
Alexis Ritvo
Board-certified addiction psychiatrist. Serves as the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program Director and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry.
Top 5 podcasts with Alexis Ritvo
Ranked by the Snipd community

12 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 12min
Clinical Pearls for Selecting the Right Benzodiazepine
In this engaging discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and fellowship program director, sheds light on the intricate world of benzodiazepines. The conversation emphasizes the unique addiction risks associated with alprazolam compared to other options. Ritvo highlights evidence-based practices for selecting the right medication, stressing the importance of informed decisions for patient safety. They explore benzodiazepines' appropriate uses, including managing anxiety and withdrawal, while navigating the complexities of treatment selection.

Jun 15, 2025 • 15min
Demystifying Benzodiazepine Deprescribing: Smart Approaches to Tapering
Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and fellowship director at the University of Colorado, dives into the complexities of tapering benzodiazepines. She shares evidence-based strategies such as 'cut-and-hold' and 'microtaper' techniques tailored for patient comfort. The discussion emphasizes personalized approaches that enhance safety during withdrawal, alongside the challenges of dosage precision and patient adherence. By highlighting case studies, Ritvo showcases the importance of supportive therapies in navigating benzodiazepine deprescribing.

May 11, 2025 • 12min
Benzodiazepines: Understanding Physical Dependence vs. Addiction
Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, shares insights on benzodiazepine use disorder. She clarifies the crucial distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Surprisingly, only 1.5% of users develop a use disorder despite common concerns. The discussion delves into responsible prescribing practices and the necessity of monitoring for potential misuse. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on recognizing warning signs and promoting safe medication use.

Jun 25, 2025 • 14min
Beyond Tapering: Supporting Patients Through Benzodiazepine Discontinuation
In this engaging discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and fellowship program director, dives into the complexities of benzodiazepine discontinuation. She highlights the cognitive and emotional challenges faced during withdrawal, including alarming rates of suicidal ideation. The conversation reveals why many patients seek support from online forums over traditional healthcare and explores alternative therapies and peer support as vital components in recovery. Listeners gain insightful strategies for providing empathetic care and informed consent in discontinuation processes.

May 26, 2025 • 14min
Beyond Benzos: Strategies for Successful Deprescribing
In this insightful discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and esteemed program director at the University of Colorado, shares expert insights on benzodiazepine deprescribing. The conversation tackles the balance between benefits and withdrawal challenges, emphasizing patient-centered care. Ritvo highlights the importance of education, informed consent, and open dialogue, showcasing findings from the Empowered Trial. Strategies to help patients safely reduce their dependence on these medications are explored, ultimately promoting better mental health outcomes.