Free Harm Reduction Resources
Evidence-based guides, drug interaction charts, and a curated directory of 26 harm reduction organizations. No affiliate links. No paywalls. Just information that saves lives.
Developed by Prof. Heather Ashton, Newcastle University. The Ashton Manual is the clinical gold standard for benzodiazepine cessation. The method: switch from a short-acting benzo (Xanax, Ativan) to an equivalent dose of long-acting diazepam (Valium), then reduce by 5–10% of current dose every 1–2 weeks. Total taper: 3–12 months depending on starting dose and duration of use.
Never Cold-Turkey Benzodiazepines
Abrupt cessation after regular use can cause seizures, psychosis, and death. Benzodiazepine and alcohol withdrawal are the two drug withdrawals that can be fatal. Always taper under medical supervision when possible. If medical supervision is not available, use the slowest taper schedule you can maintain.
Equivalency Table — Approx. Equivalent to 10mg Diazepam
| Benzodiazepine | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Alprazolam (Xanax) | 0.5mg |
| Lorazepam (Ativan) | 1mg |
| Clonazepam (Klonopin) | 0.5mg |
| Bromazepam | 5–6mg |
| Temazepam | 20mg |
| Oxazepam | 30mg |
| Nitrazepam | 5mg |
| Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) | 1mg |
| Etizolam | 1mg |
| Clonazolam | 0.2mg (approx) |
Sample Ashton-Style Taper — 4mg/day Alprazolam → 0
| Stage | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Switch to diazepam | 80mg/day (stabilize 1–2 weeks) | Weeks 1–2 |
| Stage 1 | 70mg | 1–2 weeks |
| Stage 2 | 60mg | 1–2 weeks |
| Stage 3 | 50mg | 1–2 weeks |
| Stage 4 | 40mg | 1–2 weeks |
| Stage 5 | 30mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 6 | 20mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 7 | 15mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 8 | 10mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 9 | 8mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 10 | 6mg | 2 weeks |
| Stage 11 | 4mg | 2–4 weeks |
| Stage 12 | 2mg | 2–4 weeks |
| Stage 13 | 1mg | 2–4 weeks |
| Stage 14 | 0mg | — |
Supplements That May Help (With Caveats)
Muscle tension, sleep
Anxiety
Anxiety, sleep
Reducing cravings
AVOID — cross-tolerant, defeats the taper
AVOID — don't cross blood-brain barrier meaningfully
When to Seek Emergency Help
- ⚠ Seizures
- ⚠ Severe confusion or hallucinations
- ⚠ Heart palpitations / chest pain
- ⚠ Inability to keep fluids down
- ⚠ Suicidal ideation