Benzodiazepine Withdrawal in the Context of Benzodiazepine-Contaminated Opioids: Practice Implications

A rise in adulterants, including the introduction of benzodiazepine-contaminated fentanyl, is a result of the increase in the unregulated opioid supply. The adulterant increase is a challenge for nurse practitioners due to the complexity of client clinical presentations, the limitations of diagnostic tests, and incomplete available clinical information. The current state of the benzodiazepine-contaminated unregulated opioid supply, research from prescribed benzodiazepine dependence, our clinical expertise, and the clinical implications for nurse practitioners are addressed in this report.