Benzo Brain: Cognitive Symptoms in Withdrawal

Benzo Brain. Fuzzy Brain. Cog Fog. Memory loss and cognitive dysfunction are common in benzo withdrawal and these symptoms can linger for a long time. Why does this happen? What do the studies say? And what steps can one take to improve things?

In today’s episode, we dive into the confusing world of cognitive dysfunction. We also hear a story from Connecticut, share a comment about isolation, answer a question about single-use benzos for medical treatment, and chat a bit about caregivers. I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-brain-cognitive-symptoms-in-withdrawal-bfp073

Video ID: BFP073

Chapters

00:00 Theme

00:57 INTRODUCTION

07:25 MAILBAG: Intro

08:10 Comment: Isolation

10:17 Question: Single Use Benzos

15:15 BENZO STORY: Ed from Connecticut

26:03 FEATURE: Benzo Brain

49:38 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

• 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.

FEATURE: Benzo Brain

• 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, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
• Frances, Allen. “Yes, Benzos Are Bad for You.” Pro Talk: A Rehabs.com Community, June 10, 2016. Accessed October 13, 2016. https://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-articles/yes-benzos-are-bad-for-you/.
• Gorenstein, C., M. A. Bernik and S. Pompéia. “Differential Acute Psychomotor and Cognitive Effects of Diazepam on Long-Term Benzodiazepine Users.” International Clinical Psychopharmacology 9(3)(1994):145-53. Accessed March 6, 2017. doi:10.1097/00004850-199409000-00002.
• Tata, P.R., J. Rollings, M. Collins, A. Pickering and R. R. Jacobson. “Lack of Cognitive Recovery Following Withdrawal from Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use.” Psychological Medicine 24(1)(February 1994):203-13. Accessed April 15, 2018. doi:10.1017/S0033291700026969.

 

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

Video footage used in Moment of Peace was provided / licensed by…

— Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

Meditation Music

— Title: “Always Mine”

— Artist: Keith Anthony Holden

PRODUCTION

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

Denim Mountain Press

https://www.denimmountainpress.com

©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved