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.

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

— https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/benzodiazepine-tapering

— Free Downloadable PDF

BLOG POST: ASAM Benzo Guideline Publication

— https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/new-asam-guideline-for-benzodiazepine-tapering-just-released

The Uneven Life (an online community)

— https://uneven.life

— Join us now for a 14-day free trial.

RECODING INFO

— RECORDED: Sunday, March 9, 2025

— LOCATION: Colorado

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 MUSIC

All music provided / licensed through Storyblocks (https://www.storyblocks.com)

Benzo Free Theme Music

— TITLE: Walk in the Park

— ARTIST: Neil Cross

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).