Attitudes toward benzodiazepines and the intentions of persons aged 50 years and over to engage in a weaning process
The objective of this qualitative study was to contrast attitudes towards benzodiazepine (Bz) use stemming from long-term users, aged 50 and up, with their intent to undergo a weaning process. Use aimed at counteracting symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. Twenty-three users (14 women and 9 men) underwent in-depth interviews. Analyses brought-out three types of users that is, the “carefree” style; the “realist” style; the “pragmatic” style. The first group had no qualms with regard to the substance. To their eyes, it was a wisely prescribed medication. For the second group, the substance represented a dangerous drug. Some tried, at their own risk to stop usage without medical supervision. For the last group, the Bz is perceived as half-drug, half-medication, with its own dangers and advantages. All respondents are drug users; however motivation to engage in a weaning process or at least to reduce usage varied greatly, the last two groups being the most open to behavioural change. Attitudes towards the substance, which alternate between medication and drugs, or a combination of both, must be taken into account in an intervention program. Three clinical portraits illustrate these results.