Anxiety: The Beast of Benzo Withdrawal - a podcast by D E Foster

When it comes to benzo withdrawal, all roads lead to anxiety. Anxiety is not only the most persistent and pervasive symptom of withdrawal, but it’s also the catalyst which makes all the others worse. In today’s episode, we learn about this mysterious emotional juggernaut called anxiety. What is it? What causes it? Why is it worse in withdrawal? And most of all, what can be done to help ease it? We also have two benzo stories, several news items, and a welcome message to the caregiver.















Welcome to Episode #9I today's episode, we tackle anxiety. The biggest and most complicated of all benzo symptoms. This is the first in our"symptoms"series which will continue periodically over the next several months. We'll also share two benzo stories, try to answer a question about supplements, and cover a variety of news stories including Dr. Frances'article, ER visits for benzos, and examine what happens to people dependent on benzos when a government cracks down on their use.



But first, let's list the resources used in this episode, and then we'll dive deeper into the content of episode 9.



Episode ResourcesThe following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Benzo Free of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.



OPENING"My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind"by Scott Stossel



MAILBAG The Ashton ManualBENZO NEWS"The Deadly Worst-Case Scenario for America's Xanax Obsession"by Maria Szalavitz on published on Vice.com"Yes, Benzos Are Bad For You"by Dr. Allen Frances published on HuffingtonPost.com"Which Misused Prescription Meds Sent Americans to the ER?"by Dennis Thompson published on U.S. News and World Report



FEATURE - Anxiety: The Beast of Benzo WithdrawalThe Ashton Manual"My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind"by Scott Stossel"Anxiety and Its Disorders"by David H. Barlow



BENZO FREE LINKSWebsitePodcast Home PageFeedback FormDisclaimerPodcast 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.Introduction



In today's intro, we opened with the quote from Kierkegaard, which I've reprinted below:



And no Grand Inquisitor has in readiness such terrible tortures as has anxiety, and no spy knows to attack more artfully, ...choosing the instant when you are weakest, nor knows how to lay traps where you will be caught and ensnared, as anxiety knows how, and no sharp-witted judge knows how to interrogate, to examine you as anxiety does, which never lets you escape, …neither at work nor at play, neither by day nor by night.— Soren Kierkegaard,"The Concept of Dread,"1844



I followed that up with my pleasant surprise at the increase in likes of the Benzo Free Facebook page and how rapidly it has been increasing. And then I jumped into a welcome message for the caregiver. I wanted to let all of the listeners know that this podcast was as much for them as it was for the patient, and to share a geniune thank you for all they do.We also have some interviews coming and I'll start the first one this weekend. And I closed by mentioning that this episode will probably run a little long, which it did.



MailbagThis is where we share questions and comments which were discussed:



Did you use any nutritional supplements during your taper and withdrawal?This question was submitted by Jill. I don't have a clear answer for this one since I cannot recommend medication nor supplements nor give such advice. My experience during withdrawal includes B12 supplements prescribed by my doctor since my levels were low,

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