title: Illicit tranquilliser use and dependence among female opiate users.
abstract: This study determined the predictors of 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers among female opiate users attending three services in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Twelve-month drug dependence was measured using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R) measured current neurotic symptoms. 60% (159/266) had used illicit tranquillisers in the past 30 days, and 50% (132/266) met criteria for 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Polydrug use, injecting drug use, childhood and adulthood abuse, adverse life experiences and current and previous mental health problems were associated with 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Using multiple logistic regression, polydrug use in last 30 days (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5 - 7.0), history of deliberate self-harm (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4 - 4.4), history of injecting drug use (OR 2.5, 1.2 - 5.2) and likely to need treatment for current neurotic symptoms (CIS-R > or = 18) (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 - 4.4) predicted 12-month dependence on illicit tranquillisers. Drug users in general and female drug users in particular who are using illicit tranquillisers are also particularly likely to have psychiatric symptoms requiring treatment. Mental health problems should be assessed and monitored among this client group and counselling and psychosocial support should be provided when indicated.
authors.affiliation: Public Health and Health Policy, The University of Glasgow, Scotland. g.gilchrist@unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gilchrist
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gruer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008016:Life Change Events; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents