Reductions in acquisitive crime and drug use after treatment of addiction problems: 1-year follow-up outcomes

The relationship between acquisitive crime and drug misuse problems was studied among 753 clients recruited to the National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS). More than 17 000 offences were reported during the 90-day period prior to treatment. Half of the clients committed no acquisitive crimes during this period whereas 10% committed 76% of the crimes. At 1-year follow-up, the number of crimes was reduced to one third of intake levels, and criminal involvement was reduced by about half. Reductions in regular heroin use were strongly associated with reductions in crime. The reduction in crime following treatment is of great importance and provides immediate benefit to society through the reduced economic costs of crime.