.png)
Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. In Part II of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of the benzo experience that so many of us face as patients. We discuss how to find a doctor, the return of emotions, finding confidence and a stable mindset, therapy, mindfulness, and even the mammalian diving reflex. Lots of great info. Please check it out.
Video ID: BFP097
Listen to the Podcast
This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://easinganxiety.com/blog/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-1-of-2-bfp096/
The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on...
Chapters
00:00 INTRODUCTION 04:45 INTERVIEW Intro 06:30 Finding a Doctor 10:40 Prescribing by GPs 14:15 Moving Past the Anger 15:54 Return of Emotions 18:19 Self Confidence 19:37 A Stable Mindset 22:55 Therapy, Medication, Etc. 25:37 Mindfulness 27:04 Mammalian Diving Reflex 30:06 Polydrugging 35:53 When to Prescribe Benzos 40:46 Science of Benzo Dependence 44:30 Benzos and Alcohol 47:08 Words of Advice 51:54 Closing
Resources
The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. RITVO — BIC’s Benzo Cooperative Doctors: https://www.benzoinfo.com/doctors — VA – Mindfulness Awareness: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/mindful-awareness.asp — Mammalian Diving Reflex (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC376809 — Mammalian Diving Reflex (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-reality-gen-z/202106/1-quick-way-stop-panic-attack-in-its-tracks
The Podcast
The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).
WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com
MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx
DISCLAIMER
All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.
CREDITS
Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio
Benzo Free Theme
— Title: “Walk in the Park”
— Artist: Neil Cross
PRODUCTION
Easing Anxiety is produced by…
Denim Mountain Press
©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved