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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2014, 16, 2 (pages: 23 - 30)

Benzodiazepine use in a Methadone Maintained Opiate Dependent Cohort in Ireland

Gilroy D., O'Brien S., Barry J., Ivers J.-H., Whiston L., Keenan E., and Darker C.

Summary: Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are one of the most widely abused substances by opiate-dependent patients. Aim: This research aims to identify patterns of BZD use in methadone maintained opiate dependent patients attending an addiction treatment clinic in Dublin, Ireland. Materials and Method: Patients (n=78) testing positive for BZDs by urinalysis completed a face-to-face survey. Results: Daily BZD use was reported by 70.1% (n= 54) with 67.9% (n= 53) consuming up to 5 tablets a day. A BZD prescription was provided for 50% (n=39) and 61.5% (n=48) used illicit BZDs. The primary BZD of use was Diazepam reported by 93.6% (n= 73) of patients. Analysis showed source of BZDs is related to frequency of consumption [x2 (2)= 10.98, p < 0.01] and use of others drugs [x2 (2)= 6.972, p< 0.04]. Conclusion: BZD use is common place among methadone maintained patients. Source of BZDs is associated with frequency of consumption and use of other drugs.