NCJ Number
192888
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 36 Issue: 9 & 10 Dated: July/August 2001 Pages: 1165-1186
Date Published
2001
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the narrative descriptions and experiences of 50 Danish informants with a self-diagnosed, long-term dependency on tranquilizer use.
Abstract
The theoretical perspective of the analysis is grounded primarily in psychodynamic theory. According to this perspective, the development of personality structure starts early in life, and the evolution of the dynamics of personality contribute to an understanding of the dynamic and developmental patterns of benzodiazepine dependency; however, this perspective is extended by integration in a multidimensional model that considers biological, cognitive, identity, and social learning factors. The psychodynamic perspective, with its emphasis on how the dynamics of personality develop, can contribute to a more detailed analysis of the client's family background, earlier life crises, and personality development, including how these factors may be linked, at least for certain groups, to their long-term use of tranquilizers. Empirical data suggest that the family background is one of several important variables in understanding the development of long-term tranquilizer use. A traumatic childhood may affect an individual's identity structure or lead to a negative self-concept or low self-esteem. This in turn, according to empirical data, is apparently linked to long-term use of tranquilizers. In addition, various social and cultural factors that affect the individual, especially in adult life, also are important in understanding the dynamic and complex development of long-term use of tranquilizers; for example, there is some evidence that there is a relationship, at least to some degree, between women's roles and position in the social structure and their long-term use of tranquilizers. Further research should be conducted on this issue. 50 references