Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Level and factors of benzodiazepines misuse in Albania
Suela Kellici1, Ela Hoti, Genc Burazeri
1Pharmaceutical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania. skellici@gmail.com
Background:
There is little evidence on benzodiazepine misuse and associated factors in transitional countries of the Western Balkans.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the level and socioeconomic correlates of misuse of benzodiazepine drugs in the Albanian adult population.
Method:
We conducted a cross-sectional study including a representative sample of 422 individuals (158 men and 264 women) who were benzodiazepines users. A structured questionnaire included data on age, gender, type of drug used, and awareness of possibility to develop dependence and continuation of therapy after prescription.
Results:
289 individuals reported treatment continuation compared with 89 participants who reported no continuation of benzodiazepine drugs. There were no significant age group (P = 0.351), sex (P = 0.454), or educational differences (P = 0.117) in treatment continuation. Age was inversely related to the awareness of becoming dependent with the prolonged use of benzodiazepines (78.4% of the persons aged ≤40 years were aware of the dependence versus 51.9% in the age group >40 years; P = 0.002).
Conclusion:
Our study provides pioneering evidence on the use and misuse of benzodiazepines in Albania. Findings from this study may influence the reforms and policy formulation related to drug misuse in Albania.
Related Concept Videos
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...