National Program to Combat Addictive Behavior

Supporting young people through medical and social services

Addictive behavior and use are major health problems. States and national and international organizations attempt to reduce their effects through regulation, medical treatment and on-site initiatives. Combating drugs and preventing addictive behavior are major national challenges, particularly for young people. This population, which is the most at-risk, is prone to early onset and use.

Young people suffering from personal difficulties, behavioral problems or exclusion, in particular those from disadvantaged backgrounds, require special care and protection. Since 2010, the Foundation's action has been driven by an organized care strategy tailored to people suffering from high-risk substance use. It is focused on the populations most at risk, namely young people and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

This strategy combines medical and social dimensions within a rationale based on proximity and accessibility of care and support. It is underpinned by an operational model based on inter-ministerial cooperation and partnership with civil society. This model makes it possible to involve stakeholders at national level, as well as experts with the skills necessary for care-giving, particularly at local level.

The National Program to Combat Addictive Behavior is deployed through dedicated support facilities: addictology centers. These centers are located nationwide, on a zoning basis, and depending on the penetration of various types of addiction. As an example, it appears that the Northern region is the most affected by hard drug use, whereas the Oriental region has a significant use of psychotropic drugs.

The support provided is tailored to the combination of type of disorder and use. It is delivered through coordinated intervention between Ministry of Health staff and the local associations. The response teams are specialized in the treatment and prevention of addictions. They are organized into two operational clusters: a medical cluster and a community cluster.

The medical cluster is managed by the Ministry of Health, which allocates professional resources trained in addictology (doctors specialized in addictology, psychiatrists, psychologist and nurses). Medical care covers general medical consultation, addictology and psychiatry as well as the dispensing of methadone.

The community cluster is managed by a local association comprising health professionals and social activists specializing in combating addictive behavior. The latter are in charge of prevention, awareness raising, risk reduction and psychosocial support. This cluster operates from fixed facilitates as well as through mobile teams. It also provides support for socio-professional integration through artistic and sports community-building activities and training workshops.