Desistance from crime following substance use treatment: the role of treatment retention, social network and self-control

Abstract

Background Reductions in crime are often reported following substance use treatment. We explore the relationship between desistance from crime, treatment type, treatment retention and positive changes in known risk factors for crime. Methods We used data from the NorComt-study; a longitudinal study of substance users (n = 341) enrolled in comprehensive treatment in Norway (2012–2015). At treatment initiation (T0) and 1 year later (T1), we collected self-reported data on criminal involvement, treatment, substance use, social network and self-control. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results Overall, 1 year following treatment initiation 69% reported desistance from crime, 18% reported continued crime and 12% reported no crime at all in the study period. Desistance was high for OMT patients in ongoing treatment (79% desisted) and for inpatients regardless of treatment status (79–93% desisted), while not as high among OMT patients with interrupted treatment (47% desisted). For participants that continued crime during follow-up, the average number of criminal acts per month was reduced (p < 0.001). Desistance at follow-up was associated with being older (aOR: 1.05, CI: 1.00–1.10), inpatient treatment (aOR: 3.71, CI: 1.12–12.29), being in ongoing treatment (inpatient or OMT) (aOR: 2.90, CI: 1.01–8.36), having no stimulant use in the study period (aOR: 4.86, CI: 1.72–13.70), leaving a substance using social network (aOR 2.87, CI: 1.15–7.18) and improvement in self-control score (aOR: 1.08, CI: 1.04–1.13). Conclusions Retention in treatment is particularly important for crime outcomes among OMT patients. Positive changes in social network and self-control are potential contributors to desistance from crime. Targeted interventions towards crime reduction are recommended for patients with stimulant use, which appears to be a persistent risk factor for crime over time.

Change in self-reported somatic symptoms among patients in opioid maintenance treatment from baseline to 1-year follow-up

“…This study used data from the NorComt study, a longitudinal, naturalistic, multi-site study [ 27 – 29 ].…”

“…They have since been revised, in May 2022 [ 30 ]. More details about the study setting were provided in previous publications [ 27 – 29 ].…”

“…There were no formal exclusion criteria. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the study when beginning treatment and consented at baseline (T0) to be contacted for additional data collection 1 year later (T1) for a follow-up interview [ 29 ]. Clinicians at each treatment center conducted the baseline interviews with enrolled patients within 3 weeks from treatment initiation.…”

“…The study used a structured interview that included questions on sociodemographic variables, housing, substance use, and a variety of measurements relevant to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) [ 27 – 29 ]. To assess the severity of somatic symptoms, a checklist consisting of 16 common somatic symptoms among individuals with SUD was utilized [ 16 ].…”

PROTOCOL: The effectiveness of abstinence‐based and harm reduction‐based interventions in reducing problematic substance use in adults who are experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage homelessness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…This is a harm reduction intervention, which aims to reduce the harms associated with opiod use, but not to stop substance use altogether. This type of therapy is seen as developing self‐efficacy and autonomy (Ayres et al, 2014; Skjaervo et al, 2021) and, as such, can be associated with self‐control theory. Safe injecting spaces are an intervention that seek to reduce the risks associated with sharing syringes, injecting in non‐sterile or unsafe venues.…”