Sleep, Anxiety & #262 (Aug. 19, 2026) 'Sleep, Anxiety & Benzodiazepines: When Medications Help—and When They Harm' IMA (formerly FLCCC) Weekly Update

Sign up for weekly webinars: https://imahealth.org/weekly-webinars/Benzodiazepines can provide fast relief from anxiety and insomnia. But when short-term use becomes long-term use, questions about tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and sleep quality become increasingly important.Dr. Joseph Varon is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring, IMA Senior Fellow in Psychiatry, former FDA Medical Officer, and CEO and Medical Director of TaperClinic.They discuss:• The difference between addiction, tolerance, and physical dependence• Whether benzodiazepines improve healthy sleep or primarily produce sedation• Rebound insomnia, anxiety, and withdrawal• The risks of combining benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids, and other sedating drugsThe Independent Medical Alliance (formerly FLCCC) is a healthcare nonprofit on a mission to restore trust, integrity, and the doctor-patient relationship. Get involved by clicking below:• Donate: Support IMA: Donate for Advancements in Patient Care https://imahealth.org/donate/• Follow: Connect with Us - https://imahealth.org/contact/• Weekly Webinars: - https://imahealth.org/category/weekly-webinars/• Treatment Protocols: - https://imahealth.org/treatment-protocols/• Medical Disclaimer: https://imahealth.org/about/terms-and-conditions/