Benzodiazepines in polydrug-using repertoires: The impact of the decreased availability of temazepam gel-filled capsules

Reporting on a research project which used a qualitative methodology, this paper examines the role benzodiazepines played in the polydrug-using repertoires of a sample of long-term, polydrug-using, opiate addicts. The impact of a decrease in the availability of temazepam gel-filled capsules is monitored, showing the effect on both the illicit market for diverted prescription drugs and on the drug-using patterns of those who bought benzodiazepines there. The paper illustrates the complex factors which affect the substances polydrug users include in, or exclude from, their drug-using repertoires, and is an example of how measures aimed at harm reduction can have both positive and negative implications. It is argued that such measures must be evaluated in the context of their impact on a series of dynamic, interrelated changes.