Public Comment Now Closed - ASAM Draft Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are commonly prescribed, and FDA approved to treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, insomnia, and seizures. BZD use is associated with increased risk for adverse events including falls, motor vehicle accidents, cognitive impairment, and overdose (particularly when BZD are used in combination with opioids). Patients who have been taking BZD for longer than a month should not abruptly discontinue the medication, but rather should gradually taper the dosage over a period of time under clinical supervision. This guideline aims to assist clinicians in helping patients safely taper their BZD medication, while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and associated risks.

Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Stimulant Use Disorder 

The ASAM/AAAP Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Stimulant Use Disorder was developed to provide information on evidence-based strategies and standards of care for the prevention and treatment of stimulant use disorders (StUD), stimulant intoxication, and stimulant withdrawal.

2020 National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder - Focused Update

ASAM developed the National Practice Guideline to provide information on evidence-based treatment of opioid use disorder and is the first to address all of the FDA-approved medications available to treat addiction involving opioid use and opioid overdose in a single document.

Clinical Practice Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management

The ASAM Guideline on Alcohol Withdrawal Management is intended to aid clinicians in their clinical decision-making and management of patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Appropriate Use of Drug Testing in Clinical Addiction Medicine

ASAM developed the Appropriate Use of Drug Testing in Clinical Addiction Medicine document to provide guidance about the effective use of drug testing in the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of recovery for patients with, or at risk for, addiction.

Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails

Designed to support jails and communities in providing effective health care for adults (18 years of age and older) who are sentenced or awaiting sentencing to jail, awaiting court action on a current charge, or being held in custody for other reasons (e.g., violation of terms of probation or parole) and are at risk for or experiencing substance withdrawal.

Clinical Practice Guidelines Methodology

ASAM worked to create this new methodology which will inform how future ASAM Clinical Practice Guidelines are conducted.

Standards and Performance Measures

These resources will help members ensure they are delivering the best quality of care to their patients.