Best Naftal Benisty Podcasts (2025)

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#52: Sydney Hunnell 🇺🇸 36:08

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12d ago36:08

36:08

July 11th, 2025 In this episode: I speak with Sydney Hunnell. Sydney is originally from Colorado, but moved to North Carolina. Sydney was prescribed Xanax (Alprazolam) at the age of 20 for panic attacks. Over the course of months her dose escalated to a staggering 8 milligrams. Eventually Sydney was taken off her Xanax abruptly at a detox facility …

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#51: Crystal Grier 🇨🇦 33:39

30d ago33:39

33:39

June 23rd, 2025 In this episode: I speak with Crystal Grier from Ontario, Canada. Crystal is a mother of six, an artist and a passionate advocate for intentional living. Crystal homeschooled her kids before her life took a sharp turn after life-altering events. Immediately after being prescribed antidepressants Crystal suffered severe adverse effec…

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#50: Ryan Hebert 🇺🇸 42:19

2M ago42:19

42:19

May 30th, 2025 In this episode: I speak with Ryan Hebert from California, U.S.A. Ryan is two years psych med free after being misprescribed benzodiazepines for 12 years, spanning most of her adult working life. She was on Ativan (generic: Lorazepam), before being switched to Klonopin (generic: Clonazepam). It took Ryan three attempts and three year…

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#49: Let's talk setbacks with Emma Saunders 🇬🇧 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

May 7th, 2025 In this episode: I talk to Emma Saunders from the UK, a regular guest of Benzotired about setbacks. We talk about setbacks she and I have had, others have had or may have. We talk about alcohol, supplements, food and much more. Find Emma at: the The Psych Med Sanctuary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychmedsanctuary/ (00:00)…

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#48: Catching up with (the now benzofree) Emma Saunders 🇬🇧 34:19

3M ago34:19

34:19

May 7th, 2025 In this episode: I catch up with Emma Saunders from the UK. Emma has featured on many episodes of Benzotired. She was prescribed Lorazepam (Ativan) for tinnitus and ended up being polydrugged. In this episode she shares her successfully tapering Quatiapine and Lorazepam and she shares her current state of affairs. Currently Emma is ta…

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#47: Jenny's success story 🇺🇸 41:56

5M ago41:56

41:56

February 22nd, 2025 In this episode: I talk to my friend Jenny, from New York, U.S.A. She is featured on episode #2 and #16. On episode #2, she was still tapering and she shares her benzo story, aswell as her horrible experience in a detox facility. On episode #16 (recorded around June 2023), she had been off benzodiazepines, but still dealing with…

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#46: Let's talk insomnia with Malissa Pistillo 🇺🇸 1:06:19

5M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

February 20th, 2025 In this episode: I talk to Malissa Pistillo about our experiences and knowledge about insomnia. We discuss Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi), things that help us sleep and more. Check out episode #43 for Malissa's benzo story and more information about her. As discussed in this episode: "The Insomnia Diaries" by Mi…

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#45: Barbara Connolly, PhD, Senior Admin Benzo Warrior Community 🇺🇸 45:56

7M ago45:56

45:56

December 20th, 2024 In this episode: Barbara Connolly, PhD is the Senior Admin of the Benzo Warrior Community. She is a retired professor of political science, she has lived experience with complicated withdrawal from both benzodiazepines and antidepressants, and truly understands living with complex chronic illness and pain, particularly Ehlers-Da…

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#44: Rikka Allen 🇫🇮 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

November 26th, 2024 In this episode: I talk to Rikka Allen from Finland. She was harmed by Cymbalta (generic: Duloxetine) and Oxazepam (also known as Serax). Rikka shares her journey as she is currently tapering her benzodiazepine using water. We also discuss directly tapering, finding English information and national issues surrounding benzodiazep…

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#43: Malissa Pistillo 🇺🇸 50:36

8M ago50:36

50:36

November 19th, 2024 In this episode: I speak with Malissa Pistello. She is a benzo and a psych drug advocate with a background being in Cloud Computing & Cyber Security. She has personal experience with protracted injuries caused by SSRIs, SNRIs and benzodiazepines, which has shaped her mission as she continues to navigate the ongoing challenges of…

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#42: Flumazenil, with Nicole Lamberson 🇺🇸 29:53

8M ago29:53

29:53

November 15th, 2024In this episode: I speak with P.A. Nicole Lamberson about Flumazenil. She also serves as the Medical Director of the non-profit organization Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, BIC for short. Her personal story is featuted on episode #28 of Benzotired.Nicole and I discuss what we know about Flumazenil using published papers and…

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#41: Domagoj 🇭🇷 37:45

9M ago37:45

37:45

November 3rd, 2024In this episode: Domagoj from Croatia shares his benzo story. He was prescribed Xanax XR (Alprazolam extended release) for severe panic attacks in 2016. He is has been tapering Xanax directly as of March 2024.In this episode we talk about his taper, an updose that went sideways, insert pamphlets, national stigmas and more.You can …

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#40: Let's talk benzo lingo with P.A. Nicole Lamberson 🇺🇸, medical director B.I.C. 1:28:14

1y ago1:28:14

1:28:14

May 17th, 2024In this episode: I speak with Nicole Lamberson, a Physician Assistant (P.A.) about benzo lingo: explaining and discussing language we use in the Benzo harmed community.Nicole is the Medical Director of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) and is incredibly engaged in the Benzo harmed community. Recently she featured on the F…

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#39: Let's talk tinnitus with Emma Saunders 🇬🇧 40:58

1y ago40:58

40:58

May 13th, 2024This episode is dedicated to Fronçois Chapet*🇨🇦 ✝️In this episode: I team up with my friend Emma Saunders to discuss tinnitus. Emma and I got prescribed Benzodiazepines to deal with our tinnitus. In episode #3 of Benzotired we touch on our tinnitus briefly. Emma got tinnitus from Covid-19 and I got tinnitus from Lyme and/or the Doxycy…

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#38: Catching up with Haeley 🇺🇸 and her liquid taper 43:18

1+ y ago43:18

43:18

April 19th, 2024In this episode: I catch up with Haeley (featured on episode 10). Haeley briefly shares her Benzo story and how she has being doing after her last appearance on Benzotired.Haeley started to implement liquid compounded Diazepam / Valium at 15 milligrams and has microtapered down to 9 milligrams ever since.Haeley and her husband Tom l…

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#37: Working with BIND with Emma S. 🇬🇧 and Emma H. 🇬🇧 38:40

1+ y ago38:40

38:40

April 2nd, 2024In memory of dr. Christy Huff ✝️.In this (bonus) episode: I have an informal conversation about working with BIND (Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction) with my friends Emma Saunders 🇬🇧 (from beatingthebenzo.com) and Emma Hames 🇬🇧 (producer of the documentary Toxsick).If you want to honor dr. Christy Huff and/or find more …

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#36: Dr. Mark Horowitz, MBBS PhD 🇦🇺, author of "The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines" 52:36

1+ y ago52:36

52:36

December 12th, 2023In this episode: Dr. Mark Horowitz, MBBS PhD has lived experience being harmed by antidepressants. He is the author of a handbook on how to safely stop psychiatric drugs called the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines.It will be published in the UK and Europe on the 7th of March, 2024 and in the US on the 8th of April. It can be pre…

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#35: Tijs Synaeve 🇧🇪 1:00:32

1+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

November 22nd, 2023In this episode: Tijs Synaeve from Belgium. After the sudden passing of his father in 2005, Tijs suffered from anxiety attacks. Tijs self medicated with alcohol to try to cope. Upon seeing a psychiatrist, he was prescribed the Benzodiazepine Tranxène (Clorazepate), antidepressants and eventually a staggering 8 milligrams of Rivot…

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#34: A conversation with Alison Canavan 🇮🇪 38:30

1+ y ago38:30

38:30

November 13th, 2023In this episode: Alison Canavan, a former international model from Ireland. An acclaimed international speaker, wellness coach, and mindfulness advocate.Overcoming mental health struggles and addictions, Alison found healing and transformed herself into a source of inspiration. Named one of the Top 8 Transformational Coaches in t…

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#33: Tapering beta blockers with dr. Sanjay Gupta 🇬🇧 30:40

1+ y ago30:40

30:40

November 7th, 2023In this (special) episode: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a Consultant Cardiologist at York Teaching Hospital in York, United Kingdom. He also represents general medicine on the patient safety group and is a HYMS tutor and has been awarded 2 clinical excellence awards.Dr. Gupta was so kind to take the time to answer my questions and shares his…

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#32: "As Prescribed" by Holly Hardman 🇺🇸 41:39

1+ y ago41:39

41:39

November 7th, 2023In this episode: Holly Hardman, Director/Producer of the documentary As Prescribed. Her personal episode is featured on Benzotired episode #20. Holly speaks openly about making the film and using it for Benzodiazepine harm awareness and change.Holly Hardman entered the media field as a researcher and worked for Rolling Stone, PBS,…

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#31: Melissa Bond 🇺🇸, author of "Blood Orange Night" 42:25

1+ y ago42:25

42:25

November 1st, 2023In this episode: Melissa Bond, a narrative journalist, poet and matriarch to Salt Lake City’s Slam Scene. The Salt Lake Tribune and the New York Post have both done features on Bond's book Blood Orange Night, her memoir about becoming dependent upon and then withdrawing from Benzodiazepines. Blood Orange Night was published by Sim…

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#30: Jane Kotze 🇿🇦 1:00:19

1+ y ago1:00:19

1:00:19

October 31st, 2023In this episode: Jane Kotze from South Africa. Jane got prescribed several psychotropic drugs. The first drug she was precribed was Prozac (Fluoxetine) at 18 years old, after a 15 minute consultation with a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with a bipolar disorder and having a chemical imbalance. Over the years she was put on a stagg…

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#29: Nicole Lamberson 🇺🇸 57:37

1+ y ago57:37

57:37

October 17th, 2023In this episode: Nicole Lamberson, Physician Assistent. She has lived experience in that she is enduring protracted injury from prescribed psychiatric drug polypharmacy and an over-rapid withdrawal, that occured in a detox center, back in 2010. Nicole is involved in various withdrawal-related initiatives, including: she serves on …

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#28: Geraldine Burns 🇺🇸 from the Benzodiazepine Awareness podcast 51:25

1+ y ago51:25

51:25

October 16th, 2023In this episode: 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. She is dedicated to the responsible and informed use of this c…

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#27: Angie Peacock 🇺🇸 38:42

2y ago38:42

38:42

August 7th, 2023In this episode: Angie Peacock was prescribed Benzodiazepines and other psych meds after suffering from PTSD for many years. Angie tapered her benzodiazepine the last of all her meds and suffered severe withdrawal. She was featured on the documentary film "Medicating Normal". During her journey, she has become an advocate for the dr…

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#26: Amy Barnett 🇺🇸 1:04:48

2y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

August 1st, 2023In this episode: Amy Barnett, a hairstylist from Chicago, Illinois. Amy got prescribed several Benzodiazepines twenty years ago for anxiety. She had been taking Valium (Diazepam) when needed. After that prescription, she was prescribed Klonopin (Clonazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam) and other drugs. Amy shares her story of underlying trau…

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#25: Chris Paige 🇺🇸 37:50

2y ago37:50

37:50

July 26th, 2023In this episode: Chris Paige, Master of Social Work (MSW), has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years. He is the founder and executive director for the institute of akathasia. Chris was prescribed Ciprofloxacine (Cipro) for a prostate infection for a long time. After a second time being prescribed Klonopin (Clonazep…

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#24: Mieke Janssens 🇧🇪 29:58

2y ago29:58

29:58

July 17th, 2023In this episode: Mieke Janssens from Belgium. Mieke got exposed to Benzodiazepines through alternative ways; the party scene and online. Mieke used Benzos initially to sleep, but later on used them to be sedated. Mieke used high dosages of Lendormin (Brotizolam) and Dormicum (Midazolam / Versed / Hypnovel) whilst on opiods for back p…

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#23: PART 2 of 2: Dutch talkshow "B&W" on Benzodiazepines (2002) ft. Haeley 🇺🇸 & Emma S. 🇬🇧 48:01

2y ago48:01

48:01

July 17th, 2023 (recorded July 15th, 2023)In this episode: Haeley (from episode 10), Emma S.* discuss the Dutch talkshow "B&W" that covered Benzodiazepines in 2002. Next to commenting the TV show, we cover some personal notes, Ada v Ativan, antidepressants and much more.Starring in the talkshow:Sonja Barend - Host "Sonya"Mrs. de Clerck - User "Mrs.…

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#23: PART 1 of 2: Dutch talkshow "B&W" on Benzodiazepines (2002) ft. Haeley 🇺🇸 & Emma S. 🇬🇧 🎬 26:48

2y ago26:48

26:48

July 17th, 2023In this episode: part 1 of 2 of the Dutch TV show Barend & Witteman "Benzodiazepine verslaving" (Benzodiazepine addiction) aired in 2002. Network: VARA. ⚠️ This is a video in Dutch ⚠️, which I translated. The subtitled video is only available on Spotify. If you are unable or unwilling to view, please select the seperate part 2 of the…

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#22: A conversation with Pauline Dinkelberg 🇳🇱 46:20

2y ago46:20

46:20

Recorded June 28th, 2023In this episode: I have a conversation with fellow Dutchie Pauline Dinkelberg. Originally trained as a ICU nurse, Pauline has been the chairwomen of the non-profit Vereniging Afbouwmedicatie (Association Tapermedication) since 2019. After some physical and psychological issues, Pauline developed insomnia. After having used a…

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#21: D E Foster from Easing Anxiety & the Benzofree podcast 🇺🇸 50:09

2y ago50:09

50:09

June 12th, 2023In this episode: author and podcaster D E Foster shares his personal Benzodiazepine story. D was prescribed Klonopin (Clonazepam) for stomach issues. After D tapered his Benzodiazepine, he researched the topic and wrote a book: "Benzo Free: The World of Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal". Subsequently, he started his renown…

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#20: Holly Hardman 🇺🇸 42:41

2y ago42:41

42:41

Recorded June 9th, 2023In this episode, Holly Hardman, a film maker and within the Benzo community best known for her documentary "As Prescribed". In this episode Holly shares her personal experience with Benzodiazepines. Holly has been dealing with health issues throughout her life and struggled with insomnia. Many years ago she had used Xanax (Al…

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#19: Jess Zanotti 🇺🇸 41:04

2y ago41:04

41:04

Recorded June 5th, 2023In this episode: Jess Zanotti; a Renaissance Woman; a multidimensional artist, wardrobe stylist and creative director. She was precribed Xanax (Alprazolam) for panic attacks and SSRI's over seven years ago. After ten years using prescription drugs as prescribed, she quit cold turkey, without knowing anything about safely comi…

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#18: Dan Landauer 🇺🇸 38:53

2y ago38:53

38:53

May 27th, 2023In this episode: Dan Landauer. Struggling with anxiety as a young boy, he got prescribed Zoloft (Setraline) in his teens. Later in life Dan was prescribed multiple Benzodiazepines, like Ativan (Lorazepam) and Klonopin (Clonazepam). Dan checked into a rehab and they tapered him of all his psych meds in a staggering 9 days. Now, more th…

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#17: Dr. Jennifer Leigh 🇺🇸 35:39

2y ago35:39

35:39

May 18th, 2023In this episode: dr. Jennifer Leigh shares her Benzodiazepine journey and we discuss topics like women's health. After earning a doctorate in psychology, Jennifer Leigh became a coach. Jennifer's career stopped when the Benzodiazepine she took as prescribed damaged her brain. She blogged honestly about her ordeal, sharing her experien…

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#16: Catching up with Jenny (#2), from Brooklyn, NY 🇺🇸 after the jump 46:49

2y ago46:49

46:49

May 16th, 2023In this episode: I catch up with my friend Jenny from Brooklyn, New York. Jenny featured on episode 10 and is the very first guest to come on Benzotired. In episode #2, Jenny shares her story on how she was put on Benzodiazepines and her experience in several detox facilities. In episode 2, Jenny was still tapering, but as of January …

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#15: Propranolol, with dr. Christy Huff 🇺🇸 25:55

2y ago25:55

25:55

June 5th, 2023 (recorded May 10th, 2023) In this episode: dr. Christy Huff, director of the Benzodiazepine I lnformation Coalition (BIC) talk about the betablocker Propranolol. Chisty and I share our shared experience on this drug. As the Ashton Manual mentions the drug, we contemplate the use, purpose and the withdrawal of Propranolol. At this tim…

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#14: "Ada v Ativan", The Cook Report (1988) 🇬🇧 1:00:27

2y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

April 26th, 2023 In this episode: "Ada v Ativan", The Cook Report (1988) 🇬🇧. ⚠️Be advised, this episode maybe considered triggering for some listeners⚠️ This podcast episode contains the entire episode "Ada v Ativan" from the programme: The Cook Report, published in 1988 and can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbetbDf_imo&t=36s . In t…

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#13: Miranda Levy 🇬🇧, author of "The Insomnia Diaries" 34:20

2+ y ago34:20

34:20

April 17th, 2023 In this episode: journalist Miranda Levy, author of "The Insomnia Diaries - How I learned to sleep again". After Miranda's marriage is about to end, she develops pathological insomnia. Whilst being a mother of two young children and having a successful career, her insomnia quickly disables her. Miranda begins a search for a remedy …

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#12: Emma Hames 🇬🇧 37:35

2+ y ago37:35

37:35

April 15th, 2023 In this episode: Emma Hames, a Benzo surviver, songwriter, musician, artist and producer of the documentary film "Playing With Life" (currently in pre-preduction). At age 23 Emma had contracted an unknown virus and suffered limited long capacity and trouble breathing normally. Emma began developing severe anxiety and panic attacks.…

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#11: A conversation with Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson 🇺🇸, author of "PSYCHIATRIZED" 1:08:42

2+ y ago1:08:42

1:08:42

April 5th, 2023 In this episode: A conversation with Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson, author of "PSYCHIATRIZED: WAKING UP AFTER A DECADE OF BAD MEDICINE". Renée shares some of her journey of insomnia, Clonazepam (Klonopin), trauma, (sexual) healing and many more topics. Renée found creativity in her healing journey and is now a full-time artist and offers…

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#10: Haeley & Tom 🇺🇸 - A partner's perspective 1:07:35

2+ y ago1:07:35

1:07:35

March 31st, 2023 In this episode: I speak with the lovely couple Haeley & Tom. Haeley is harmed by Benzodiazepines and currently tapering. Healey shares her story on being put on Benzos after an infection. Her highest dose was 5 milligrams of Lorazepam (Ativan). Currently Haeley is on 16 milligrams of Diazepam (Valium). Tom has been her support thr…

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#9: Melanie Davis 🇬🇧, manager of REST (collab with Emma S. 🇬🇧 from #Unfiltered) 34:20

2+ y ago34:20

34:20

March 28th, 2023 In this episode: In collaboration with Emma from the #unfiltered podcast and beatingthebenzo.com, we speak with Melanie Davis, who has over 25 years of experience as the manager of REST (Recovery Experience Sleeping pills & Tranquilisers). Melanie has used her expertise to shape government policy as a member of the All-Party Parlia…

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#8: A conversation with Paul Hirsch 🇺🇸 38:21

2+ y ago38:21

38:21

March 23rd, 2023 In this episode: Paul Hirsch from Chicago, Illinois 🇺🇸 shares his story about his journey on Klonopin (Clonazepam), which he was on for many years for anxiety and insomnia. Paul experienced tolerance withdrawal prior to tapering. Paul has almost been three years Benzo free. Paul shares some of the things that helped him through wit…

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#7: Christy Huff 🇺🇸, M.D., Director of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) 28:33

2+ y ago28:33

28:33

February 22nd, 2023 In this episode: Christy Huff, M.D., Director of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) joins me today. Christy shares her Benzodiazepine journey and how she is currently doing. Christy shares information on several projects, like Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND), peer support and deprescribing guid…

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#6: Sarah Nadav 🇺🇸 28:48

2+ y ago28:48

28:48

February 15th, 2023 In this episode: Sarah Nadav shares her story about her journey coming off of Xanax (Alprazolam), Klonopin (Clonazepam) and other prescription drugs. Sarah also contracted Long-Covid.

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#5: Shane Kenny's 🇮🇪 "The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster" (2016) featuring Emma S. 🇬🇧 1:01:23

2+ y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

February 14th, 2023 In this episode: The first part of the episode contains excerpts from Shane Kenny's documentary The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster, made in 2016 and broadcasted on Irish television in 2017. Shane Kelly speaks with professors Heather Ashton and Malcolm Lader about Benzodiazepines. After the excerpts Emma (from #Beatingthebenzo a…

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#4: Elisabeth Krijtenburg 🇳🇱, tapercoach 46:39

2+ y ago46:39

46:39

February 10th, 2023 (re-recorded on March 3rd, 2023) In this episode: Elisabeth Krijtenburg shares her story about her experience coming off of Lorazepam (Ativan) and antidepressants. After her taper, Elisabeth decided to support others coming off of Benzodiazepines and/or antidepressants. Find Elisabeth on: 🇳🇱 https://www.deafbouwcoach.nl/ and 🇬🇧 …