BENZODIAZEPINE USE AMONG HEROIN USERS IN SYDNEY - PATTERNS OF USE, AVAILABILITY AND PROCUREMENT

A sample of 210 heroin users who had used benzodiazepines during the p receding 6 months were interviewed about their benzodiazepine use. For ty-one percent of the sample reported having used benzodiazepines more than once a week during the 6 months preceding interview. Forty-eight percent had injected benzodiazepines, with 17% having done so during the preceding 6 months. Eleven percent of the sample reported having e xperienced convulsions when attempting detoxification from benzodiazep ines. The majority of subjects (86%) indicated that benzodiazepines ar e easy or very easy to obtain. Only a third of the sample reported obt aining benzodiazepines exclusively through a doctor in the last 6 mont hs. Over a half of the sample indicated that they had given or sold be nzodiazepines to someone during that time. Diazepam was considered by subjects to be the easiest benzodiazepine to procure. Doctors should a void the prescription of benzodiazepines to injecting drug users, part icularly the more readily injectable drug temazepam. Given the widespr ead use of benzodiazepines by injection, research needs to examine the harm associated with the parenteral use of these drugs.