The Loss of Reality: Perception Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal - a podcast by D E Foster

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. We also answer a question on cognitive dysfunction and returning to the workplace, hear a story from Louisiana, and discuss our recent website issues.Welcome to Episode #28



Today, we have part nine in our 14-part series on withdrawal symptoms of benzo withdrawal by focusing on perception symptoms in withdrawal. We also hear a short benzo story from Louisiana, discuss our recent website issues at Benzo Free, and answer a couple of questions.But first, let's list the resources used in this episode, and then we'll dive deeper into the content of episode 28.



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.



FEATURE: Perception Symptoms in Benzo WithdrawalAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Arlington, Virginia: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.Davis Konigsberg, Ruth. “What If Your Anxiety Or Depression Is Actually “DDD?” Elle. February 9, 2016. Accessed March 7, 2017. https://www.elle.com/life-love/a33849/depersonalization-disorder/. “Depersonalization-derealization disorder.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352916. Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. http://www.benzofree.org/book.Goldberg, Harris. “Turning A Sudden Mental Disorder Into A Film.” HuffPost. April 18, 2007. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/turning-a-sudden-mental-d_b_46145. “Numb (2007).” IMDb. Accessed July 22, 2019.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795439/. Numb. DVD. Directed by Harris Goldberg. Los Angeles: Image Entertainment, 2007.Teeple, Ryan C., Jason P. Caplan, and Theodore A. Stern. “Visual Hallucinations: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment.” Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 11(1)(2009):26-32. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660156/. “The Human Attention Span.” Digital Information World. September 10, 2018. Accessed July 22, 2018. https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2018/09/the-human-attention-span-infographic.html.BENZO FREE LINKSWebsitePodcast Home PageFeedback FormDisclaimer



Podcast 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.



IntroductionIn today's intro, I shared the recent struggles with our website with the malware attack. I also thanked those who visited our live stream for W-BAD on July 11th.



MailbagShared two questions:



QUESTION: Is our condition being written off as being neurotic?This question came from Annie in Vero Beach, FL. She has been a nurse for many years and wanted to know why it is taking so long for the medical establishment to understand the truth about benzos. I shared a few possible reasons for it but mostly explained to her that changing peoples'minds often takes a crisis,

Further episodes of The Benzo Free Podcast

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Website of D E Foster