A TYPOLOGY OF DRUG-RELATED OFFENDING AMONG YOUNG HOMELESS INJECTION DRUG USERS

The Impact of Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment (iOAT) on Involvement in Criminalized Activities: A Secondary Analysis from a Clinical Trial in Vancouver, BC

Purpose

A significant portion of the economic consequences of untreated Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) relate to individuals' involvement in the criminal justice system. The present study uncovers if treatment with iOAT is related to the number of criminal charges amongst participants, what type of crime participants were involved in, and the frequency with which participants were victims of crime. This study contributes to the body of research on the effectiveness of iOAT reducing criminal involvement.

Patients and Methods

This is a secondary analysis of police record data obtained from the Vancouver Police Department over a three-year period during the Study to Assess Longer-term Opioid Medication Effectiveness clinical trial. The data was obtained from participants (N = 192) enrolled in the trial through a release of information form.

Results

During the three-year period, most charges (45.6%) were property offences, and 25.5% of participants were victims of crime. Participants with no treatment prior to randomization into the SALOME trial were 2.61 (95% CI = 1.64-4.14) more likely to have been charged with a crime than during the iOAT state.

Conclusion

IOAT can reduce individuals' involvement with the criminal justice system and is thus a crucial part of the continuum of care. Addiction should be conceptualized as a healthcare rather than criminal issue.

Substance Use Risk Indicators and Offending Patterns Among Local Jail Inmates

This study examined clinical indicators of adult jail inmates' substance use severity and offending patterns. Clinical assessment and booking data were gathered from a random sample of 283 adult inmates using the Comprehensive Addiction and Psychological Evaluation-5, which is consistent with diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Greater substance use risk was associated with increased likelihood of detention for property-related offenses, nonviolent offenses, and multiple jail admissions. Inmates with greater substance use risk were also significantly less likely to be detained for violent offenses. The assessment and coordination of care for jail inmates in local detention centers is paramount to reducing jail bookings, especially for nonviolent offenses.