60 Years of Benzos: A Brief Walk Through History

On February 24th, 1960, the very first benzodiazepine was approved in the U.S. 60 years later, they are still some of the most popular drugs on the planet. Join us as we explore the history of some of the world’s most fabled, and vilified drugs.

In today’s episode, we look back at the past 60 years of benzodiazepines and hope that through knowledge we can finally learn from our past. We also have a benzo story from Florida, discuss the variations of mindful movement practices, and introduce a new section of the podcast.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/60-years-of-benzos-a-brief-walk-through-history-bfp057

Video ID: BFP057

Chapters

00:57 Introduction

07:08 Mailbag

14:40 Benzo Story

20:02 Smile Story

28:40 FEATURE: History of Benzos

50:32 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.

MAILBAG

• “Awareness Through Movement Classes.” - https://feldenkrais.com/awareness-movement-atm-classes/.
• “The difference between tai chi and qi gong.” - https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-difference-between-tai-chi-and-qi-gong.
• “What is Associative Awareness Technique?” - https://theptdoctor.com/what-is-associative-awareness-technique/.

FEATURE: The Story of Benzos

• Agarwal, Sumit D. et al. “Patterns in Outpatient Benzodiazepine Prescribing in the United States.” JAMA Network Open. 2019;2(1). doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.7399.
• Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
• Ashton, C. Heather. “The Bridge Project, Bradford: Speech by Professor C Heather Ashton, DM FRCP: Annual Meeting, December 2011.” Benzo.org.uk. Accessed January 27, 2017. https://www.benzo.org.uk/chabradford.htm.
• Bachhuber, Marcus A. et al..“Increasing Benzodiazepine Prescriptions and Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1996-2013.” American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) (April 2016). doi:10.2105/AJPH.2016.303061.
• Balestra, Katie. “Critics Cite Serious Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Antidepressants.” Washington Post. June 30, 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR2009062903105.html.
• Byrne, A. “Benzodiazepines: The End of a Dream.” Australian Family Physician 23(8)(Aug 1994):1584-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7980158.
• Dokoupil, Tony. “America’s Long Love Affair with Anti-Anxiety Drugs.” Newsweek. January 21, 2009. http://www.newsweek.com/americas-long-love-affair-anti-anxiety-drugs-77967.
• Fisher, Lawrence M. “The Happiness Quest.” Korn Ferry Institute. August 11, 2014. https://www.kornferry.com/institute/happiness-quest.
• 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.
• “Global General Anxiety Disorder Market Worth USD 3,775 Million and CAGR 2.4% by 2021.” Zion Market Research. November 18, 2016. http://www.medgadget.com/2016/11/global-general-anxiety-disorder-market-worth-usd-3775-million-and-cagr-2-4-by-2021.html.
• Grohol, John M. “Top 25 Psychiatric Medications for 2018.” Psych Central. Last updated December 15, 2019. ttps://psychcentral.com/blog/top-25-psychiatric-medications-for-2018/.
• Herper, Matthew. “America’s Most Popular Mind Medicines.” Forbes. September 17,2010. https://www.forbes.com/2010/09/16/prozac-xanax-valium-business-healthcare-psychiatric-drugs.html#23a0d1b92e05.
• Lader, Malcolm. “History of Benzodiazepine Dependence.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 8 (1991):53-59. Accessed March 1, 2017. doi:10.1016/0740-5472(91)90027-8. https://benzo.org.uk/amisc/lader.pdf.
• “Steep Climb In Benzodiazepine Prescribing By Primary Care Doctors.” NPR. January 25, 2019. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/01/25/688287824/steep-climb-in-benzodiazepine-prescribing-by-primary-care-doctors.
• Stossel, Scott. My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind. New York: Vintage Books, 2013.

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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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

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