[Consumption of addictive drugs among pensioners. A study of the consumption of benzodiazepines and strong analgesics among pensioners who receive drugs free-of-charge].
The consumption of benzodiazepines and potent analgesics by old age pensioners and early retirees in Odense who had the right to receive medicine free-of-charge was accounted for where the month of March 1990 was concerned. Approximately 26% received financial support for benzodiazepines, 13% for analgesics while further 6% received support for both benzodiazepines and analgesics. The majority of the users were over 60 years and there twice as many women as men. No significant differences were observed in the sex and age distributions between the groups of pensioners who received benzodiazepines and/or analgesics and the group which received only other medicine. Both the direct and the indirect expenses are discussed. Furthermore, it is concluded that, in some of the pensioners, over-consumption is involved and that it is again necessary to emphasize the indications for prescription of these preparations.