Drug use disorders often take the course of a chronic and relapsing healthdisorder. UNODC supportsUNMember States in their efforts todevelop and expandethical, evidence-based,andaccessibledrug use disorder treatment and care servicesin a public health framework,in line with UNODC-WHO International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders. Evidence-basedtreatmentstrategies are critical to protect the health, safety and well-being of individualswith drug use disorders,theirfamilies,communities and society as a whole. Research studies indicate that for every $US 1 invested in evidence-based treatment, up to $US 7 are saved in terms of costs for drug-related crime and criminal justice costs,and up to $US 12 when savings related to health care are included. In line with its’ mandates, UNODC, in close coordination with partner agencies such as WHO,develops, implements and evaluates a variety oftools and strategiesondrug use disordertreatment and care along a continuum from less specialized to more specialized health and social interventions thus responding to the needs of diverse groups of people with drug use disorders.
