This week on MIA Radio, we present a special episode of the MIA podcast to join in the many events being held for World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day, July 11, 2019. 2019 represents the fourth annual awareness day and each year it’s held on July 11 which is a significant date because it is the birthday of Professor Heather Ashton. Dr. Ashton is a world-leading expert in benzodiazepines and wrote the highly regarded Ashton Manual which aims to aid clinicians and patients in coming off benzodazepine drugs safely. She also spent many years personally assisting and supporting those who had experienced protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal. Around the world there are many activities and events taking place as part of W-BAD, so to follow along with events and to get involved yourself, head over to World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day’s Facebook page and look out for the hashtag #WorldBenzoDay on social media. In our two-part podcast, we hear from W-BAD volunteer and Project Manager for W-BAD Rocks of Kindness, Janelle. We also chat with physician and Director of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition Christy Huff MD. Finally, in part two, we hear from Stephen Wright MD, addiction specialist and medical consultant to the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. W-BAD Rocks on Facebook Rockin’ Against Benzos (closed Facebook group) A Rockin’ Creative Outlet That’s Raising Benzodiazepine Awareness #WBADROCKS – 1 Month, 5 Things We’ve Learned W-BAD Rocks on Twitter and Instagram: @wbadrocks On social media, look for the hashtag #WBADROCKS A Xanax Prescription That Should Have Been Rejected 10 Tips To Help Patients Through Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Follow Dr. Huff on Twitter Dr. Huff’s Blogs and Media Appearances (Scroll down below her bio and click on logos) BIC on Facebook @bzinfocoalition BIC on Twitter @BZInfoCoalition The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices Benzodiazepine Related Problems: It’s Almost Never Addiction Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs for Pain Patients: The Problem of Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms (PWS) How Chronic Administration of Benzodiazepines Leads to Unexplained Chronic Illnesses: A Hypothesis