5
Guiding Principles
Î The recommendations in this Guideline are intended to support
patient-centered care. Many complex factors influence decision-
making related to BZD tapering, and there is significant heterogeneity
in patient response to tapering. This Guideline should be implemented
to allow flexibility in response to diverse clinical circumstances.
Î Healthcare systems, payers, policymakers, and clinicians should avoid
misapplying this Guideline beyond its intended use in ways that may
lead to unintentional harms for patients.
Î Clinicians should develop tapering strategies collaboratively with
patients, tailoring strategies to each patient's risks, needs, and
preferences and adjusting strategies based on a patient's response.
Î Healthcare systems and policymakers should carefully consider how to
best leverage existing healthcare resources to meet the needs of the
potentially large population for whom BZD tapering may be indicated.
Î Physical dependence is an expected result of ongoing use of
prescribed BZDs and distinct from SUD. Clinicians should not presume
that patients with physical dependence have an SUD. Patients with
SUD should be managed appropriately (see Recommendations for
Patients with Benzodiazepine and Other Substance Use Disorders),
with referrals for specialty treatment as necessary.
