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Les substances de la dépendance: le rôle des professionnels de la santé

21 janvier 2013

Le rapport propose des options pour un nouveau cadre juridique sur le contrôle des drogues. Pour en savoir plus, en anglais, veuillez lire les informations ci-dessous.

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The report starts by examining the scale of the problem, the harms associated with drug use – for both the individual and society – and influences on illicit drug use.The development of drug policy in Britain is then presented, followed by a chapter discussing the particular harms to the individual and society that are associated with the prohibitionist legal framework controlling drug use. This chapter also presents the options for an alternative legal framework. Interventions to reduce the harms associated with illicit drug use are then discussed, followed by three chapters that examine the doctor’s role in the medical management of drug dependence and the ethical challenges of working within the criminal justice system.

Medical practitioners are ideally placed to encourage a refocusing of debate on policies for supporting and treating the physical and mental health needs of illicit drug users. The final chapter examines their role, both as individuals and as a profession, in relation to illicit drug use.

The objectives of this report are to:

  • encourage debate on the most effective approach to preventing and reducing the harms associated with illicit drug use and illicit drug-control policies, based on an independent and objective review of the evidence
  • examine the role of the medical profession in preventing and reducing the harms associated with illicit drug use and policies for control of illicit drug use
  • encourage debate and dialogue between the medical profession and policy makers, legislators, the police, service providers and academics who have knowledge and expertise in this area.

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