The use of benzodiazepines among regular amphetamine users

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Regular amphetamine use is a significant public health concern.
• Co-occurring substance use, particularly with benzodiazepines, is prevalent in this population.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for harm reduction strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between benzodiazepine use and regular amphetamine consumption.
• To identify characteristics and risk factors associated with benzodiazepine use in amphetamine users.
• To assess the impact of benzodiazepine use on psycho-social functioning and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 301 regular amphetamine users.
• Data collected through interviews regarding substance use, including benzodiazepines.
• Statistical analysis to compare benzodiazepine users and non-users, and assess risk factors.

Main Results:

• Benzodiazepine use was reported by 37% in the past month and 55% in the past 6 months.
• Amphetamine injectors were more likely to use benzodiazepines.
• Benzodiazepine users exhibited higher rates of polydrug use, psychopathology, and poorer health and social functioning.
• Benzodiazepine-using injectors had a 3.8 times higher odds of using borrowed needles.

Conclusions:

• Benzodiazepine use is widespread among amphetamine users and associated with increased risks.
• Co-use of benzodiazepines with amphetamines correlates with greater psycho-social dysfunction and higher-risk behaviors.
• Findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing polydrug use and associated harms in amphetamine-using populations.