title: Benzodiazepine and sedative use/abuse by methadone maintenance clients.
abstract: Clients at three geographically separate methadone maintenance clinics were surveyed regarding their lifetime use of ten commonly used benzodiazepines and barbiturates. In Baltimore (n = 50), 94% reported use of one or more of these drugs in their lifetime, with 66% reporting use in the last 6 months. In Philadelphia (n = 218), 78% reported use in their lifetime, with 53% reporting use in the last 6 months. In New York City (The Bronx) (n = 279), 86% reported use in their lifetime, with 44% reporting use in the last 6 months. Subjects reporting a history of use of at least 7 of 10 of the named sedatives were recruited for a more detailed interview. They reported that, among the benzodiazepines, diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam were frequently used for their 'high' producing effects, and for selling to produce income. In contrast, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, and phenobarbital, had much lower ratings of 'high' and were much less likely to be obtained for getting 'high' or for resale.
authors.affiliation: Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Department of Mental Health Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Iguchi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Handelsman
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Bickel
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Griffiths
mesh_terms: D000525:Alprazolam; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D015994:Incidence; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015143:Philadelphia / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014505:Urban Population
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008691:Methadone; D000525:Alprazolam