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Treatment of out-patients with complicated benzodiazepine dependence: comparison of two approaches
Helena Vorma1, Hannu Naukkarinen, Seppo Sarna
1A-Clinic Foundation, Helsinki, Finland. helena.vorma@ktl.fi
Aims:
To evaluate whether gradual benzodiazepine taper combined with cognitive-behavioural treatment is more effective than standard treatment for patients with dependence in out-patient clinics.
Design:
A randomized, controlled clinical trial, using standard questionnaires and serum and urine tests.
Settings:
Four public-sector out-patient clinics for alcohol and drug abusers in Helsinki.
Participants:
Seventy-six patients with benzodiazepine dependence (DSM-III-R). Patients taking high doses of the drug or with alcohol use disorders were included to obtain a subject group representative of usual clinical practice.
Intervention:
Subjects received gradual benzodiazepine taper combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy (experimental group) or standard withdrawal treatment not scheduled by the researchers (control group).
Measurements:
The outcome was measured in terms of attaining a state of abstinence or by a decrease in the dosage during the study period of up to 12 months' duration.
Findings:
No statistically significant differences in the outcomes were observed between the groups. A total of 13% of the experimental group and 27% of the control group were able to discontinue drug use. In addition 67% of the experimental group and 57% of the control group were able to decrease the dose.
Conclusions:
The search continues for improved methods of helping patients with complicated benzodiazepine dependence.
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