BENZODIAZEPINE USE AMONG INJECTING HEROIN USERS

Objectives: To determine the extent and patterns of benzodiazepine use among heroin users; and whether preferences for different benzodiazep ines exist among this group. Subjects and methods: 210 heroin users wh o were current users of benzodiazepines volunteered for the study and completed a structured questionnaire. Results. Heroin users had used a median of five different benzodiazepines, most commonly diazepam. Alm ost half the subjects (48%;: 95% CI, 41-55) had injected benzodiazepin es, 17% (95%; CI, 12-22) within the preceding six months. Diazepam and temazepam were the most widely injected benzodiazepines. Conclusions: Flunitrazepam, diazepam and temazepam should be prescribed to heroin users with caution. A less popular and rarely injected benzodiazepine, nitrazepam, may be a better option for this group.