Priorities for addressing substance use disorder in humanitarian settings

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Substance Use Disorders

Background:

• Populations in humanitarian emergencies face heightened risks of substance use disorders.
• Limited guidance exists for preparing, implementing, and evaluating substance use disorder treatment in humanitarian contexts.
• This study addresses critical gaps and opportunities in substance use disorder interventions for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize key gaps and opportunities for addressing substance use disorders in humanitarian settings.
• To explore best practices and challenges in delivering substance use disorder treatment across diverse populations and contexts.
• To inform the development of guidelines for effective substance use disorder services in humanitarian emergencies.

Main Methods:

• A consultation meeting with 110 participants, including program administrators, policymakers, service providers, researchers, and individuals with lived experience.
• An online survey administered to 34 participants to gather insights on best practices and challenges.
• Analysis of participant input on best practices, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for guidelines.

Main Results:

• Key principles for treatment include community engagement, trust-building, integrated services, stigma reduction, cultural sensitivity, and a 'do no harm' approach.
• Identified knowledge gaps include the burden/patterns of substance use, treatment effectiveness, and adaptation strategies in humanitarian settings.
• Participants stressed the need to enhance awareness and commitment to substance use disorder interventions among stakeholders.

Conclusions:

• Existing knowledge gaps in the epidemiology and treatment of substance use disorders in humanitarian emergencies require urgent attention.
• Further research is needed in epidemiology, intervention effectiveness, and implementation science.
• Operational guidance and research are essential to improve access to substance use disorder treatment services in humanitarian settings.