Benzodiazepine use in a sample of patients on a treatment program with opiate derivatives (PTDO)

Benzodiazepines (BZ) are widely prescribed drugs, but their use is controversial in patients who present a disorder caused by substance use/abuse, due to the risk of tolerance and abuse/dependence. The purpose of this work is to determine the levels of BZ use in patients treated with methadone and to compare them with findings from the current literature. a sample of 43 patients was selected; inclusion criterion was being on the PTDO (treatment program with opiate derivatives) at the UAD (Drug-dependence unit) in Monforte de Lemos (Lugo-Spain). Demographic and use variables were analyzed. Data collection and subsequent analysis were carried out using the statistical program SPSS 12.0. 46.5% of the patients take BZ, and of these, 60% are over age 45. The most widely used of these is alprazolam (p