Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:55:12 +0000

How Benzodiazepines Are Silently Harming Millions | Dr. Ferghal Armstrong Reveals Hidden Side Effect

In this eye-opening episode of Cracking Addiction, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong dives deep into the often-overlooked dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal and its complex relationship with chronic pain and anxiety.

If you or someone you know has taken benzodiazepines — or you're simply curious about how these medications affect the brain and body — this is essential viewing.

Learn the critical difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction, and discover why the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends limiting benzodiazepine use to no more than one month.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How long-term benzodiazepine use can mimic or worsen anxiety disorders

The "AMPS" mnemonic to recognize key withdrawal symptoms:

- Anxiety
- Muscle symptoms
- Perceptual abnormalities
- Sympathetic nervous system overdrive
- How withdrawal varies based on drug half-life
- Why benzodiazepines may actually worsen chronic pain
- The link between benzos and increased opioid use risk
- Why they are not recommended for panic disorder or long-term use

This episode is packed with medical insights and real-world clinical experience, aimed at empowering patients and clinicians alike.

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to Cracking Addiction for more expert-led content on addiction medicine and mental health.

00:00:00 Introduction to Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
00:00:48 Tolerance to Benzodiazepines
00:02:21 Understanding Dependence on Benzodiazepines
00:03:17 Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
00:05:10 Timing and Half-life of Benzodiazepines
00:08:05 Role of Benzodiazepines in Pain Management
00:10:06 Benzodiazepines and Anxiety Disorders
00:11:21 Conclusion and Summary