title: Perceptions of benzodiazepine dependence among women age 65 and older.
abstract: A phenomenological study explored whether older women who are chronic benzodiazepine users identified themselves as dependent, how dependence was perceived, and how meanings and understandings shaped experiences of benzodiazepine use. Self-reported benzodiazepine dependence was associated with being unable to reduce use or a desire to discontinue use and reliance on benzodiazepines to remain comfortable and able to handle daily life. Themes included: (a) benzodiazepine dependence is similar to dependence to diabetes or blood pressure medications; (b) dependence is distinctive from addiction/abuse; (c) addiction/abuse is perceived as worse than dependence; and (d) concerns of addiction/abuse result in low-dose benzodiazepine use.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Mental Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.
authors.forename: Sarah L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Canham
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Simoni-Wastila
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines
keywords: aging; prescription drug abuse; qualitative research; women