Benzodiazepine tapering: Evidence limitations and research recommendations Journal of Addiction Medicine

This systematic review of publications (2000-2023) concerning tapering benzodiazepines (BZDs) was used to inform the Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering, published in 2025. Rates of taper were often faster than recommended, such as 25%-50% reduction in the initial 1-2 weeks. There was little information on long-term outcomes such as protracted withdrawal and quality of life, and some studies had high rates of attrition. Patients were often switched from short- to long-acting BZDs; however, there are no data on the effect on withdrawal severity or outcomes. There is little information about adverse events such as mortality and suicidality, despite insurance data associating discontinuing BZDs and mortality. The authors conclude the evidence base for tapering BZDs is deficient and list 10 areas for future research.

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Tobacco industry contributions to the development of ultraprocessed food in the United States, 1985–2007: A case study of Lunchables

American Journal of Public Health

Tobacco firms began acquiring US food companies in the 1960s-1990s to increase revenues and leverage research and development across holdings in tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods (UPF) subsidiaries. In this case study, the authors examine the development of Lunchables® following Phillip Morris (PMC) acquisition of Kraft and General Foods (KGF). PMC applied a “consumer-driven product development” strategy, previously used for tobacco, in the development process to maximize consumer appeal. PMC also used technologies from KGF to make lower-nicotine cigarettes and then low-fat versions of Lunchables®, in a “better-for-you” strategy to preserve market share in the face of health concerns about both products. The authors suggest public health strategies and policies used to address tobacco could be expanded to UPFs to reduce harm to children.

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A retrospective comparison of two state-funded smartphone-based contingency management programs with different incentives

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

This retrospective study compared outcomes for patients with stimulant use disorder enrolled in a smartphone-based contingency management program based on the amount of total incentives possible, either $75 (“low-value”) or $599 (“moderate-value”). The low-value program was based in New Jersey, funded through SAMHSA (which limited reimbursement to $75/patient at the time of implementation, which has since been increased), and rewarded completing drug testing, attending counseling visits, and completing CBT modules rather than abstinence over 16 weeks. The moderate-value program was funded by West Virginia’s Medicaid managed care organizations, lasted up to 26 weeks, and largely rewarded negative drug screening results, with additional rewards for counseling and CBT modules. Patients in the moderate-value program submitted significantly higher rates of negative substance tests (36%, with an average of 3.2 negative tests) compared to those in the low-value group (24.7%, with an average of 24.8 negative tests).

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