Can therapy replace risky anxiety pills for patients on opioids?

NCT ID NCT05573906

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to a gradual benzodiazepine taper helps patients with anxiety who also take prescription opioids reduce their benzodiazepine use. 42 primary care patients were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or a health education control alongside a 12-week taper. The goal was to see if CBT improves adherence, satisfaction, and reduces benzodiazepine and opioid use while managing anxiety.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cognitive behavioral therapy plus benzodiazepine taper
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a safer way for patients with anxiety and chronic pain to reduce their benzodiazepine use while managing anxiety effectively.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention requires active participation and may not work for all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCLA Family Health Center

Santa Monica, California, 90404, United States
UCLA Health MPTF Toluca Lake Primary Care

Burbank, California, 91505, United States
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs

Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States

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