An Examination of Correlates of Simultaneous Opioid and Benzodiazepine Use Among Patients in Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in a Small Midwestern Community

Overview

Journal J Addict Dis

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Date 2022 Mar 14

PMID 35285423

Authors

Jennifer D Ellis

Emily Pasman

Suzanne Brown

Jamey J Lister

Elizabeth Agius

Stella M Resko

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Concurrent and/or simultaneous use of opioids and benzodiazepines has been associated with increased risk of accident and injury, as well as with co-occurring psychopathology. The purpose of the present study was to explore potential correlates of simultaneous opioid and benzodiazepine use in a small community, including perceived risk, positive screens for psychiatric symptoms, and opioid-related consequences. A sample of 267 participants were recruited from a medication treatment provider that serves a small Midwestern community. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore demographic and mental health correlates associated with self-reports of past-year simultaneous use. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to explore past-year consequences associated with reported simultaneous benzodiazepine and opioid use. Intentional simultaneous use of opioids and benzodiazepines was associated with greater anxiety and depression symptoms, greater likelihood of a positive PTSD screen, and low self-perceived risk of simultaneous use. Individuals reporting opioid/benzodiazepine simultaneous use were also more likely to report opioid-related consequences. Results highlight the importance of assessing and treating simultaneous opioid/benzodiazepine co-use, as well as relevant comorbidities.

Citing Articles

Anhedonia modulates benzodiazepine and opioid demand among persons in treatment for opioid use disorder.

Greenwald M, Moses T, Lundahl L, Roehrs T Front Psychiatry. 2023; 14:1103739.

PMID: 36741122 PMC: 9892948. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1103739.

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