Benzodiazepine use among injecting heroin users.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent and patterns of benzodiazepine use among heroin users, and whether preferences for different benzodiazepines exist among this group.


METHODS
210 heroin users who were current users of benzodiazepines volunteered for the study and completed a structured questionnaire.


RESULTS
Heroin users had used a median of five different benzodiazepines, most commonly diazepam. Almost half the subjects (48%; 95% CI, 41-55) had injected benzodiazepines, 17% (95% CI, 12-22) within the preceding six months. Diazepam and temazepam were the most widely injected benzodiazepines.


CONCLUSIONS
Flunitrazepam, diazepam and temazepam should be prescribed to heroin users with caution. A less popular and rarely injected benzodiazepine, nitrazepam, may be a better option for this group.
Darke
S G
SG
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales.
Ross
J E
JE
Hall
W D
WD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications
D001569:Benzodiazepines