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Recent trends in benzodiazepine use by injecting drug users in Victoria and Tasmania
Citation
Fry, CL and Bruno, RB, Recent trends in benzodiazepine use by injecting drug users in Victoria and Tasmania, Drug and Alcohol Review, 21, (4) pp. 363-367. ISSN 0959-5236 (2002) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1080/0959523021000023225
Abstract
To address the lack of data on patterns of benzodiazepine use among injecting drug users (IDU) in Victoria and Tasmania, convenience samples of 152 Melbourne and 100 Hobart IDU were recruited from needle and syringe programme outlets and administered a structured survey on patterns of benzodiazepine use, injection-related health problems and drug use history. Most respondents had used benzodiazepines during the preceding 6 months, and more than one-third (Melbourne 36%, 95% CI, 28-44; Hobart 37%, 95% CI, 27-47,) had injected benzodiazepines during this period. Diazepam was the preferred benzodiazepine for those using orally, while intravenous benzodiazepine users preferred to inject temazepam. Benzodiazepine injection for Melbourne IDU was related to greater levels of injection-related health problems. Patterns of benzodiazepine use amongst Melbourne and Hobart IDU are different to that in other Australian jurisdictions, with available data suggesting that prevalence of injection may be increasing. Ongoing monitoring of benzodiazepine injection, together with in-depth studies of supply characteristics and health impacts in jurisdictions where significant trends are detected is needed. Consideration of regulatory, supply, education and training options for the prevention of benzodiazepine injection is also indicated. [Fry CL, Bruno RB. Recent trends in benzodiazepine use by injecting drug users in Victoria and Tasmania. Drug Alcohol Rev.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Research Division: | Health Sciences |
Research Group: | Health services and systems |
Research Field: | Health services and systems not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Behaviour and health |
UTAS Author: | Bruno, RB (Associate Professor Raimondo Bruno) |
ID Code: | 24404 |
Year Published: | 2002 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 22 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2002-08-01 |
Last Modified: | 2011-10-03 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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