Treatment options in responding to drug misuse problems

Reducing both the supply of and demand for drugs is a major theme in efforts to control the drug problem. It is essential to recognize that demand-reduction efforts are critical to enable supply-reduction efforts to have realizable goals. The initial goal of any intervention must be the limitation of harm to the individual and society. The primary goal is to reduce the prevalence of drug misuse within the community. The provision of a wide range of integrated approaches is essential if demand-reduction programmes are to be successful in contacting drug misusers, maintaining that contact and successfully assisting the individual through treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration. The article summarizes the more common approaches to the treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration of drug-dependent persons.