On the occasion of World Drug Day, Dianova launches a campaign to demand access to addiction treatment for all
The Leave No One Behind campaign focuses on four populations that have the most difficulty accessing appropriate addiction-related services: LGBTQI+ people, older adults, young people, and women. Each group has specific vulnerabilities that make accessing services difficult – Image: Dianova
Press Release
“Leave No One Behind – Accessing addiction treatment is a human right” – On the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June, the organization Dianova is sending out a clear message and inviting us to reflect on drug policies as they are being implemented today.
When faced with an addiction problem, access to effective services adapted to one’s needs is not only a public health objective, but also an essential human right. Each of us must be able to aspire to good physical, mental and social health, regardless of our background, gender, age, social and economic status, sexual orientation and identity, etc. A person who is struggling with addiction needs appropriate support and guidance, without barriers or stigma of any kind.
Instead, drug policies in many countries continue to criminalize and stigmatize people who use drugs. This punitive approach is ineffective. Worse, it exacerbates inequalities and human suffering.
There is an urgent need to change these approaches and adopt evidence-based policies that recognize the dignity and rights of all people.
Addiction treatment should be available to all without discrimination. In reality, however, many people are left behind when it comes to accessing services. Because there is still a strong stigma attached to people who use drugs. Because policies are being designed and implemented without a comprehensive, intersectional view of the full range of problems and other forms of discrimination that these people face.
Drug use is increasing around the world, but treatment opportunities are not. At least not for everyone: only one in five people with drug use disorders has access to treatment.
The Leave No One Behind campaign focuses on four populations that have the most difficulty accessing appropriate addiction-related services: LGBTQI+ people, older adults, young people, and women. Each group has specific vulnerabilities that make accessing services difficult.
Dianova launches a call to action to improve addiction services. Because knowledge is advancing, because society is changing, because needs are evolving.
Therefore, not only must drug policies be truly based on health and human rights, but all addiction services must be redesigned to address the multiple realities of all people, leaving non one behind.
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