What really is tolerance? How does it differ from withdrawal? From BIND? When does one start and the other finish? Today, we clear up some confusion around benzo terminology and timing. We also examine the recent uptick of fatigue and pain. Join us.

CHAPTERS

0:00:00 Getting Everything Ready

0:00:42 Welcome / Catching Up

0:03:14 The Uneven Community (uneven.life)

0:08:02 ASAM Benzo Guidelines

0:10:36 Learning from Working with You

0:11:22 Benzo Community as a Model for Others

0:13:18 Our Team at Uneven

0:14:42 Terminology in the Benzo Community

0:17:00 Why BIND is the Proper Term

0:21:56 Benzo Belly vs. GABA Belly

0:24:40 Are These Symptoms Tolerance?

0:28:23 Too Focused on Terminology?

0:30:19 Looking for Answers / Obsession

0:34:20 The Rationality of Acceptance

0:36:19 There's No One Way to Do This

0:38:35 Fatigue, Aches, Pain, and COVID

0:43:15 Symptoms May Not Be Just Benzos

0:45:50 Wrapping Things Up

REFERENCES

ASAM Benzo Guidelines

— https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering

Basics of BIND

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/basics-of-bind

Long COVID: Lasting effects of COVID-19 (Mayo Clinic)

— https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351

Podcast Episode on the ASAM Guidelines (#142)

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-benzo-guideline-pros-cons-top-10-takeaways-benzo-free-142

Understanding Drug Tolerance (Healthline)

— https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-tolerance

RECODING INFO

— RECORDED: Friday, April 18, 2025

— LOCATION: Colorado

PODCAST SITELINKS

— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree

— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com

— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx

— X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx

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.

PODCAST DISCLAIMER

The Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.

Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.

PODCAST MUSIC

All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)

Benzo Free Theme Music

— TITLE: Walk in the Park

— ARTIST: Neil Cross

PODCAST PRODUCTION

The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).