ASAM Pocket Guidelines and Patient Guide

Benzodiazepine Tapering Patient Guide

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17 • If you have a benzodiazepine use disorder: » Tapering alone is not enough to treat a benzodiazepine use disorder. Talk to your health care provider so that you receive appropriate treatment. • If you have been taking more benzodiazepines than prescribed or have a benzodiazepine use disorder you may be at higher risk for severe withdrawal. » Your healthcare provider may recommend you receive treatment in a hospital or residential treatment setting. • Severe withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, delirium, and more. The management of severe withdrawal is beyond the scope of this patient guide. If You Have Mental Health Concerns • It is important to talk with your healthcare provider if you have or think you may have a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety disorder. • Your healthcare provider may recommend that you begin or adjust treatment for any mental health conditions before benzodiazepine tapering begins. » If it is not safe for you to wait to begin tapering, your healthcare provider may suggest you start or adjust treatment at the same time as the taper. • Treatments may include therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, or different medications, such as antidepressants. • You may also find meditation, yoga, or support groups helpful during the tapering process. If you have an opioid use disorder: • Your healthcare provider may recommend you taper benzodiazepines to reduce your risk for overdose. • If you are not currently taking medication for opioid use disorder (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) your healthcare provider may recommend you start one of these medications before beginning the benzodiazepine taper. • Your use of benzodiazepines should not be used as a reason to deny you access to medication for opioid use disorder.

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