Benzodiazepines & Sedatives
Benzodiazepines have legitimate medical uses and also carry risks of physical dependence, withdrawal, sedation, and dangerous interactions—especially with opioids, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants.
Dependence is not the same as addiction
Physical dependence can be an expected biological consequence of regular benzodiazepine exposure. It should not automatically be labeled a substance use disorder.
Do not stop abruptly
For someone who is physically dependent, rapid discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal, including seizures and delirium. Tapering should be individualized and medically supervised.
Collaborative tapering
A taper can be slowed, paused, or adjusted based on symptoms, safety, the underlying condition being treated, and the patient’s goals.
Clinical Guideline
How treatment works at EvolveMD
We use the SURF framework—Stabilize, Understand, Restore, Flourish—to organize care around safety, understanding, rebuilding, and long-term wellbeing.
Learn about SURF →