Author(s): Demaret I, Deblire C, Litran G, Magoga C, Quertemont E, Ansseau M and Lemaitre A
Background: We investigated the evolution of the criminal involvement of severe heroin addicts recruited in a randomised controlled trial comparing heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) to methadone treatment.
Method: During the trial, detailed questions were asked on crimes committed and experienced at baseline and every 3 months during 12 months. We analysed our data in a post-hoc study.
Results: Severe heroin addicts included in the trial showed a high level of criminal involvement in the past but their involvement had decreased at baseline. At the 12-month assessment, crimes committed and experienced decreased significantly in both groups but the difference between the groups was not significant.
Conclusion: A new opioid maintenance treatment, with methadone or diacetylmorphine, can help severe heroin users to decrease their criminal involvement.
