UNODC-WHO Joint Programme on drug dependence treatment and care.

Effective treatment and care • Drug dependence can often be treated effectively with low-cost medications and simple psychological interventions. • Treatment of drug dependence can be integrated into primary health care. • Non-specialist health providers can deliver specifi c mental health interventions with appropriate training. • For $US 1 invested in evidence-based treatment, up to $US 6 are saved in terms of costs for health, security and welfare. The objectives • The promotion and support worldwide (with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries) of evidence based policies, strategies and interventions that are based on a public health and human rights approach, in order to reduce drug use and the health and social burden it causes. • The widespread recognition of drug dependence as a preventable and treatable multifactorial health disorder, and recognition of the social advantages of investing in treatment, such as lowering health-related costs, improving security and contributing to social cohesion and development. • Drug dependence treatment should become a part of the mainstream health care and social welfare system, without discrimination with respect to other chronic general and mental health disorders. Nothing less than what is provided for other diseases. • The investment in comprehensive and results-oriented programmes for drug dependence treatment and care, particularly community-based interventions, including the skill set of their human resources