Today, I am 10 years benzo free! Wow! Let's take a look back at the struggles, the symptoms, the successes, and especially the stuff I learned along the way. NOTE: This episode reviews 10 years of benzos & BIND which may be distressing to some.

CHAPTERS

0:00:00 i'm now 10 years benzo free

0:02:23 my benzo story: taper

0:04:44 my benzo story: first few years

0:05:49 my benzo story: community work

0:07:43 my benzo story: research

0:09:51 my benzo story: ea, uneven, & community

0:11:37 i've been busy / BIND / thanks

0:12:43 i'm still here / most people heal

0:15:04 my symptoms

0:16:31 anxiety symptoms

0:18:48 behavioral symptoms

0:19:49 suicidal thoughts

0:21:41 cognitive symptoms

0:22:40 excitability symptoms

0:23:49 perception symptoms

0:24:50 sleeping symptoms

0:26:12 social symptoms

0:28:07 abdominal & gastrointestinal symptoms

0:29:38 so many symptoms have improved

0:31:01 eyes, ears, nose, & mouth symptoms

0:32:16 head & neck symptoms

0:34:43 heart & lung symptoms

0:35:37 muscular symptoms

0:37:23 nerve sensations

0:39:06 immune & endocrine symptoms

0:40:36 i am unique, rare case

0:41:20 what i've learned / managing the fear

0:44:04 1) responsibility

0:46:39 2) positivity

0:52:28 3) activity

0:54:50 4) kindness

0:58:30 5) acceptance

1:01:21 celebrating 10 years benzo free

1:04:08 thank you

REFERENCES

Benzo Free Podcast: Managing the Fear (Part I)

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/managing-the-fear-of-benzo-withdrawal-part-1-bfp003

— 3-part series on managing the fear of benzo withdrawal.

BIND (Benzo) Symptoms - 14 Categories

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/bind-symptoms

— Psychological and Physical symptoms of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal.

Suicide Prevention Resources

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide

— Resources for individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts.

RECODING INFO

— RECORDED: Monday, August 19, 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).