Dr. Heather Ashton – Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Dr. C. Heather Ashton is the leading expert on benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine withdrawal. In this clip, Dr. Ashton discusses the keys to safe, effective benzodiazepine withdrawal. To order the DVD, visit PMAG’s website: www.psychmedaware.org Dr. Ashton, DR, FRCP, is an Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psycho-pharmacology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Dr. Ashton is an expert researcher and clinician in the area of addictive psychotropic drugs. She was the director of a benzodiazepine withdrawal clinic for 12 years and has developed the “gold standard” protocol for withdrawal from benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. She has written over 250 academic papers in professional journals and books, and is a frequent international lecturer on benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. For many years she has taught medical and pharmacology students, physicians, nurses and other health care workers about benzodiazepines and their effects, including the clinical management of withdrawal. In March and April 2006, Dr. Ashton gave lectures on Benzodiazepine Dependence and Withdrawal Methods to heath care providers in Victoria and Vancouver, BC She also addressed physicians at an addictions conference at Parksville, BC The Psychiatric Medication Awareness Group (PMAG) produced a 90-minute DVD of Dr. Ashton’s April 4, 2006, Vancouver lecture. Dr. Ashton spoke on * how benzodiazepines and hypnotics (ie, tranquillizers and sleeping pills) affect the brain and body * symptoms of …