness without deprescribing guidance 0:41:54 Eliminating the 2 week benzo detox 0:43:52 Have you seen different symptoms from different drugs? 0:45:31 Catastrophic fear state of protracted benzo w/d 0:46:53 Finding Hope / Functional Medicine 0:52:09 Is it the benzos? / Getting tested 0:53:38 Hypersensitivity in BIND 0:55:31 What services do you provide at TaperClinic? 0:57:03 YouTube Channel (@DrJosef) / Dr. Josef on X 0:58:58 Answering "Will I Heal Completely?" 1:01:38 Job opening with Dr. Josef 1:02:26 uneven.life / A place to give back 1:03:30 Wrapping things up REFERENCES About Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring — https://taperclinic.com/dr-josef-witt-doerring/ American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) — https://www.asam.org/ BIND Information — https://easinganxiety.com/BIND FDA Boxed Warning on Benzodiazepines (2020) — https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-classhttps://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class TaperClinic — https://taperclinic.com — Step into life, step off medications RECODING INFO — RECORDED: Thursday, November 14, 2024 — LOCATION: Colorado PODCAST SITELINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx  — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    1h 5m
  8. 11/05/2024

    Dependence, Addiction, and Sensitivities (Recorded LIVE @ uneven) | Benzo Free 138

    Today I recorded our first live podcast from our new online community, "uneven." We explored the dependence vs. addiction (SUD) debate, discussed the sensitivities to stimuli many of us face, and took a brief tour of our new site. I hope you'll join us. CHAPTERS 0:00:00 Welcome 0:00:55 Recording Video / New Software 0:02:36 Launch of the uneven community 0:08:13 A Brief Studio Tour 0:09:23 About the Podcast 0:11:41 Helping Someone Log Into the Live Stream 0:13:22 One More Thing on uneven (status) 0:14:22 Keeping in Touch with You 0:15:55 Creating Space for Other Medications 0:17:52 Reminder of What People Are Going Through 0:23:42 Addiction, Dependence, and SUD 0:30:55 How to Handle Sensitive Content 0:32:35 A Friendly Space 0:38:34 Election and Anxiety 0:39:16 Closing Thoughts RECORDING INFO — RECORDED: Sunday, November 3, 2024 — LOCATION: Colorado PODCAST SITE LINKS — PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree — EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com — YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx — X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx PODCAST SUMMARY This 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 DISCLAIMER The 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 PREVENTION If 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 MUSIC All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com) Benzo Free Theme Music — TITLE: Walk in the Park — ARTIST: Neil Cross PODCAST PRODUCTION The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).

    41 min
4.7
out of 5
92 Ratings

About

Launched in February 2019, the Benzo Free Podcast has become a lifeline of the benzo community providing information, support, and a personal connection to thousands struggling with benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal (BIND). Hosted by D E Foster, the podcast blends personal stories, interviews, and a variety of facts and studies from a decade of research and lived experience. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by anxiety medication, you might want to check it out. Learn more on our website at https://easinganxiety.com/podcast.