Benzodiazepine use in a methadone maintained opiate dependent cohort in Ireland.

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are one of the most widely abused substances by opioid dependent patients. Aim: This research aims to identify patterns of BZD use in methadone maintained opioid dependent patients attending an addiction treatment clinic in Dublin, Ireland. Methods: Patients (n=78) testing positive for BZDs by urinalysis completed a face-to-face survey. Results: Daily BZD use was reported by 70.1% (n=54) with 67.9% (n=53) consuming up to 5 tablets a day. A BZD prescription was provided for 50% (n=39) and 61.5% (n=48) used illicit BZDs. The primary BZD of use was Diazepam reported by 93.6% (n=73) of patients. Analysis showed source of BZDs is related to frequency of consumption [χ2(2)= 10.98, p < 0.01] and use of others drugs [χ2(2)= 6.97, p< 0.04]. Conclusion: Source of BZDs is associated with frequency of consumption and use of other drugs. Current patterns of BZD use is between 1 to 5 years which is considerably longer than recommended duration of BZD use. [Note: register for free on the journal website to view the article