Naltrexone Implants Compared to Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Among Inmates About to be Released From Prison - a Randomized Controlled Trial
Naltrexone Implants Compared to Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Among Inmates About to be Released From Prison - a Randomized Controlled Trial
The purpose of this clinical trial is to study the efficacy and safety of naltrexone implants as a relapse prevention for opiate addicted inmates about to be released from prison. The experimental group is compared with a control group that commences methadone maintenance treatment before release.
The hypothesises are that quality of life and criminal behaviour improve significantly in both groups compared to the month before incarceration. The experimental group is going to have significant less days with opioid use compared to the MMT group.
We hypothesize furthermore that the implants can prevent death related to opiate overdose up to 6 months after commenced treatment.
The probability of quick relapse to criminal activity and substance abuse after prison release is high among incarcerated opiate addicts.
We attempt to prevent relapse to opiate abuse by two different means:
Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) versus Naltrexone implants, randomly allocated to two groups by sealed envelopes.
All participants may choose in which group to continue after 6 (and again after 12) months, when the implants supposedly stop releasing naltrexone.
The total treatment period is 18 months, continuation with MMT is optional after study termination.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: