Dr. Alexis Ritvo is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is also Medical Director for the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices and Co-Chair for the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group.
In Part I of our conversation with Dr. Ritvo, we dive into the world of benzo advocacy and outreach. We discuss ongoing work in the benzo community including guidance documentation, prescriber education, peer support training, and so much more. I hope you enjoy it.
https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/a-psychiatrists-perspective-part-1-of-2-bfp096
Video ID: BFP096
00:00 INTRODUCTION
15:30 INTERVIEW Intro
17:51 Dr. Ritvo’s Background
21:05 Learning About Benzo Dependence
23:58 Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG)
28:33 Guidance Documents
31:07 Prescriber Education
36:28 Peer Support Training
41:10 Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices
43:20 Alliance Projects
48:23 CLOSING
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.
INTRODUCTION
— Benzo Warrior (Website): https://www.benzowarrior.com
— Benzo Warrior (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BenzoWarriorGroup
INTERVIEW WITH DR. RITVO
— The University of Colorado School of Medicine: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu
— The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices: https://www.benzoreform.org
— Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG): https://corxconsortium.org/work-groups/benzodiazepine
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
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
https://www.denimmountainpress.com
©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved
Coping Skills from A to Z (Part 1 of 2)
Interminable Isolation: Social Symptoms in Benzo Withdrawal
Kansas City Road Trip: Benzo Mornings, Isolation, Gratitude, and More
Quick Questions About Anxiety, Insomnia, Benzos, and Withdrawal
Sights, Sounds, and Sensitivities: Nerve Sensations of Benzo Withdrawal
The Restless Pursuit of Rest: Insomnia in Benzo Withdrawal
Top 20 Things to Remember in Benzo Withdrawal (Part 2 of 2)
Top 20 Things to Remember in Benzo Withdrawal (Part 1 of 2)
Tight, Tense, and Twitching: Muscular Symptoms in Benzo Withdrawal
The Loss of Reality: Perception Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Pioneering Benzo Awareness: An Interview with Geraldine Burns (Part 2 of 2)
Pioneering Benzo Awareness: An Interview with Geraldine Burns (Part 1 of 2)
A Look Back: The First 25 Episodes
Cardiopulmonary Consternation: Heart and Lung Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Perpetual Motion Madness: Excitability Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Dialogue with the Doctor: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Wright (Part 2 of 2)
Dialogue with the Doctor: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Wright (Part 1 of 2)
Unsteady, Unintelligible, and Unyielding: Head and Neck Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Relationships, Intimacy, and Sex in Benzo Withdrawal
The Science of Benzos: GABA and Glutamate
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