Substitution treatment in opioid-dependent prisoners: follow-up 3 years after prison release Substitutionsbehandlung bei opioidabhängigen Strafgefangenen: Dreijahreskatamnese nach Haftentlassung

Weiss M, Endres J, Stemmler M (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Forensische Psychiatrie, Psychologie, Kriminologie Springer Verlag

DOI: 10.1007/s11757-025-00901-7

Abstract

Opioid addiction is relatively common in the prison system and is frequently treated with opioid agonists. This study examines the long-term development of persons suffering from opioid addiction who were either receiving (n = 139) or not receiving (n = 108) opioid maintenance treatment while in prison. Interviews were conducted with each participant at four time points: in prison, 1 month after release, 3–6 months after release, 12 months after release and 16–44 months after release. The results show that persons who received opioid maintenance treatment during prison consumed fewer illicit opioids and illegally acquired opioid agonists, experienced less craving and reported fewer overdoses after release from custody; however, these group differences were primarily evident in the first 6 months after release. Regarding other outcomes, more favorable results were not found for those receiving opioid maintenance treatment and occupational reintegration was even lower. Re-incarceration rate was 40% after 3 years (independent of treatment) which is alarming. Furthermore, treatment continuity is a relevant factor. Overall, opioid maintenance treatment is an effective intervention for opioid addicts in prison but it needs to be supplemented by additional support services and intensive transition management.

Authors with CRIS profile

Mark Stemmler Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie

Involved external institutions

SRH Hochschule Heidelberg DE Germany (DE) Kriminologischer Dienst des bayerischen Justizvollzugs DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Weiss, M., Endres, J., & Stemmler, M. (2025). Substitution treatment in opioid-dependent prisoners: follow-up 3 years after prison release Substitutionsbehandlung bei opioidabhängigen Strafgefangenen: Dreijahreskatamnese nach Haftentlassung. Forensische Psychiatrie, Psychologie, Kriminologie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11757-025-00901-7

MLA:

Weiss, Maren, Johann Endres, and Mark Stemmler. "Substitution treatment in opioid-dependent prisoners: follow-up 3 years after prison release Substitutionsbehandlung bei opioidabhängigen Strafgefangenen: Dreijahreskatamnese nach Haftentlassung." Forensische Psychiatrie, Psychologie, Kriminologie (2025).

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