Journal article
Acceptability of cognitive-behaviour therapy via the Internet for cessation of benzodiazepine use
Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.30(3), pp.306-314
2011
PMID: 21545562
Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Long-term use of benzodiazepines remains common, and conveys significant risk. Providing psychological intervention in association with gradual dose reduction increases cessation rates above dose reduction alone, but appropriate psychological support is difficult to obtain.This study was undertaken to assess the outcomes of an uncontrolled case series of an Internet-based cognitive-behaviour therapy for benzodiazepine cessation. Design and Methods: Users of benzodiazepines for >3 months who wanted to reduce or cease benzodiazepines participated in the trial.They completed online assessments and accessed 13 newsletters on managing withdrawal symptoms and developing alternate ways to cope with life events.Therapist assistance was provided by email. Follow up was at 3 and 6 months and feedback was obtained via comments and emails. Results: Program ratings and emailed comments of the program were positive.Thirty-two people registered for the program and 14 (44%) completed a 6 month follow up. Of these, eight (57%) reduced weekly intake by at least half, including five (36%) who ceased use. Shorter duration of use and birth outside Australia predicted greater percentage reductions at 3 months, while being living with a partner and being in paid employment predicted reductions at 6 months. Discussion and Conclusions: While results were encouraging, controlled research is required to confirm the efficacy of the program, and engagement of both users and prescribers needs further attention.
Details
- Title
- Acceptability of cognitive-behaviour therapy via the Internet for cessation of benzodiazepine use
- Authors
- Jannette M Parr (Author) - The University of QueenslandDavid J Kavanagh (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyRoss Young (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyGeoffrey Mitchell (Author) - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Drug and Alcohol Review, Vol.30(3), pp.306-314; 9
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2011
- DOI
- 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00183.x
- ISSN
- 1465-3362; 0959-5236
- PMID
- 21545562
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2011. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: PARR, J.M., KAVANAGH, D.J., YOUNG, R.M. and MITCHELL, G. (2011), Acceptability of cognitive-behaviour therapy via the Internet for cessation of benzodiazepine use. Drug and Alcohol Review, 30: 306-314. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00183.x, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00183.x. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99551007702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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