Community-based treatment and care for drug use and dependence - Information brief for Southeast Asia

Community based treatment refers to a specific integrated model of treatment for people affected by drug use and dependence in the community which provides a continuum of care from outreach and low threshold services, through detoxification and stabilisation to aftercare and integration, including maintenance pharmacotherapy. It involves the coordination of a number of health, social and other non-specialist services needed to meet the patient’s needs. Strong support is also given to the patient’s family and the community to address the drug and alcohol problems in their complexity and to ensure efficient and long-term results.

Community based treatment services are designed to:

• Help patients develop the skills to manage their drug and alcohol dependence and related problems in the community
• Stop or reduce the use of drugs and alcohol
• Respond to a wide range of individual needs and ensure the best possible outcomes
• Actively involve local organizations, community members and target populations in the establishment of an integrated network of community-based services in a manner that is empowering
• Reduce the need and demand for residential treatment and custodial services for people with drug and alcohol problems

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