‘Mixed’ (Drug Abusing) and ‘Pure’ Alcoholics: A Socio‐medical Comparison

Ashley, Mary Jane; Riche, W. Harding le; Olin, Jack S.; Hatcher, Juanita; Kornaczewski, A; Schmidt, Wolfgang; Rankin, James G.

doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1978.tb00115.x

Cited by 26 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…We found the use of BZDs to be significantly higher among those with lifetime alcohol use disorders. Alcohol dependence and the associated use of legal psychotropic drugs have been identified in several clinical studies [ 38 - 40 ]. Those with alcohol use disorders may use BZDs with alcohol or as a substitute when alcohol is unavailable.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of and factors related to the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study

Subramaniam

Vaingankar

et al. 2013

BMC Psychiatry

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BackgroundPrescription and use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines are common in the general population. Prescription of psychotropic drugs is a complex process: patient, physician and healthcare characteristics mediate, interact and influence it. The current study aimed to establish the prevalence and factors associated with the use of antidepressants (ADs) and benzodiazepines (BZDs) in Singapore.MethodsThe Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS) was a nationally representative survey of Singapore Residents aged 18 years and above. Face-to-face interviews were conducted from December 2009 to December 2010. The diagnoses of mental disorders were established using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI-3.0). The pharmacoepidemiology section was used to collect information on medication use.ResultsThe overall prevalence estimates for ADs and BZDs use during the 12 months prior to the interview were 1.1% and 1.2% respectively. In all, 2.0% had used ADs and/or BZDs. ‘Help seeking for emotional or mental health problems’ was the most important predictor for the use of ADs and BZDs—help seekers were much more likely to use ADs (adjusted OR: 31.62, 95% CI: 13.36–74.83) and more likely to use BZDs than non-help seekers in the previous 12 months (adjusted OR: 34.38, 95% CI: 12.97–91.16). Only 27.6% of those with 12-month major depressive disorder (MDD) had sought formal medical help for their problems and ADs were being used by just over a quarter of this ‘help-seeking group’ (26.3%).ConclusionsWe found that the use of ADs and BZDs in our population was relatively low, and ‘help-seeking’ was the most important predictor of the use of ADs and BZDs. In concordance with research from other Western countries, use of ADs was low among those with 12-month MDD.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of and factors related to the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study

Subramaniam

Vaingankar

et al. 2013

BMC Psychiatry

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“…For example, those dependent on both alcohol and drugs may have higher levels of psychiatric severity, different symptomatology (Kandel and Yamaguchi, 1993;Robins et al, 1984), more severe medical problems, and more social isolation (Ashley et al, 1978). They also may differ in patterns of early use, with alcohol historically described as a "gateway" or "stepping stone" to other drug use (Kandel et al, 1992).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Demographic Characteristics, Life Context, and Patterns of Substance Use Among Alcohol‐Dependent Treatment Clients in a Health Maintenance Organization

Tam

Weisner²,

Mertens³

2000

Alcoholism Clin & Exp Res

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“…In two separate studies looking at BZD users in alcohol detoxification facilities, 116,160 46% to 70% were felt to be using BZDs appropriately, while 30% to 54% were not. Unfortunately, these two studies used arbitrary definitions of abuse, making the results difficult to interpret.…”

Section: Benzodiazepine Abusementioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Disorders in Patients with a History of Substance Abuse or Dependence

Posternak

Mueller

2001

American J Addict

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In this article, the authors reevaluate the traditional position that benzodiazepines should be avoided in anxiety disorder patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence. The efficacy of benzodiazepines in each of the anxiety disorders is reviewed, as are their side effects and toxicity. The definitions of benzodiazepine abuse and dependence are discussed, and relevant animal, experimental, and clinical data are reviewed and analyzed. A manual and computerized (MEDLINE) search was performed from 1966 to the present to examine the English-language literature published on benzodiazepines, substance abuse, and each of the anxiety disorders listed in DSM-IV. The authors found that benzodiazepines have demonstrated efficacy in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia; they are promising agents in the treatment of social phobia and alcohol-induced anxiety disorders. They are generally well tolerated. There is much ambiguity over appropriate definitions for benzodiazepine abuse and dependence: although most benzodiazepine abusers concurrently abuse other substances, there is little evidence to indicate that a history of substance abuse is a major risk factor for future benzodiazepine abuse or dependence. Furthermore, benzodiazepines do not appear to induce relapse of substance abuse in these patients. The authors conclude that the position that benzodiazepines are contraindicated in former substance abusers appears to lack empirical justification. Benzodiazepines may be indicated in certain patients with anxiety disorders and a history of substance abuse or dependence.

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‘Mixed’ (Drug Abusing) and ‘Pure’ Alcoholics: A Socio‐medical Comparison

Cited by 26 publications

References 27 publications

Prevalence of and factors related to the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study

Prevalence of and factors related to the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines: results from the Singapore Mental Health Study

Demographic Characteristics, Life Context, and Patterns of Substance Use Among Alcohol‐Dependent Treatment Clients in a Health Maintenance Organization

Assessing the Risks and Benefits of Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Disorders in Patients with a History of Substance Abuse or Dependence

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