DiscoverThis Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAMLead: Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits
Lead: Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits

Lead: Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits

Update: 2025-06-24
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Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits 


Journal of General Internal Medicine


The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), in collaboration with nine other medical societies and professional associations, developed evidence-based guidelines for tapering benzodiazepine (BZD) medications across various clinical settings. These guidelines were created using a modified GRADE methodology and a clinical consensus process, which included a systematic literature review and several targeted supplemental searches. The guidelines were also revised based on feedback from external stakeholders. Key recommendations include that clinicians should continually assess the risks and benefits of BZD use and tapering. They should engage in shared decision-making with patients and avoid abrupt discontinuation in individuals who may be physically dependent or at risk of withdrawal. Tapering strategies should be personalized and adjusted based on the patient’s response. Additionally, clinicians are encouraged to provide psychosocial support to help patients successfully taper off BZDs.


 


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Lead: Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits

Lead: Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits

American Society of Addiction Medicine