NICOTINE, CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL-USE IN HIGH-DOSE AND LOW-DOSE BENZODIAZEPINE USERS

Cigarette smoking, coffee and alcohol use were investigated prospectiv ely in 37 high-dose benzodiazepine (BZD) regular users (HDRU), 87 low- dose BZD regular users (LDRU), 50 low-dose BZD occasional users (LDOU) and in 37 non-BZD users (control subjects). The frequency of smokers was significantly greater in the HDRU than in the other three groups s tudied. Also, the HDRU consumed a significantly greater number of ciga rettes and dose of caffeine per day than the other subjects investigat ed. Also, alcohol dependence was significantly more frequent in the HD RU. Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation betw een the BZD dose and both the cigarettes and the caffeine consumed per day. The findings suggest that BZD should be prescribed with caution in individuals who are heavy smokers or are consuming large amounts of coffee and alcohol. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.