The range of medical, psychological, and social services designed to help individuals reduce or stop substance use and manage substance use disorders. Treatment may include assessment, counselling and behavioural therapies, medication-assisted treatment, withdrawal management, and support for co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. Effective treatment is typically person-centred and evidence-informed, and may be provided in outpatient, community, or residential settings. Treatment aims to improve health and functioning, reduce substance-related harms, and support individuals in moving toward recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Treatment
Treatment and Care for People with Drug Use Disorders in Contact with the Criminal Justice System
The UNODC and WHO report Treatment and care for people with drug use disorders in contact with the criminal justice system: Alternatives to conviction or punishment examines how health-centred, evidence-based responses can be integrated...
Can Intersectoral Interventions Reduce Substance Use in Adolescence? Evidence From a Multicentre Randomized Controlled Study
This multicentre randomised controlled study evaluated a 3-year intersectoral intervention designed to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use among adolescents in a tri-border region of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. The intervention...
Healthy Holiday Choices: Substance Prevention for Youth
ISSUP Tanzania presents its webinar titled 'Healthy Holiday Choices: Substance Prevention for Youth'.
Artificial Intelligence in Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support: Selected Readings and Practical Insights
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we understand and manage substance use disorders (SUDs). The following curated readings highlight current developments, practical applications, and ethical considerations for AI in this field...
Artificial Intelligence in Addiction: Challenges and Opportunities
The article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is currently used — and could be used — in the field of addiction research and treatment. The authors note that AI (machine learning, data mining, predictive analytics) offers...
Generative Artificial Intelligence-Enabled (GenAI) Digital Mental Health Medical Devices
AGENDA 2025 FDA Perspective: Generative Artificial Intelligence-Enabled (GenAI) Digital Mental Health Medical Devices FDA Perspective: Regulatory Considerations for Digital Mental Health Therapeutics Topic 1: Large Language Models in...
Revolutionizing Addiction Medicine: The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Introduction Addiction medicine is becoming more of an issue as addiction-related problems continue to plague people all over the globe, resulting in serious health consequences. Addiction has become increasingly prevalent in recent years...
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Digital and AI-Driven Psychotherapy for ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Disorders: A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Purpose of the Review: Psychotherapy remains a fundamental component of mental health treatment, yet it encounters significant barriers to accessibility and efficacy. The integration of digital therapies, encompassing e-Health, m-Health...
Digital interventions targeting excessive substance use and substance use disorders: a comprehensive and systematic scoping review and bibliometric analysis
Addictive substances are prevalent world-wide, and their use presents a substantial and persistent public health problem. A wide range of digital interventions to decrease use and negative consequences thereof have been explored, differing...
A systematic review of chatbot-assisted interventions for substance use
Objectives: This study systematically reviewed research on the utilization of chatbot-related technologies for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of various substance uses, including alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. Methods...