J Gen Intern Med

New guideline urges caution and customization in benzodiazepine tapering

June 26, 2025

This joint clinical practice guideline, developed by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and nine partner organizations, uses a modified GRADE methodology and expert consensus to guide clinicians in tapering benzodiazepines (BZDs) across diverse care settings.

Key recommendations:

• Assess risk–benefit continuously: Tapering is appropriate when harms of ongoing BZD use exceed benefits.
• Avoid abrupt cessation: Especially in physically dependent patients, sudden discontinuation can lead to serious withdrawal.
• Tailor taper plans: Individualize based on patient needs, clinical response, and context.
• Engage patients: Shared decision-making and clear communication are essential.
• Support the process: Psychosocial interventions can improve tapering outcomes.

Source:

Brunner E, et al. (2025, June 17). J Gen Intern Med. Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Risks Outweigh Benefits. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40526204/