Citation

Babakhanian M, Sadeghi M, Mansoori N, Mehrjerdi ZA, Tabatabai M. Iran. J. Psychiatry Behav. Sci. 2012; 6(1): 62-67.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present preliminary study was to explore the prevalence of nonmedical abuse of benzodiazepines in a group of opiate-dependent patients who were on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program in outpatient clinics in the south-west of Tehran, Iran.

METHODS: 114 male and female opiate-dependent clients who met DSM.IV-TR criteria for opiate dependence with mean age 36.5 years participated in the study from 16 clinics and completed a self-report questionnaire on demographics and substance use details. Then the participants were interviewed on the details of nonmedical abuse of benzodiazepines.

RESULTS: The study findings indicated that the current nonmedical abuse of benzodiazepines was commonly prevalent among participants. The most common current benzodiazepines abused were alprazolam (100%) followed by chlordiazepoxide (96.5%), clonazepam (94.7%), diazepam (86.8%), lorazepam (79.8%) and oxazepam (73.7%) respectively. Depression (77%) and anxiety (72.8%) were frequently reported as the most important reasons associated with consuming benzodiazepines followed by problem in anger control (44.7%), suicide thought (12.3%), self-injury (7.9%), and suicide commitment (5.3%) respectively.

CONCLUSION: Nonmedical abuse of benzodiazepines is an important problem among opiate addicts which should be considered in treatment interventions during MMT program.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; suicide; female; male; Iran; Treatment; depression; prevalence; anger; anxiety; drug abuse; mood disorder; article; major clinical study; questionnaire; self report; automutilation; opiate; alprazolam; diazepam; benzodiazepine derivative; methadone; methadone treatment; lorazepam; outpatient department; opiate addiction; clonazepam; thought disorder; chlordiazepoxide; oxazepam; Opiate dependence; DSM-IV-TR; Benzodiazepines abuse; Nonmedical abuse