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Benzodiazepine use among injecting heroin users

S G Darke1, J E Ross, W D Hall

  • 1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales.

The Medical Journal of Australia
|June 19, 1995
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Heroin users frequently use multiple benzodiazepines, often injecting them. Diazepam is common, but nitrazepam may be a safer alternative for this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Benzodiazepine co-use is prevalent among individuals with opioid use disorder.
  • Understanding patterns of benzodiazepine use in heroin users is crucial for harm reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and types of benzodiazepine use in heroin users.
  • To identify specific benzodiazepine preferences and injection practices within this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 current benzodiazepine and heroin users.
  • Data collected focused on the extent and patterns of benzodiazepine consumption.

Main Results:

  • Heroin users reported using a median of five different benzodiazepines, with diazepam being the most frequent.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Nearly half of participants (48%) had injected benzodiazepines, with diazepam and temazepam being the most commonly injected.
  • 17% of participants had injected benzodiazepines within six months prior to the study.

    • Conclusions:

    • Caution is advised when prescribing flunitrazepam, diazepam, and temazepam to heroin users due to high injection prevalence.
    • Nitrazepam, being less popular and rarely injected, presents a potentially safer alternative for this patient group.