The state of addiction treatment in Poland

Polish society has a harmful belief that therapy based on isolation is the only proper form of treatment. The poor financial situation of outpatient clinics, driven by this belief, prevents them from responding quickly and effectively.

Polish therapists – despite contradictory scientific data – only acknowledge the objective of abstinence, though abstinence is often an impossible goal. Furthermore, the exclusive pursuit of that goal leads to similar failures, while success is only rarely achieved.

This is especially worrying in the light of successful substitution programs, static treatment centres and ambulatory outpatient clinics - which are well-functioning, proven tools in harm reduction, peer education and at the end of the day, in reducing demand for psychoactive substances.

Read here the full article.

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