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What happens when you need surgery during protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND)? How do you manage the anxiety? Do you take meds? Benzos? Opioids? How do you handle recovery? Join D on his personal 14-day journey.
In part 1 of this 2-part series, D discusses his anxiety, insomnia, and other complications leading up to the surgery. He also shares his fear of cancellation, his struggles to find courage, and his reliance on traditional coping skills like distraction, visualization, and meditation.
Video ID: BFP108
Listen to the Podcast
This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 2 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-and-surgery-a-journey-of-anxiety-recovery-medication-and-success-part-2-of-2-bfp109
The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on...
Chapters
00:00 INTRODUCTION
02:24 About My Surgery (Day -7)
03:41 Creating a Traumatic Event
05:53 Prepping for Surgery
07:59 Too Much Time / Trapped
10:32 Benzo Morning / Anxiety (Day -6)
14:23 It’s Just Anxiety / The Off Switch
16:30 Calm on the Outside
18:14 “Regarding Henry” / Change
24:20 A Good Day / Internal Energy (Day -5)
29:04 Morning Ritual / Meditation (Day -4)
31:50 A Bit More About Meditation
34:21 I’m Much Better Than I Was
36:03 Anxiety, Irritability, and Shame (Day -3)
38:25 Exposure Therapy and Success
40:44 Anxiety of Anxiety
42:53 Exhaustion of Chronic Anxiety (Day -2)
44:47 Courage Visualization
46:34 Yea! I Made It This Far (Day -1)
48:23 When Plans Change
50:48 I Feel Good
53:19 CLOSING
Episode Resources
The 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.
SITE RESOURCES
Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org
Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com
The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org
REFERENCES
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.
Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book
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 — https://www.storyblocks.com
Benzo Free Theme — Title: “Walk in the Park” — Artist: Neil Cross
PRODUCTION
Easing Anxiety is produced by… Denim Mountain Press
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