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. 2019 Feb 1;70(2):97-106.
doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800321. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States

Donovan T Maust  1 , Lewei A Lin  1 , Frederic C Blow  1
Affiliations

Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States

Donovan T Maust et al. Psychiatr Serv. .

Abstract

Objective: Goals were to determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine use (as prescribed and misuse), characterize misuse, and examine variation by age.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of 2015 and 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data limited to adults ≥18 (N=86,186) and data from those respondents reporting benzodiazepine use (N=10,290). Measurements included past-year prescription benzodiazepine use and misuse ("any way a doctor did not direct"), substance use disorders, mental illness, and demographic characteristics. Misuse was compared between younger (18-49) and older (≥50) adults.

Results: A total of 30.6 million adults (12.6%) reported past-year benzodiazepine use-25.3 million (10.4%) as prescribed and 5.3 million (2.2%) misuse. Misuse accounted for 17.2% of overall use. Adults ages 50-64 had the highest prescribed use (12.9%). Those ages 18-25 had the highest misuse (5.2%), and those ages ≥65 had the lowest (.6%). Misuse and abuse of or dependence on prescription opioids or stimulants were strongly associated with benzodiazepine misuse. Benzodiazepine misuse without a prescription was the most common type of misuse, and a friend or relative was the most common source. Adults ages ≥50 were more likely than younger adults to use a benzodiazepine more often than prescribed and to use a benzodiazepine to help with sleep.

Conclusions: Benzodiazepine use among U.S. adults was higher than previously reported, and misuse accounted for nearly 20% of use overall. Use by adults ages 50-64 now exceeds use by those ages ≥65. Patients also prescribed stimulants or opioids should be monitored for benzodiazepine misuse. Improved access to behavioral interventions for sleep or anxiety may reduce some misuse.

Keywords: Alcohol and drug abuse; Benzodiazepines; Geriatric psychiatry.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Prevalence of Benzodiazepine Prescription Use and Misuse among NSDUH Respondents by Age Group in 2015 and 2016.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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