title: [Benzodiazepine use in a sample of patients on a treatment program with opiate derivatives (PTDO)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Benzodiazepines (BZ) are widely prescribed drugs, but their use is controversial in patients who present a disorder caused by substance use/abuse, due to the risk of tolerance and abuse/dependence. The purpose of this work is to determine the levels of BZ use in patients treated with methadone and to compare them with findings from the current literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  a sample of 43 patients was selected; inclusion criterion was being on the PTDO (treatment program with opiate derivatives) at the UAD (Drug-dependence unit) in Monforte de Lemos (Lugo-Spain). Demographic and use variables were analyzed. Data collection and subsequent analysis were carried out using the statistical program SPSS 12.0.
  
  
  RESULTS
  46.5% of the patients take BZ, and of these, 60% are over age 45. The most widely used of these is alprazolam (p<0.001), and 70% take just one active ingredient. The main prescriber is the general practitioner, and the most frequent indication is insomnia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BZ-use data and their relationship to time spent on methadone are similar to those of other published studies. Despite the recommendation to use long half-life BZ in patients with substance abuse disorders, it is striking that in the case studied here the most widely prescribed type is alprazolam.
authors: Psiquiatra, Unidad Asistencial de Drogodependencias de Monforte de Lemos, Lugo. uadanamonforte@yahoo.es
authors: Ana Ma
authors: AM
authors: Fernández Sobrino
authors: Verónica
authors: V
authors: Fernández Rodríguez
authors: José
authors: J
authors: López Castro
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008691:Methadone