A meta-analysis on the effects of incarceration-based opioid substitution treatment

Boksán K, Dechant M, Weiss M, Hellwig A, Stemmler M (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Medicine Science and the Law SAGE Publications (UK and US)

Original Authors: K. Boksán, M. Dechant, M. Weiss, A. Hellwig, M. Stemmler

Pages Range: 002580242211189

DOI: 10.1177/00258024221118971

Abstract

Opioid substitution treatment (OST) is a common treatment for individuals who use opioids; however, empirical evidence on the effects of OST during incarceration is scarce. Our aim was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of incarceration-based OST on substance use, treatment engagement post-release and re-incarceration. Method: We searched for studies on individuals who were incarcerated and treated with OST, compared to a comparison group. Studies were only included if they reported data post-release. Results: N = 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. We found less opioid use, less other drug use, higher treatment engagement post-release and less re-incarceration among treated individuals compared to the comparison group. Moderator analyses showed some influence of length of follow-up period and study quality. Conclusions: Incarceration-based OST reduces drug use, re-incarceration and leads to higher treatment engagement after release. More research is needed on the effects of incarceration-based OST n secondary outcomes (e.g. health and social integration) and on factors that moderate these effects.

Authors with CRIS profile

Klara Boksán Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Michael Dechant Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Maren Weiss Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Almut Hellwig Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Mark Stemmler Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie

How to cite

APA:

Boksán, K., Dechant, M., Weiss, M., Hellwig, A., & Stemmler, M. (2022). A meta-analysis on the effects of incarceration-based opioid substitution treatment. Medicine Science and the Law, 002580242211189. https://doi.org/10.1177/00258024221118971

MLA:

Boksán, Klara, et al. "A meta-analysis on the effects of incarceration-based opioid substitution treatment." Medicine Science and the Law (2022): 002580242211189.

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