What happens when you need surgery during protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND)? How do you manage the anxiety? Do you take meds? Benzos? Opioids? How do you handle recovery? Join D on his personal 14-day journey.

In part 1 of this 2-part series, D discusses his anxiety, insomnia, and other complications leading up to the surgery. He also shares his fear of cancellation, his struggles to find courage, and his reliance on traditional coping skills like distraction, visualization, and meditation.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzos-and-surgery-a-journey-of-anxiety-recovery-medication-and-success-part-1-of-2-bfp108

Video ID: BFP108

Chapters

00:00 INTRODUCTION

02:24 About My Surgery (Day -7)

03:41 Creating a Traumatic Event

05:53 Prepping for Surgery

07:59 Too Much Time / Trapped

10:32 Benzo Morning / Anxiety (Day -6)

14:23 It’s Just Anxiety / The Off Switch

16:30 Calm on the Outside

18:14 “Regarding Henry” / Change

24:20 A Good Day / Internal Energy (Day -5)

29:04 Morning Ritual / Meditation (Day -4)

31:50 A Bit More About Meditation

34:21 I’m Much Better Than I Was

36:03 Anxiety, Irritability, and Shame (Day -3)

38:25 Exposure Therapy and Success

40:44 Anxiety of Anxiety

42:53 Exhaustion of Chronic Anxiety (Day -2)

44:47 Courage Visualization

46:34 Yea! I Made It This Far (Day -1)

48:23 When Plans Change

50:48 I Feel Good

53:19 CLOSING

Episode Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Benzo Free of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

SITE RESOURCES

• Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) — https://benzoaction.org
• Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) — https://benzoinfo.com
• The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices — https://benzoreform.org

REFERENCES

• 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.
• 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

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

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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

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