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Exploring benzodiazepine use among Houston arrestees.
George S Yacoubian1, Blake J Urbach, Kristine L Larsen
1McFarland and Associates Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|February 4, 2003
Summary
Benzodiazepine use is rising among arrestees, surpassing opiates in some areas. This study found benzodiazepine users were more likely to be Black, have lower education, and face drug-related charges, with other drug use predicting benzodiazepine positivity.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Benzodiazepine use is increasing, particularly among specific populations.
- Limited research exists on benzodiazepine use within criminal justice populations.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding benzodiazepine prevalence and correlates in arrestees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of recent benzodiazepine use among adult arrestees in Houston.
- To identify demographic and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use correlates of benzodiazepine positivity.
- To explore policy implications for criminal justice and public health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1999 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program in Houston.
- Analyzed a sample of 1,572 adult arrestees.
- Employed Chi-square statistics and logistic regression for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Benzodiazepine-positive arrestees were more likely to be Black and less likely to hold a high school diploma.
- Arrestees testing positive for benzodiazepines had a higher likelihood of being arrested for drug- or alcohol-related offenses.
- Recent use of barbiturates, heroin, PCP, and marijuana were significant predictors of benzodiazepine use.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepine use is a significant concern within the arrestee population.
- Demographic and polysubstance use patterns are associated with benzodiazepine positivity.
- Findings suggest a need for targeted interventions and policy considerations within the criminal justice system.