Opioid substitution treatment, relapse and addiction-related outcomes in prison setting and after release: A longitudinal study.

Aims: Opioid addiction is a common problem among prisoners. The aim of this study was to examine differences between people who are incarcerated receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST) and those not receiving OST on addiction-related outcome variables during incarceration and after release from prison. Variables covered illicit use of opioids, non-prescribed substitution medication and other substances, opioid withdrawal symptoms, opioid craving, non-fatal overdoses and post-release substitution treatment.

Design

Interviews (European Addiction Severity Index, EuropASI) were conducted with 247 participants in German prisons before release. Participants were interviewed again 1 month and 3-6 months after release from prison.

Results

During incarceration, participants who received OST used less illicit opioids and non-prescribed substitution medication than those who did not receive OST. After release from prison, participants in the OST group reported less illicit opioid use and less non-prescribed substitution medication use, as well as less opioid craving. Participants who received OST in prison were more likely to be in OST at post-release follow-up than those who had not received in-prison OST.

Conclusion

OST appears to have a positive effect on illicit opioid use and craving both in prison and after release, as well as on treatment at follow-up, which can be considered a protective factor.