NCJ Number
216474
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 459-461
Date Published
September 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study examined the predictors of 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillizers among female opiate users in Scotland.
Abstract
Results indicate that predictors of 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillizers among female opiate users are: (1) polydrug use in the past 30 days; (2) history of deliberate self-harm; (3) history of injecting drug use; and (4) need for treatment for current neurotic symptoms. Other factors associated with 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillizers included childhood and adulthood abuse, adverse life experiences, and current and previous mental health problems. Of the 266 participants, 60 percent reported illicit tranquillizer use during the past 30 days and 50 percent met the criteria for 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillizers. The authors suggest that women with a history of abuse may be self-medicating with illicit tranquillizers to gain relief from neurotic symptoms and/or the traumatic memories of abuse. The findings also indicate that female drug users, particularly those using illicit tranquillizers, are likely to exhibit psychiatric symptoms that require treatment. As such, it is important to assess mental health among female drug users and provide appropriate treatment. Participants were 266 female drug users recruited from a drop-in service for street sex workers (n=96), a 24-hour open access assessment and treatment center (n=91), and a specialist service for the management of opiate-dependent drug users (n=79). Researchers used the Diagnostic Interview Schedule to assess participants’ 12-month drug dependence and the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R) to assess current neurotic symptoms. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the predictors of 12-month dependence. Table, references