Sub-Working Group 3.2

Engaging People with Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders

Drug use disorders extensively harm health, including mental health, safety, and well-being. Millions of people suffer from drug use disorders worldwide, of which fewer than 20% receive treatment. Far fewer women than men are able to access the treatment and care they need due to persisting barriers. Besides the highly unequal access circumstances under which treatment systems, services, and programs operate in different regions, a combination of factors, like the limited recognition of treatment needs, the delivery of inadequate interventions, and stigma and discrimination linked to substance use disorders, hinder those requiring adequate and timely care from receiving it. These are some of the main determinants of low coverage and quality in countries' treatment systems, typically developed outside the public sector into fragmented, loosely organized care networks. Therefore, this sub-working group will cover a range of treatment topics in a continuum of care such as drug treatment services and systems, recovery support, harm reduction, and the needs of care professionals for training and credentialing the workforce, expanding services, and ensuring quality service delivery.