All heroin users (n=3798) in Norway who applied for and were eligible for OMT (1997-2003) were included. OMT records were cross-linked to Norwegian crime statistics. During observation 24 478 convictions were recorded among 61% of the sample. Differences of criminal convictions were found within the group; almost 40% had no convictions, whereas 10% of the sample was responsible for nearly 40% of all convictions in total. Convictions for acquisitive crimes and drug crimes were the most common, and accounted for more than 77% of all convictions. Variations in the cohort’s individual crime sequences were found.
The heavy involvement of heroin users with the criminal justice system provides an opportunity to intervene with dependent offenders. Coordination between treatment providers and police or courts can play an important role in improving outcomes through better access to treatment
Link to article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547211001152