INTERROGATIVE SUGGESTIBILITY IN OPIATE USERS

The present study investigated interrogative suggestibility in opiate users. A group of patients undergoing a methadone detoxification progr amme in an in-patient drug treatment unit (Detox group, n = 21), and a group of residents who had come off drugs and were no longer sufferin g om withdrawal syndrome (Rehab group, n = 19) were compared on interr ogative suggestibility and various other psychological factors. Signif icant differences were found between the two groups, with the Detox gr oup having more physical and psychological problems, and a higher tota l suggestibility score in comparison with the Rehab group. These findi ngs are discussed in relation to the context of police interrogations and the reliability of confessions made by suspects and witnesses depe ndent on opiates.