Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

BONUS: Benzodiazepines - From Relief to Risk in Mental Health with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman

Nov 10, 2025

Join Dr. Olivera Bogunovic, a Harvard psychiatry expert, and Holly Hardman, director of the documentary As Prescribed, as they explore the alarming benzodiazepine crisis. They discuss the history and risks of these medications, highlighting the physical dependency and challenges in psychiatric care. Holly shares her personal journey with Klonopin, including withdrawal struggles and misinformation from doctors. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of informed consent, holistic recovery approaches, and the vast impact of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction.

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INSIGHT

Long-Term Risks Outweigh Early Promise

Benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1970s and seemed miraculous for acute anxiety but later showed serious long-term risks.
They produce physiological dependence and can cause seizures or increased mortality if stopped abruptly.

ADVICE

Prefer Therapy Over Chronic Benzodiazepines

Use psychotherapy as the first-line treatment for anxiety whenever possible.
Reserve benzodiazepines for short-term use only and avoid chronic prescriptions.

ANECDOTE

Seventeen-Year Personal Experience

Holly Hardman took clonazepam (Klonopin) for about 17 years after developing chronic fatigue syndrome.
She realized the drug caused persistent symptoms and found the Ashton Manual before beginning a safer taper.

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I am thrilled to have Dr. Olivera Bogunovic and Holly Hardman with me on the show today. Dr. Bogunovic is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the medical director of the alcohol, drug, and addiction outpatient program at McLean Hospital. and Holly directed the documentary As Prescribed.

In today’s discussion, we dive into the ongoing benzodiazepine crisis in the United States, with over 92 million prescriptions written each year for medications like Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. We discuss the origin of those drugs in the 1970s as treatments for anxiety and how they lead to tremendous physical dependency. Holly shares her experience with the neurological effects she suffered after long-term use of Klonopin, and we examine challenges in psychiatric care, the need for informed consent, and the impact of social media. We also cover the role of lifestyle, the need for psychotherapy and psychosocial support, and the significance of hope.

This conversation is truly invaluable! Given how frequently benzodiazepines get prescribed, everyone must understand their associated risks and considerations.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

How prescribing practices have evolved over the last two decades
The significant consequences older adults face when they suddenly stop using benzodiazepines
Holly shares how doctors misinformed her when she began taking Klonopin.
Holly describes the benzodiazepine-induced symptoms and cognitive issues she experienced
Why people must get informed about the long-term effects of benzodiazepines when consenting to take them
How benzodiazepines work in the body and impact the brain
Why benzodiazepines are ineffective when used long-term for insomnia
The challenges certain people face when accessing psychiatric care
What is BIND, and what are its symptoms?
The significance of diet and holistic approaches for managing mental health, and why community support is essential in the recovery process
Why As Prescribed is an educational documentary for everyone

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Connect with Dr. Olivera Bogunovic

⁠The McLean Hospital⁠

The documentary, As Prescribed, is available in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, Apple, Kanopy, Tubi, and Google.