title: Benzodiazepine dependence among multidrug users in the club scene.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Benzodiazepines (BZs) are among the most frequently prescribed drugs with the potential for abuse. Young adults ages 18-29 report the highest rates of BZ misuse in the United States. The majority of club drug users are also in this age group, and BZ misuse is prevalent in the nightclub scene. BZ dependence, however, is not well documented. This paper examines BZ dependence and its correlates among multidrug users in South Florida's nightclub scene.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were drawn from structured interviews with men and women (N=521) who reported regular attendance at large dance clubs and recent use of both club drugs and BZs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalences of BZ-related problems were 7.9% for BZ dependence, 22.6% BZ abuse, and 25% BZ abuse and/or dependence. In bivariate logistic regression models, heavy cocaine use (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.18, 4.38), severe mental distress (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.33, 5.21), and childhood victimization history (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.10, 5.38) were associated with BZ dependence. Heavy cocaine use (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.10, 4.18) and severe mental distress (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.07, 4.37) survived as predictors in the multivariate model.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BZ misuse is widespread among multidrug users in the club scene, who also exhibit high levels of other health and social problems. BZ dependence appears to be more prevalent in this sample than in other populations described in the literature. Recommendations for intervention and additional research are described.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA. steven.kurtz@nova.edu
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Kurtz
authors.forename: Hilary L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Surratt
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Levi-Minzi
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mooss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019548:Crime Victims; D055030:Drug Users; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019338:Polypharmacy; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012147:Restaurants; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines