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Dr. Colin Bradley is a physician, professor, and a 2017 Fulbright Scholar. He has studied the opioid and benzodiazepine crises in both the U.S. and Ireland; and was appointed as an advisor to the Irish government on benzodiazepines.
In Part II of our conversation, Dr. Bradley shares insights on tapering protocols and timing, discusses the ‘pill for every ill’ culture, and explores methods of easing the burden of withdrawal through counseling and tool development. His messages to both physicians and patients are educated and insightful. Check it out.
Video ID: BFP088
Listen to the Podcast
This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here:
Chapters
00:00 INTRODUCTION 07:42 Alliance / BIC Activity 13:00 INTERVIEW Intro 13:47 Understanding the Severity 18:35 Knowing When to Taper 21:08 Substitution Tapering 22:45 Learning From Patients 23:36 Most Common Symptoms 24:48 Developing Tools 26:05 Learning Deficit 27:40 A Pill for Every Ill 28:57 Polydrugging 33:30 Message to Physicians 34:46 Message to Patients 35:30 Counseling 37:06 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.
MAILBAG
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.
Byrne, Katie. “The hidden epidemic: How Ireland has become addicted to benzodiazepines.” Independent. February 27, 2018. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/the-hidden-epidemic-how-ireland-has-become-addicted-to-benzodiazepines-36636721.html.
Dunphy, Liz. “Benzos are ‘little ticking time bombs’ on the streets of Cork.” Irish Examiner. May 24, 2021. Accessed August 9, 2021. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40293176.html.
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.
University College Cork. “Research Profile: Colin Bradley.” Accessed August 8, 2021. http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/2001/c.bradley@ucc.ie.
Guest Bio
Colin Bradley is professor of general practice at University College Cork in Southern Ireland and leads the Department of General Practice in the UCC School of Medicine. He was also fortunate to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2017, which enabled him to travel to the US to study the opioid crisis. Around 2000, Colin was appointed to a group set up to advise the Irish government on benzodiazepines. This group published a report on benzodiazepine prescribing at that time and made a number of recommendations on how prescribing of these medicines could be improved and made safer. He is now working with a group of academics and people who have experienced issues with benzodiazepine use, and withdrawal to co-design some strategies to help better manage benzodiazepine related issues in primary care.
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).
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