Novel compounds are provided which are 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors. 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitor therapy. These novel compounds have the structure: W-L-Z (I)or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein W, L are defined herein andZ is selected from the following bicyclic heteroaryl groups: