The new ASAM Benzo Guideline is finally here! Join panel member, D E Foster, as he takes us on an unfiltered tour of "The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering," sharing his thoughts and experiences along the way.
Listen here on YouTube...
Chapters
0:00:00 Welcome
0:02:31 My Involvement / Disclaimer
0:04:00 The Uneven Life (uneven.life)
0:06:52 ASAM Guideline (unscripted review)
0:08:51 Introduction to the ASAM Guideline
0:14:13 Patients with Lived Experience Panel (PWLE)
0:17:42 Physical Dependence vs. SUD
0:19:13 Do Not Discontinue Abruptly / No Cold Turkey
0:20:02 Public Comments on Guideline
0:20:52 Key Takeaways
0:22:01 1) Ongoing Assessment of the Risks
0:22:45 Benzos & Pregnancy
0:23:16 Discontinuation Decision in Older Adults
0:26:29 2) Shared-Decision Making Strategies
0:27:41 3) Do Not Discontinue Abruptly
0:28:54 Physical Dependence Can Start in Weeks
0:29:32 4) Inpatient Care / Rehab
0:32:26 5) Taper Rate
0:34:07 6) Tailor Tapering Strategies to the Patient
0:34:16 6a) Substitution Concerns / clonazepam
0:37:03 6b) Slow or Pause Taper Based on Symptoms
0:38:20 6d) Some May Not Fully Taper
0:39:14 7) Recommending Therapy Support (CBT)
0:41:07 8) Provide Treatment for Other Conditions
0:41:41 9) Provide Harm Reduction Strategies
0:42:41 10) It May Take Months to Years
0:45:59 We Need Your Questions & Comments
0:46:29 More on Physical Dependence vs. SUD
0:48:11 Increased Risk of Self-Harm
0:48:58 Reporting of Benzo Harms
0:49:32 What About Z-Drugs?
0:50:49 No One Size Fits All Approach
0:52:05 Reviewed All Public Comments
0:52:55 Benefits of Support
0:53:41 Maudsley Deprescribing Guideline
0:54:22 Peer Support Specialists
0:55:02 Protracted Withdrawal / Benzo Survey
0:57:23 Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)
0:58:37 Adjunctive Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
1:03:40 More Coverage of the Guideline to Come
1:04:26 My Summation / "A Huge Step Forward"
1:09:43 In Closing
References
ASAM Benzodiazepine Tapering Guidelines
— Free Downloadable PDF
BLOG POST: ASAM Benzo Guideline Publication
The Uneven Life (an online community)
— Join us now for a 14-day free trial.
Recording Info
— RECORDED: Sunday, March 9, 2025
— LOCATION: Colorado
The Podcast
PODCAST SITELINKS
— PODCAST WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com/benzofree
— EASING ANXIETY: https://www.easinganxiety.com
— YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx
— X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/@easinganx
PODCAST SUMMARY
This podcast is dedicated to those who struggle with side effects, dependence, and withdrawal from benzos, a group of drugs from the benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine classes, better known as anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, sedatives, and minor tranquilizers. Their common brand names include Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Lunesta, Valium, and Xanax.
PODCAST DISCLAIMER
The Benzo Free podcast is for general information purposes only and should never be considered medical, psychological, or any other form of health advice. Health-related information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems or to prescribe any medical devices, psychological treatments, or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it.
Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
If you, or anyone you know, is having suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Resources can be found on our website at: https://www.easinganxiety.com/resources#suicide.
PODCAST PRODUCTION
The Benzo Free Podcast is part of the Easing Anxiety network (https://easinganxiety.com) and is a production of Denim Mountain Press (https://denimmountainpress.com).
Hello D and Wow!!! I am so glad this document is out. I did write to the journalists of the French Progam Enquete who produced the documentary Prescribded nightmare and who did mention Bind in it. They are supposed to do a follow up program. I proposed to be interviewed.
I did provide many comments to the draft document. I do share the same concerns and I have a few other ones:
If the tapering is to be slow, than clinicians should be knowledgeable of tapering methods to accommodate the pace, I.e. micro dosing, transferring to a liquid version of the drug, using a scale, tapering strips, and work with pharmacists to accommodate the patient. I did not start a…