Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Patients in a Methadone Program
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Kevin W, Berger Christine C, Forde Darlene P, D'Adamo Christopher, Weintraub Eric, Gandhi Devang
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with benzodiazepine misuse among patients in a methadone program?
Conclusion
The study found that many methadone programs do not address co-occurring anxiety problems, and treatment may worsen benzodiazepine misuse.
Supporting Evidence
- 47% of respondents had a history of benzodiazepine use.
- 39.8% used benzodiazepines without a prescription.
- 54% of benzodiazepine users started using after entering the methadone program.
- 61% of previous benzodiazepine users reported increased use after entering the program.
- Benzodiazepine users were more likely to have anxiety problems before entering the methadone program.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people in a methadone program misuse benzodiazepines, which are drugs used to treat anxiety. It found that a lot of them do, especially if they have anxiety problems.
Methodology
An anonymous survey was conducted among patients in a methadone program in Baltimore, MD, with 205 questionnaires returned and 194 included in the analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential underrepresentation of patients with serious poly-drug use or mental health issues who may not attend regular groups.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which means it cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships, and may have missed certain groups of patients.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 43.3% female, 21.9% White, and 75.9% Black, with a mean age of 46.6 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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