ORN Webinar Fall 2021 #2 - Case Studies and Q&A: Benzodiazepines and Opioid Maintenance Treatment-Event Handout

Event Handout

Pdf Summary

This document presents two case studies and a Q&A session on the topic of benzodiazepines and opioid maintenance treatment. In the first case study, a 50-year-old female with a history of polysubstance use disorder and long-term benzodiazepine use seeks treatment for severe anxiety and panic attacks. Despite attempts to taper off benzodiazepines, the patient experiences intense drug cravings and distress. The potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use in this patient are discussed, as well as the diagnostic criteria for benzodiazepine use disorder. Two case studies are then presented for further discussion. <br /><br />The second case study involves a 33-year-old male who has a severe benzodiazepine use disorder and a moderate opioid use disorder in early remission. He has been unable to complete an inpatient detox program and is seeking outpatient withdrawal management for benzodiazepines. The approaches to benzodiazepine withdrawal management are discussed, including taper rates, choice of benzodiazepine, frequency of monitoring, and potential adjunctive therapies. The patient agrees to an outpatient benzodiazepine taper plan and successfully completes the taper, leading to long-term abstinence and improved mental health outcomes.<br /><br />Overall, this document highlights the challenges and considerations involved in managing benzodiazepine use in patients with opioid maintenance treatment and provides insights into potential treatment approaches and outcomes.

Keywords

benzodiazepines

opioid maintenance treatment

case studies

polysubstance use disorder

long-term benzodiazepine use

severe anxiety

panic attacks

benzodiazepine use disorder

outpatient withdrawal management

taper rates