INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Benzodiazepine use is associated with elevated levels of harm. The current study aimed to ascertain the long-term nature of the relationship between benzodiazepine use and clinical profile among heroin users. DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal cohort, with follow-up at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. Participants were 615 heroin users recruited for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study. RESULTS: At baseline, current benzodiazepine users were more likely to be committing crime, had poorer psychological health and poorer physical health. Baseline benzodiazepine use was not associated with the likelihood across follow-up of heroin use (P = 0.44), committing crime (P = 0.17), poorer psychological health (P = 0.31) or poorer physical health (P = 0.48). Current benzodiazepine use was, however, associated with a greater likelihood of concurrent heroin use (OR 2.77), crime (OR 2.04), poorer psychological health (beta = -4.47) and poorer physical health (beta = -2.33). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that reductions in benzodiazepine use are associated with reductions in harm, and that baseline benzodiazepine status does not equate to poor long-term outcome.
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Benzodiazepine use is associated with elevated levels of harm. The current study aimed to ascertain the long-term nature of the relationship between benzodiazepine use and clinical profile among heroin users. DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal cohort, with follow-up at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. Participants were 615 heroin users recruited for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study. RESULTS: At baseline, current benzodiazepine users were more likely to be committing crime, had poorer psychological health and poorer physical health. Baseline benzodiazepine use was not associated with the likelihood across follow-up of heroin use (P = 0.44), committing crime (P = 0.17), poorer psychological health (P = 0.31) or poorer physical health (P = 0.48). Current benzodiazepine use was, however, associated with a greater likelihood of concurrent heroin use (OR 2.77), crime (OR 2.04), poorer psychological health (beta = -4.47) and poorer physical health (beta = -2.33). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware that reductions in benzodiazepine use are associated with reductions in harm, and that baseline benzodiazepine status does not equate to poor long-term outcome.