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. 2022 Oct-Dec;40(4):542-551.
doi: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2042152. Epub 2022 Mar 14.

An examination of correlates of simultaneous opioid and benzodiazepine use among patients in medication treatment for opioid use disorder in a small midwestern community

Jennifer D Ellis  1   2 , Emily Pasman  2 , Suzanne Brown  2 , Jamey J Lister  2   3 , Elizabeth Agius  2 , Stella M Resko  2   4
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An examination of correlates of simultaneous opioid and benzodiazepine use among patients in medication treatment for opioid use disorder in a small midwestern community

Jennifer D Ellis et al. J Addict Dis. 2022 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: 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. Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of assessing and treating simultaneous opioid/benzodiazepine co-use, as well as relevant comorbidities.

Keywords: Opioids; PTSD; anxiety; benzodiazepines; depression.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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