Good Practices on Substance Abuse

Do we have any encouraging developments?

• Yes! Under the aegis of the United Nations --- governments, civil society and the private sector are forging a new strategic alliance for hearts and minds against substance abuse, production and trafficking.
• An increasing number of countries are piloting effective HIV prevention programmes among substance users --- e.g., Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran and Nepal.
• Creative youth development programmes are engaging young people in a variety of activities that help them gain skills and confidence ---- e.g., in China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Nepal.

What do we need in Asia-Pacific?

• Programmes that focus on primary prevention, since most substance abusers are youth.
• Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes that are youth-friendly.
• A range of comprehensive responses to reduce sexual and IDU behaviours fuelling the growing substance use-driven HIV epidemic.
• Initiatives that:
  • Reduce the adverse health and social consequences of substance abuse;
  • Offer counselling, and access to primary health care and social services;
  • Undertake referral;
  • Provide clean equipment and other sterilization means;
  • Give information about safer sex and other lifestyle issues;
  • Help young people develop life skills to make the right choices for themselves;
  • Help young people help their peers do the same.