Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of benzodiazepine long-term users: Results from a tertiary care center

Objective: The use of benzodiazepines (BDZs) represents a critical issue since a long-term treatment may lead to dependence. This study aimed at evaluating socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of BZD long-term users who followed a detoxification programme at a tertiary care centre. Method: Two hundred-five inpatients were evaluated. Socio-demographic (e.g., gender, age, education) and clinical information (e.g., BZD used, dose, reason of prescription) were collected. BZDs dose was standardized as diazepam dose equivalents and was compared via the Defined Daily Dose (DDD). Chi-square, Fisher test, ANOVA and Bonferroni analyses were performed. Results: Females were more frequently BDZ long-term users than males. Hypnotics BZDs were frequently prescribed for problems different from sleep disturbances. Lorazepam, alprazolam, and lormetazepam were the most prescribed drugs. Lorazepam was more frequently used by males, consumed for a long period, in pills, and prescribed for anxiety. Lormetazepam was more frequently consumed by females with a high school education, having a psychiatric disorder, taken in drops and prescribed for insomnia. Lormetazepam had the highest DDD. Conclusion: A specific profile of BZD long-term user seems to exist and presents different socio-demographic and clinical characteristics according to the benzodiazepine taken into account.