NCJ Number
143770
Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 42-48
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Illicit drug users have recently started to use benzodiazepine, often in extreme doses, in the context of polydrug use; because research data on how to deal with such drug use and provide effective treatment are currently lacking, a study was conducted in the United Kingdom to obtain representative data on the use of benzodiazepines by illicit drug users.
Abstract
Information compiled from the North Western Regional Drug Misuse Database showed that approximately 16 percent of 4,213 drug users reported to the database during 1988 and 1989 were using benzodiazepines, a much lower figure than that found in previous studies. A high rate of benzodiazepine use was observed among those whose main drug was either methadone or other opiates such as dihydrocodeine, dextromoramide, or buprenorphine. This contrasted with much lower benzodiazepine use rates among users whose main drug was heroin, amphetamines, or cocaine. Benzodiazepines were prescribed more often in the case of prescribed opiate users than in the case of nonprescribed opiate users. Principles to facilitate the management of benzodiazepine use by illicit drug users are outlined that focus on inpatient detoxification and long-term followup and management. 11 references and 4 tables