Agoraphobia, androphobia, social phobia, glossophobia, philophobia...and on and on. Social anxiety disorders are numerous, and in benzo withdrawal, these burdens can escalate and become isolating. Learning tools to manage them can be essential.In today’s episode, we examine the social symptoms of benzo withdrawal. We also explore muscle spasms, investigate the emotional disconnect many experience around loved ones, hear some inspirational words about moving on, and share an updated benzo story from Louisiana.

Welcome to Episode #36

Today, we take a look at the social symptoms of benzo withdrawal. We also discuss muscle spasms, emotional detachment, and moving on in addition to a wonderful story for Louisiana.

But first, let's list the resources used in this episode, and then we'll dive deeper into the content of episode 36.

Episode Index

Each time listed below is in minutes and seconds.

Introduction: 0:57Mailbag: 8:28Benzo Story: 21:28Feature: 26:25Moment of Peace: 41:37

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.

MAILBAGMUSCLE SPASMS — “Muscle Cramps (Charley Horse) and Muscle Spasms.” OnHealth.com. Reviewed on June 21, 2016. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/muscle_cramps_spasms.

FEATURE: Nerve Sensations of Benzo Withdrawal“10 Most Common Phobias.” WorldAtlas.com. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-most-common-phobias.html. “Agoraphobia.” MayoClinic.org. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987.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. Cherry, Kendra. “A to Z: List of Phobias, From the Strange to the Common.” VeryWellMind.com. Updated September 13, 2019. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453.Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. http://www.benzofree.org/book.Huff, Christy. “10 tips to help patients through benzodiazepine withdrawal.” KevinMD,com. March 20, 2018. Accessed July 17, 2018. https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2018/03/10-tips-help-patients-benzodiazepine-withdrawal.html.“Specific Phobias and Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).” MentalHelp.net. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://www.mentalhelp.net/anxiety/specific-phobias/#targetText=Social%20Anxiety%20Disorder%20(Social%20Phobia,%2C%20weak%2C%20or%20otherwise%20inadequate.Richards, Thomas A. “What is Social Anxiety Disorder? Symptoms, Treatment, Prevalence, Medications, Insight, Prognosis.” Social Anxiety Association. Accessed September 15, 2019. https://socialphobia.org/social-anxiety-disorder-definition-symptoms-treatment-therapy-medications-insight-prognosis.U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Fact Sheet. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness. Accessed September 16, 2019. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.

BENZO FREE LINKSWebsitePodcast Home PageFeedback FormDisclaimer

Podcast Summary

This podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.

Introduction

In today's intro, I shared some personal news about my dog, Bear, and his diagnosis of cancer. I also mentioned some of the news going on in the benzo community this week and thanked everyone for their wonderful sugges...