Intimacy is essential to a healthy, happy life. And yet, during benzo withdrawal it is often one of the earliest casualties. How can a loving relationship — let alone a healthy sex life — survive the trials of benzo dependence and withdrawal?

In today’s episode, we explore how to nurture a loving relationship and avoid the pitfalls of anger, isolation, and hypersensitivity. We also hear a benzo story from Christchurch, New Zealand and catch up on last week’s news.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/relationships-intimacy-and-sex-in-benzo-withdrawal-bfp019

Video ID: BFP019

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:39 Benzo News

05:44 Benzo Story

13:46 Relationships in Withdrawal

48:46 Moment of Peace

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.

BENZO NEWS

• INTERESTINGENGINEERING.COM: “True and False Myths About Flights” by Marcia Wendorf
• PSYCHOLOGY TODAY: “A Holistic Approach to Naturally Lowering Anxiety” by Cynthia M. Thaik, M.D.
• BENZO FREE PODCAST: Episode #18 — The Science of Benzos: GABA and Glutamate
• PSYCHOLOGY TODAY: “Anxiety Is on the Rise: What Can You Do to Ward It Off?” by Jelena Kecmanovic, Ph.D.
• BENZO FREE: “Lavender Oil and Anxiety: The Facts Behind Some Recent Claims” by D E Foster
• NBC NEWS: “What is cognitive behavioral therapy and how does it work?” by Srah DiGiulio

FEATURE: Relationships in Withdrawal

• Assari, Shervin. “Who’s Avoiding Sex? Psychiatrist Cites 3 Reasons.” Inverse. May 5, 2019. Accessed May 6, 2019.https://www.inverse.com/article/55494-sex-health-why-people-are-avoiding-it.
• BENZO FREE PODCAST: Episode #12 — Conversation with a Caregiver
• Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
• “Getting into the flow: Sexual pleasure is a kind of trance.” Northwestern University. October 31, 2016. Accessed May 16, 2019. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-10/nu-git103116.php.
• Gregoire, Carolyn. “Sexual Pleasure Literally Puts you Into a Trance.” Huffington Post. November 4, 2016. Accessed May 18, 2019. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sexual-pleasure-trance_n_581a0950e4b01f610e395c14.
• Oxford English Dictionary, “Intimacy.” Accessed April 7, 2018.https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/intimacy.
• Peters, JC. “How to Use Meditation to Cultivate Intimacy.” Psych Central. July 8, 2018. Accessed May 15, 2019.https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-use-meditation-to-cultivate-intimacy/.

Introduction

In today’s intro, I kept is short. Mentioned a few symptoms I was currently experiencing including brain fog.

Benzo Story

Today’s story was from Linda in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Feature

Today’s featured topic: Relationships, Intimacy, and Sex in Benzo Withdrawal

In the feature, we explored the toll that benzo withdrawal can take on intimate relationships. We looked at different levels of intimacy and discussed a few tips for improving communication during this trying time. We also explored sex for a while

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

https://www.denimmountainpress.com

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