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Geraldine Burns has been a pioneer in the benzo community for over 20 years. She is the founder of the first support group of its kind on the Internet, is host of a benzo podcast, and was a key player in the publication of the Ashton Manual.
In Part II of this interview, Geraldine discusses the legislative efforts in Massachusetts, takes a look at the story behind BenzoBookReview.com, explores the continuing crisis of over-prescribing, and provides some wonderful tips for surviving withdrawal.
Video ID: BFP027
Listen to the Podcast
This episode is part of a 2-part series. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/pioneering-benzo-awareness-an-interview-with-geraldine-burns-part-1-of-2-bfp026
The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on...
Chapters
00:00 Episode Introduction 01:52 Shenpa: Easing the Urge to React 09:15 Episode Format 11:10 Interview Intro 11:29 Benzo Legislation 18:52 Benzo Book Review 22:53 Why Stories Help 24:55 Finding a Doctor 27:11 How to Get Ready to Taper 31:48 Find Your Own Path 32:21 Should Benzos Be Banned? 33:30 Closing Advice 36:04 Wrapping Up Part II 36:52 Moment of Peace
Episode Summary
Geraldine Burns has been a pioneer in helping to get the word out about the potential dangers of benzodiazepines. In 1999 she started the first Internet support group for people wishing to withdraw from tranquilizers or already off and having problems. This was the first group of its kind and before it closed had close to 4,000 members internationally. The group was started to offer 24 hour/7 days a week support to people who have been made ill by prescription medications, to learn about symptoms of withdrawal, learn about tapering methods, and natural methods of healing. She is dedicated to the responsible and informed use of addictive prescription drugs.
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.
Chodron, Pema. “Don’t Bite the Hook.” Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Bite-Hook-Resentment-Destructive/dp/B00BW8X5HO.
ReShel, Azriel. “Shenpa and the Art of Not Getting Hooked.” Uplift Connect. March 23, 2017. Accessed July 8, 2019.https://upliftconnect.com/shenpa-art-of-not-getting-hooked.
GERALDINE’S PODCAST: “Benzodiazepine Awareness with Geraldine Burns”
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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