Long term use of benzodiazepines: the views of patients

All long term benzodiazepine users in one inner London general practice were asked to participate in a study of their attitudes to their drugs. The 64 respondents had mixed views about benzodiazepines and did not conform to the stereotype presented in the media. Although 58% of the sample had attempted to stop taking benzodiazepines, this was usually not until at least one year of taking the drug. At the time of interview, 50% of the sample expressed a desire to stop taking their tablets. However, the majority were uncertain whether their general practitioner wished them to continue taking the drugs or not. It is argued that users' views of their medication must be taken into account in the debate about tranquillizer dependence.