Medical treatment or self-prescription? People who use drugs' perception about benzodiazepines in prison and territory

Background

Benzodiazepines (BDZ) are prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety, however their abuse may involve serious addiction problems often underestimated. BDZ addiction represents a widespread but mainly neglected phenomenon, even though the withdrawal syndrome is potentially serious and dangerous. The growing concern about the misuse of benzodiazepines outside of a proper therapeutic framework, was highlighted by the European Drug Observatory and Drug aAddiction (EMCDDA) in a recent report that picture an increase in BDZ use among high-risk drug addicts, prisoners and some groups of recreational drug users. This trend may depend on the high availability and affordability of these substances mixed with mental-health problems related to the pandemic state.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. The use of BDZ and other substances were be checked through statistical analyses on medical records of each patient (urine and hair tests). Furthermore, two additional questionnaires were be submitted in order to collect data about clinical history, substances use and risk perception. Our interest was focused on understanding the perception of people abusing of BDZ. We consecutively recruited 100 patients, diagnosed with addiction or abuse. Participants were be enrolled from the addiction services of a single Italian area cities in Riccione and may reside in their city area or be confined to the local prison.

Results

Preliminary results showed that:

·       1/3 of our patients use BDZ on average for over 4 years

·       1/2 of our patients using BDZ also have a sedative disorder not diagnosed before

·       1/3 of patients take BDZ according to self-prescription

Moreover patients seem to reveal lacking knowledge about:

·       long-term or excessive BDZ use

·       the risk of combining BDZ and other drugs.

Conclusion

The present study photograph the actual trend of BDZ use in addiction patients, detained or not.

Results suggest it is essential to talk to our patients about the use of BDZ, the effects they seek in its use and probe the presence of sedative disorder even if it is not a patient request.