About the project
Opioid use disorder (OUD) can be a chronic condition that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. OUD is often treated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). For some, the usual medications used in MAT have not been sufficiently effective. Heroin-assisted treatment (HAT) is a new treatment approach in Norway and involves the prescription of pharmaceutical heroin (diacetylmorphine) administered in a supervised setting.
In 2020, the government introduced a five-year pilot project with HAT in Oslo and Bergen to reach those with severe OUD, where regular MAT has not provided a sufficient treatment effect.
Our research group consists of experienced national and international researchers who are evaluating the HAT pilot project through a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach involving clinicians and user organizations.
- Heroin-assisted treatment in Oslo (HABiO) began in January 2022
More information about HABiO is available (in Norwegian)
- Heroin-assisted treatment in Bergen (HABiB) began in March 2022
More information about HABiB is available (in Norwegian)
Final evaluation
Download the final evaluation report published June 2026 (pdf)
Objectives
The overarching goal of this evaluation project is to investigate how patients respond to HAT and gain a better understanding of how the treatment works over time.
By using different research methods, including questionnaires and national registry data in addition to qualitative interviews, this project will evaluate HAT based on several criteria. The project aims to:
- explore attitudes and experiences with HAT among patients, relatives and healthcare professionals;
- describe changes in mental health, physical health and quality of life of HAT patients throughout the treatment;
- report any serious side effects and events related to HAT;
- conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the program and a process and outcome assessment of the implementation of HAT.
The project is expected to provide a knowledge base for deciding whether to continue with HAT after the trial period and potentially how HAT can be integrated into the Norwegian MAT system in the future.
The results of the research project will include an evaluation report to the Health Directorate, which will include a recommendation for potential continuation of HAT, as well as scientific articles.
Financing
- Norwegian Directorate of Health
- Stiftelsen Dam
Cooperation
- Bergen Addiction Research, Helse Bergen Haukeland University Hospital
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
- proLAR Nett
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research (RusForsk), Oslo University Hospital