This refers to a planned and structured set of professional interventions designed to help individuals change maladaptive behaviours, reduce or eliminate substance use, and restore health and social functioning.
According to the EU Treatment Demand Indicator Protocol (EMCDDA, 2012), treatment refers to activities directly targeting people with drug-related problems, aiming to alleviate or eliminate these issues through recognised medical, psychological, or social assistance practices. It can occur in both specialised facilities and general health services.
Examples of treatment activities include:
Detoxification and abstinence-oriented programs
Substitution or maintenance therapy
Structured long-term drug programs
Psychotherapy, counseling, or group therapy
Medically assisted or socially focused interventions
Programs addressing overdose prevention and risk mitigation within structured care
Treatment excludes:
One-time or unplanned interventions
Services for non-addiction-related issues
Infection prevention and safe medical supply access or emergency-only care
Contacts focused solely on social or practical assistance
Telephone or internet contacts without therapeutic activity