Feasibility study of a new intervention for benzodiazepine dependence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing an Intervention to Manage Benzodiazepine Dependence and High-Risk Use in the Context of Escalating Drug Related Deaths: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
304108
Contact name
Catriona Matheson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Stirling
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Scotland has the highest rate of drug related deaths in Europe. These are deaths in people who use drugs such as heroin, cocaine, benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids. It is a feature of deaths in Scotland that people use combinations of drugs which increases the chance of a drug related death. Many deaths involve ‘street’ benzodiazepines (BZD), especially a drug called etizolam. This is not licenced in the UK so comes from illegal sources. Guidance on management of benzodiazepine use highlights that there is little evidence to support replacement prescribing. However, evidence is conflicting. \n\nThis study tests a new intervention, designed by consulting people who use ‘street’ BZD and clinicians. The intervention is a combination of BZD prescribing and psychosocial support. Designing the intervention has been done in workshops including people across a range of relevant experience (clinical, psychology, academic, people with lived experience). The intervention is being tested in up to 40 people in two sites in Scotland. Questionnaires and interviews will be used to assess whether the intervention is feasible and acceptable to users. This study will help the research team plan a further trial of the intervention with more people to see if it is effective at reducing harm caused by street benzodiazepine use. \n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
21/NS/0135
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion