THE USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES AMONG REGULAR AMPHETAMINE USERS

The relationship between benzodiazepine and regular amphetamine use wa s examined in a sample of 301 regular amphetamine users. Benzodiazepin e use was widespread, with 37% of subjects having used them in the mon th preceding interview, and 55% in the preceding 6 months. Injectors o f amphetamines were move likely to have ever used, and to be currently using, benzodiazepines. Comparisons of benzodiazepine users with othe r subjects indicated that benzodiazepine users had higher levels of po lydrug use and psychopathology, as well as poorer health and social fu nctioning than non-users. The odds of benzodiazepine using injectors h aving injected with a borrowed used needle in the preceding month were 3.8 times those of non-benzodiazepine-using injectors. These results are consistent with studies of other groups of illicit drug users, suc h as heroin users, in indicating that benzodiazepine use is associated with greater levels of risk and psyche-social dysfunction.