INTRODUCTION: The addiction workforce encompasses a diverse group of professionals across various sectors, such as prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Training for this workforce is highly variable both at local and international levels, influenced by differences in drug policies, regulatory frameworks, and educational systems across regions. The need for a more holistic and inclusive competency framework has become increasingly apparent to address these disparities.

METHODS: This article draws on insights from a transdisciplinary team involved in the WAVE (Workforce...

What started with a BBC documentary exposing the harsh realities of Nigeria’s codeine crisis has since become a powerful story of change. In Kano State, UNODC, with support from the European Union, introduced Quality Assurance mechanisms for drug use disorder treatment, turning challenges into opportunities for reform. The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Dawanau, once marked by neglect, underwent a remarkable transformation: wards were renovated, new staff recruited, and all patients now receive dignified, rights-based care. This progress has set a new national standard for effective drug...

UNODC is collaborating with South Africa to enhance the quality and effectiveness of drug use disorder treatment, ensuring services align with the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. Through training, workshops, and the implementation of Quality Assurance mechanisms, the initiative supports healthcare professionals, policymakers, and service providers in delivering ethical, evidence-based care while also addressing crime, violence, and recidivism linked to drug trafficking.

South Africa faces challenges including limited data, rising demand for treatment...

In August 2024, UNODC convened policymakers and treatment managers in Johannesburg for a workshop on adapting Key Quality Standards for drug use disorder treatment. The meeting, held in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Social Development, focused on aligning national norms with the UNODC/WHO International Standards to strengthen quality assurance and improve access to ethical, evidence-based care.

The workshop marked an important step in advancing treatment systems in Southern Africa, helping stakeholders identify gaps, set priorities, and develop strategies for long-term...

In June 2023, UNODC Serbia, with support from the Ministry of Health and international partners, hosted a training in Belgrade on quality assurance for drug use disorder treatment systems. Based on the UNODC-WHO International Standards and Quality Assurance toolkit, the workshop brought together 25 professionals from across the health sector to strengthen national treatment systems, share expertise, and identify areas for improvement.

The training marked an important step towards ensuring accessible, ethical, and evidence-based care in Serbia, equipping participants with practical tools to...

At the 66th Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2023, UNODC, together with international partners, hosted a side event on strengthening quality assurance in the treatment and recovery support of people with drug use disorders. Experts from across the world shared experiences, good practices and challenges, highlighting the importance of evidence-based, patient-centred approaches in community settings.

The event underlined the need for ongoing improvement in treatment systems to ensure accessible, ethical and effective care. It also introduced a key paper reviewing the link between treatment...

This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including CND resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions highlight the importance of developing and disseminating international standards for the treatment of drug use disorders and promoting evidence-based, high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive approaches to prevention, treatment, sustained recovery, and related support services. Building on these mandates, the paper provides an in-depth examination of person-centred care within substance use disorder treatment, aiming to inform policy and...

In 2021, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) called on UNODC, alongside Member States and partners, to assess the quality of drug prevention, treatment, sustained recovery, and related support services worldwide. This report uses data from 2020 and 2021 to explore how well services align with the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention and the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. It highlights the availability of core treatment types, such as psychosocial, behavioural, and pharmacological interventions, while noting gaps in coverage and regional...

This Discussion Paper, prepared by UNODC, aligns with key international policy frameworks, including Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) resolutions 59/4 and 64/3. These resolutions emphasise the development and dissemination of international standards for the treatment of drug use disorders, as well as the promotion of scientific, evidence-based, affordable, and high-quality approaches to drug prevention, treatment, sustained recovery, and related support services. The paper builds on these mandates to provide an in-depth overview of current knowledge and practice in the field of substance use...

Over 38 million people worldwide are living with drug use disorders, yet only a fraction have access to appropriate treatment. These disorders place a heavy burden on individuals, families and communities, and their wider social costs – from health care to justice systems – are significant. Investing in evidence-based treatment is not only vital for recovery and well-being, but also for reducing crime, protecting public health and supporting sustainable development.

To address this, UNODC and WHO developed the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. These Standards...

The International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders, developed by UNODC and WHO, provide guidance for countries to strengthen evidence-based, ethical and effective treatment systems. They are designed for policymakers, health professionals and service providers, offering a framework to improve the organisation, delivery and quality of care for people living with drug use disorders. The Standards outline essential components of treatment, emphasising approaches that mirror the care of other chronic health conditions, and highlight the importance of progressive quality...

On June 26, 2025, the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) marked an important milestone with the global launch of the Universal Nurses Addiction Curriculum (UNAC). This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, was created in response to the urgent global health challenge posed by alcohol and drug use. Designed by nurses, for nurses, UNAC acknowledges the vital role nurses play as the first, and often only, point of contact for...

AI is helping improve addiction treatment in many ways. It creates personalized treatment plans based on a person’s history and needs, and can even detect early signs of risk before addiction develops. AI also analyzes large amounts of data to better understand addiction patterns and improve recovery methods. Tools like AI chatbots offer around-the-clock support and a safe space to talk, while remote monitoring through apps and wearables helps counsellors track progress and prevent relapse. Virtual reality therapy lets individuals practice coping skills in realistic situations, making recovery...