Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group.

In Part II of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of the benzo experience that so many of us face as patients. We discuss how to find a doctor, the return of emotions, finding confidence and a stable mindset, therapy, mindfulness, and even the mammalian diving reflex. Lots of great info. Please check it out.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-2-of-2-bfp097

Video ID: BFP097

Chapters

00:00 INTRODUCTION

04:45 INTERVIEW Intro

06:30 Finding a Doctor

10:40 Prescribing by GPs

14:15 Moving Past the Anger

15:54 Return of Emotions

18:19 Self Confidence

19:37 A Stable Mindset

22:55 Therapy, Medication, Etc.

25:37 Mindfulness

27:04 Mammalian Diving Reflex

30:06 Polydrugging

35:53 When to Prescribe Benzos

40:46 Science of Benzo Dependence

44:30 Benzos and Alcohol

47:08 Words of Advice

51:54 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.

INTERVIEW WITH DR. RITVO

— BIC’s Benzo Cooperative Doctors: https://www.benzoinfo.com/doctors

— VA – Mindfulness Awareness: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/mindful-awareness.asp

— Mammalian Diving Reflex (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC376809

— Mammalian Diving Reflex (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-reality-gen-z/202106/1-quick-way-stop-panic-attack-in-its-tracks

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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