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The use of benzodiazepines among injecting drug users
Author(s) -
Darke Shane
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595239400185741
Subject(s) - benzodiazepine , psychosocial , drug , psychiatry , medicine , public health , illicit drug , environmental health , nursing , receptor
Benzodiazepine use among injecting drug users (IDUs) presents a major clinical and public health problem that may increase in importance. The current paper examines the research on the extent of benzodiazepine use among IDUs and the harmful consequences associated with such use. Numerous studies have found benzodiazepine use to be widespread among IDUs, and to be associated with greater levels of risk‐taking and polydrug use, and poorer psychosocial functioning than other IDUs. The injection of benzodiazepines has also been reported, and presents problems in itself. The implications of existing research for both clinical practice and research are discussed.