OUR FIRST CAMPAIGN PRINCIPLE
Every patient prescribed a benzodiazepine for ongoing use should receive clear information.
That information should address physical dependence, withdrawal risk, potentially dangerous interactions, and the need for individualized discontinuation planning and follow-up.
Ways to participate
SHARE
Use reliable materials
Share the FDA communication, ASAM patient guide, and BenzoHelp appointment resources.
ENGAGE
Start a local conversation
Ask a clinic, pharmacy, or health system how it communicates dependence and discontinuation risk.
CONTRIBUTE
Bring your expertise
Clinicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, designers, and organizers can help build reviewed tools.
Institutional requests
- Provide clear written information when ongoing benzodiazepine treatment begins.
- Record treatment goals and periodically revisit benefits and risks.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation in physically dependent patients except when exceptional medical circumstances require it.
- Use shared decision-making and a patient-specific plan when tapering is appropriate.
- Maintain follow-up, safety planning, and care for the underlying condition.
- Train staff to distinguish physical dependence from substance use disorder.
Build the organization with us
BenzoHelp is seeking independent clinical reviewers, lived-experience advisers, researchers, nonprofit-governance experience, and community partners. Participation should be transparent and governed by a conflicts policy.
Please protect your privacy. Do not email medical records or crisis requests. BenzoHelp is not a healthcare provider or emergency service.