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Heroin maintenance treatment (HAT) to reduce criminal activity

Summary of the evidence

Rating
  • Beneficial

Heroin-assisted-treatment (HAT) effects on criminal activity were evaluated in a systematic review with meta-analysis (Smart and Reuter, 2022, 10 RCTs, N= 2 427). Results found:

  • significantly reduced criminal activity among HAT participants,
  • four trials found significantly larger reductions for HAT compared to control condition [median odds ratios (ORs) = 0.45].
  • Reductions in crime are concentrated in drug-related and property offenses (ORs range from 0.14 to 0.90 and from 0.12 to 1.89, respectively).

Details

Note: this evidence summary is only valid for the outcomes, target groups, settings and substances/patterns of use described below.

Name of response option
  • Pharmacological treatment
Desired outcome(s)
  • reduce drug-related crimes
  • reduce re-arrests rates
Area(s)
  • Treatment
Specific substance or pattern of use
  • opioids

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