Mark Leeds, D.O., P.A

Are prescription benzodiazepines connected to drug abuse?

It is important to clarify that benzodiazepine dependence is not the same as benzodiazepine addiction. In fact, most people who take benzos long-term are dependent, meaning that they will get physically sick if they try to quit too quickly. However, most people who take benzos are not addicted. Primary benzodiazepine addiction is rare.Benzodiazepines are not a medication most people misuse on their own.

Is the Ashton Method for everyone?

In some cases, tapering at home over a period of months is not a good idea. There are people who are heavily addicted to benzodiazepines, using dosages far above what is considered therapeutic or safe. And, there are people who are abusing other dangerous drugs at the same time who are at high risk of overdose.

What is hyperbolic tapering?

The Ashton Manual describes reductions in fixed amounts: for example, cutting the same number of milligrams every couple of weeks. Hyperbolic tapering takes a different approach. Each reduction is a percentage of the current dose rather than a fixed amount, so the cuts get smaller in absolute terms as the dose comes down.The reason has to do with how these medications work in the brain.

How long does a benzodiazepine taper take?

There is no single answer, but a benzodiazepine taper is almost always longer than people expect, and longer than any inpatient program allows.Dr. Leeds does not taper anyone off a benzodiazepine in less than six months. In many cases a year or more is needed. A taper that is going well is one where you are able to keep working, sleeping, and functioning throughout, not one that finishes quickly.

Is benzodiazepine addiction the same as benzodiazepine dependence?

When it comes to benzo addiction vs benzo dependence, there are significant differences. Benzodiazepines are considered to have a low abuse potential. People tend not to become addicted to benzos as a drug of choice.The majority of people who consider themselves to have a benzo addiction are actually benzo dependent. Benzodiazepines cause dependence and have a serious withdrawal syndrome.