Abstract | INTRODUCTION: MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 236 patients treated with opioid substitutes ( methadone and buprenorphine). We conducted a descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable analysis to determine clinical differences between benzodiazepines users and non-users. RESULTS: The prevalence of consumption of benzodiazepines was 25.4% (60). The benzodiazepines were obtained with a medical prescription (49.8%) or on the black market (42.6%). The most prescribed benzodiazepine was diazepam (29.1%), and the main reasons were to relieve insomnia (27.7%) or anxiety (26.9%) and to enhance the psychoactive effects of other drugs (19.7%). Regarding the clinical outcomes, we highlight: a very high prevalence of hepatitis C (51.7%); severe ongoing consumption of psychoactive drugs (73.7%); and a high rate of depression and anxiety (> 60%), significantly higher in the benzodiazepines-user group. In the multivariable analysis of benzodiazepine use, we found alcohol consumption (OR 0.482; IC 95% 0.247, 0.238) had a negative association and having hepatitis C (OR 2.544, IC 95% 1.273, 5.084) or anxiety symptoms (OR 5.591; IC 95% 2.345, 13.326) had positive associations. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest the BZD users had a complex drug addiction problem and underline the importance of adequately addressing BZD use, contemplating psychological and psychiatric approach in this particular population. CONCLUSION: Past or current use of benzodiazepines is associated with poor clinical and psychiatric outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach with a focus on infectious diseases and mental health is critical in order to enhance the treatment effectiveness and overall prognosis.
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Authors | Catarina Oliveira, Rita Filipe, João Meira, Lara Sampaio, Leonor Teixeira, Júlio Rodrigues, Inês Nunes, João Tavares |
Journal | Acta medica portuguesa
(Acta Med Port)
Vol. 34
Issue 3
Pg. 209-216
(Mar 01 2021)
ISSN: 1646-0758 [Electronic] Portugal |
PMID | 33971116
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Narcotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Buprenorphine
- Diazepam
- Methadone
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Topics |
- Adult
- Analgesics, Opioid
(therapeutic use)
- Anxiety
(epidemiology, rehabilitation)
- Benzodiazepines
(therapeutic use)
- Buprenorphine
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Diazepam
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Disorders
(epidemiology, rehabilitation)
- Methadone
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Middle Aged
- Narcotics
(therapeutic use)
- Opiate Substitution Treatment
- Opioid-Related Disorders
(epidemiology, psychology, rehabilitation)
- Portugal
(epidemiology)
- Prevalence
- Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
(epidemiology, rehabilitation)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Treatment Outcome
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