Patients with this result are at high risk for adverse outcomes related to sedative use (for example: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, etc.) and are likely to meet DSM-5 criteria for Sedative Use Disorder.
Display Title
Sedatives Risk Level: High Risk for Sedative Use Disorder
Tool Type
Drugs of Abuse
Risk Level
High
Additional Resources
- SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
- Yale School of Medicine: Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment Training Manual
- Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment Training Manual
- NIDA: Motivational Interviewing Skills Practice
- Center for Health Training: OARS Essential Communication Techniques
- SAMHSA: Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment
- NIDA: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (3rd ed.)
Suggested Action
The suggested intervention for this group is further assessment, and treatment for those who are found to have Sedative Use Disorder.
- Assess further through a clinical interview.
- Questions from the DSM-5 Sedative Use Disorder criteria can be used as a guide.
- Express concern and recommend cessation.
- Use the FRAMES components and motivational interviewing techniques (see references for specific resources) to encourage engagement in treatment.
- Make a specific plan, including strategies for reducing health consequences of sedative use.
- Offer a referral to counseling or a treatment program for substance use disorder and any co-occurring problems, such as depression, that may be driving substance use.
- For patients who are ready to quit, assess risk for withdrawal, and link to detoxification treatment as indicated.
- Review any prescribed medications to identify those that may increase the risk of overdose (opioids, other benzodiazepines).
- Educate patient on overdose prevention and on risks associated with combining benzodiazepine with alcohol or other drugs.
- Advise not to use sedatives and drive.
- Arrange follow-up.