title: Acceptability of cognitive-behaviour therapy via the Internet for cessation of benzodiazepine use.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Long-term use of benzodiazepines remains common, and conveys significant risk. Providing psychological intervention in association with gradual dose reduction increases cessation rates above dose reduction alone, but appropriate psychological support is difficult to obtain. This study was undertaken to assess the outcomes of an uncontrolled case series of an Internet-based cognitive-behaviour therapy for benzodiazepine cessation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Users of benzodiazepines for >3 months who wanted to reduce or cease benzodiazepines participated in the trial. They completed online assessments and accessed 13 newsletters on managing withdrawal symptoms and developing alternate ways to cope with life events. Therapist assistance was provided by email. Follow up was at 3 and 6 months and feedback was obtained via comments and emails.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Program ratings and emailed comments of the program were positive. Thirty-two people registered for the program and 14 (44%) completed a 6 month follow up. Of these, eight (57%) reduced weekly intake by at least half, including five (36%) who ceased use. Shorter duration of use and birth outside Australia predicted greater percentage reductions at 3 months, while being living with a partner and being in paid employment predicted reductions at 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While results were encouraging, controlled research is required to confirm the efficacy of the program, and engagement of both users and prescribers needs further attention.
authors.affiliation: The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Jannette M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Parr
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kavanagh
authors.forename: Ross McD
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines